Final Fantasy Characters Designed for Allure

Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts creator, Tetsuya Nomura, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive character designs. Forget deep philosophical musings; it all boils down to a relatable high school experience.

The "Good-Looking in Games" Philosophy

Nomura's protagonists often resemble supermodels, a stylistic choice stemming from a classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This resonated deeply with Nomura, solidifying his belief that video games should offer an escape, including an aesthetically pleasing one. He simply wanted to be good-looking in his own games.

This isn't mere vanity, though. Nomura connects visual appeal with player empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create distance, hindering player connection.

Eccentricity Reserved for Villains

Nomura doesn't shy away from unconventional aesthetics; he reserves them for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, perfectly exemplifies this approach. Similarly, Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII showcases Nomura's uninhibited creativity, where character personality and design perfectly complement each other.

Reflecting on Final Fantasy VII, Nomura acknowledges a less restrained approach in his early work. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, while unconventional, contributed to the game's unique charm. He emphasizes the importance of even the smallest design details, which he believes contribute to character personality and the overall narrative.

In essence, the next time you encounter a strikingly attractive hero in a Nomura game, remember the simple desire to look good while saving the world – a testament to a high school conversation that shaped the landscape of JRPGs.

Nomura's Potential Retirement and Kingdom Hearts' Future

The Young Jump interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, as the Kingdom Hearts series nears its conclusion. He's actively integrating new writers to bring fresh perspectives, aiming for Kingdom Hearts IV to be a pivotal stepping stone towards the series' finale.