Intriguing Design Decision: 'Final Fantasy' Heats Up Characters

Tetsuya Nomura, the creative force behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his characters' striking good looks. This article delves into his unconventional design philosophy.

Why Nomura's Heroes Look Like Supermodels

Nomura's protagonists consistently resemble high-fashion models, a stark contrast to the fantastical worlds and intense conflicts they inhabit. But the reason isn't some profound artistic statement about inner beauty or edgy rebellion. It's far more relatable.

In a recent Young Jump magazine interview (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura traced his design philosophy back to high school. A classmate's simple question—"Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?"—profoundly impacted him, resonating with his belief that video games offer an escape from reality.

Nomura stated, "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 explained, "If you go out of your way to make them unconventional, you will end up with a character who is too distinct and hard to empathize with."

However, Nomura doesn't shy away from eccentric designs entirely; he reserves them for his 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 unrestrained creativity. He noted, "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities."

Reflecting on Final Fantasy VII's diverse cast, Nomura admitted a more unrestrained early style. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith were far from subtle, yet this youthful exuberance contributed to the game's success. He recalled, "At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive."

In essence, the next time you encounter a strikingly handsome hero in a Nomura game, remember that simple high school comment: a desire to look cool while saving the world. As Nomura might say, why be a hero if you can't look good doing it?

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 Kingdom Hearts series' nearing conclusion. He's actively integrating new writers to inject fresh perspectives. 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, Kingdom Hearts IV is being developed with a conclusive storyline in mind.