Final Fantasy Characters Are Hot on Purpose Because of a Simple Line

Tetsuya Nomura, the creative mind behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive character designs. This article delves into his design philosophy and its impact on the JRPG landscape.

Why Nomura's Heroes Look Like Supermodels

Nomura's protagonists often possess strikingly attractive features, a stylistic choice that's less about artistic expression and more about relatability. In an interview with Young Jump magazine, Nomura traces this aesthetic back to a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This casual remark resonated deeply, shaping his belief that video games should offer a visually appealing escape.

He explained his design philosophy succinctly: "From that experience, I thought, ‘I want to be good-looking in games,’ and that’s how I create my main characters."

This isn't mere vanity; Nomura believes visual appeal fosters player connection and empathy. He argues that unconventional designs can create characters that are too distinct, hindering player identification.

However, Nomura doesn't shy away from eccentric designs entirely. He reserves his boldest, most outlandish creations for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, exemplifies this approach. Similarly, the members of Organization XIII in Kingdom Hearts showcase Nomura's unrestrained creativity.

"Yes, I like Organization XIII," he stated. "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities. That’s because I feel that it’s only when their inner and outer appearances come together that they become that kind of character."

Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura acknowledges a more unrestrained creative approach. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their distinct and unconventional designs, demonstrate this youthful exuberance. Yet, this early stylistic freedom contributed significantly to the game's unique charm.

"At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive," Nomura reminisced. "I am very particular about the basis (for character designs) right down to the smallest details, like why this part is this color, and why this is a certain shape. These details become part of the character’s personality, which in the end become part of the game and its story."

In essence, Nomura's aesthetically pleasing heroes are a testament to a simple desire – to make the gaming experience visually appealing and emotionally engaging.

Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts

The Young Jump interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the anticipated conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He's actively integrating new writers to foster fresh perspectives, suggesting a deliberate transition. Nomura stated, "I only have a few years left until I retire, and it’s looking like: will I retire or will I finish the series first? However, I'm making Kingdom Hearts IV with the intention of it being a story that leads to the conclusion."