Atlus' Menus: A Masterclass in Sensory Delight

In the ever-evolving world of video games, the humble menu has often been overlooked as a mere functional necessity. However, the Japanese gaming powerhouse Atlus has elevated this oft-neglected element into a true work of art. From the vibrant color palettes to the captivating typography, their menus within role-playing games like the newly released Metaphor: ReFantazio, offer a sensory feast that transcends the traditional boundaries of the medium.

Elevating the Mundane into the Extraordinary

Menus as Narrative Portals

Atlus' role-playing games, including the beloved Persona series, are renowned for their intricate narratives and complex characters. However, the process of navigating these rich worlds often requires players to delve into a labyrinth of menus, a task that can sometimes feel like a chore. Atlus, however, has managed to transform this necessary evil into a captivating experience in its own right.In Metaphor: ReFantazio, the primary menu unfurls like a crown upon the protagonist's head, the sharp serifs of the letters set against a vibrant backdrop of dancing paint splotches. This visual spectacle is the result of the game's lead interface designer, Koji Ise, drawing inspiration from sources far beyond the realm of video games."I looked at music videos, I went to art exhibitions, I studied a lot of medieval paintings," Ise revealed. "This game has a very medieval vibe to it, so I looked at Leonardo da Vinci and thought about how he would design menus. I made sure to include his brushstroke style."

Bridging the Gap Between Narrative and Mechanics

The Japanese role-playing game genre, often referred to as J.R.P.G.s, is known for its narrative-driven experiences. However, the underlying mechanics of these games can sometimes feel like a laborious exercise in number crunching, as players meticulously manage their party's equipment, upgrades, and strategies."A J.R.P.G. is a menu game," observed Winnie Song, an assistant arts professor of game design at New York University's Game Center. "That's all you're doing. Before a battle, you're thinking about: 'Which characters am I taking? What are they equipped with? Are they upgraded?'"Atlus, however, has found a way to seamlessly integrate these mechanical elements into the overall narrative experience. By infusing their menus with a captivating visual and auditory language, the company has managed to blur the line between the practical and the aesthetic, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for players.

Redefining the Role of Menus in Gaming

In an industry where menus are often seen as necessary evils, Atlus has taken a bold and innovative approach. By treating these interfaces as an integral part of the gaming experience, the company has not only elevated the role of menus but has also challenged the very notion of what a video game can be."This game has a very medieval vibe to it, so I looked at Leonardo da Vinci and thought about how he would design menus," Ise said, underscoring the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of the medium.As players navigate the intricate narratives and complex mechanics of Atlus' role-playing games, they are treated to a sensory experience that transcends the traditional confines of the genre. The menus become portals into a world of color, movement, and sound, seamlessly blending the practical and the aesthetic to create a truly immersive and captivating gaming experience.