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

Tetsuya Nomura's Character Design Philosophy: A Simple Reason Behind the Stunning Aesthetics

Tetsuya Nomura, the renowned designer behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts characters, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive character designs. In a Young Jump interview, translated by AUTOMATON, Nomura traces his aesthetic choices 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 approach to character design in video games.

Nomura's philosophy centers on the idea that video games offer an escape, a chance to be someone else. He explains, "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 attractive protagonists foster player connection and empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create distance and hinder emotional engagement.

This preference for attractive heroes doesn't preclude Nomura from embracing eccentric designs. He reserves his wilder, more outlandish creations for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his dramatic flair and oversized sword, serves as a prime example. Similarly, the striking visuals of Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII are deeply intertwined with their personalities. Nomura emphasizes the synergy between inner and outer appearances in creating compelling villains. He states, "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities."

Reflecting on his early work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits a more unrestrained approach to character design. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their distinctive and unconventional appearances, showcase a youthful exuberance. However, even then, Nomura's attention to detail was evident, with each design element contributing to the character's personality and the game's narrative.

In essence, the next time you encounter a strikingly attractive hero in a Nomura game, remember the simple, relatable origin of this design philosophy – a desire, born from a high school conversation, to experience the coolness of being good-looking while saving the world.

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 nearing conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He's actively integrating new writers into the Kingdom Hearts team to inject fresh perspectives. Nomura's words suggest a thoughtful approach to the series' finale: "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."