FF Characters Designed to Allure

Tetsuya Nomura, the visionary behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts character designs, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his characters' striking good looks. This isn't some deep artistic statement; it's far more relatable. Let's delve into his unconventional design philosophy.

Nomura's Protagonists: Runway Ready for Role-Playing

Why are Nomura's heroes consistently conventionally attractive? It's not about reflecting inner beauty or pushing artistic boundaries. The answer lies in a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This seemingly simple remark resonated deeply with Nomura, shaping his approach to JRPG character design.

He explained in a Young Jump interview (translated by AUTOMATON): "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. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create characters too distinct for players to easily relate to.

Saving the Eccentricity for Villains

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, is a prime example. Similarly, Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII showcases Nomura's unrestrained creativity.

He stated: "Yes, I like Organization XIII. 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."

A Look Back at Early Final Fantasy VII

Reflecting on his earlier work, Nomura admitted a more uninhibited approach to character design in Final Fantasy VII. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their unique and bold designs, demonstrate a youthful creative freedom. This early experimentation, however, contributed significantly to the game's overall appeal.

He noted: "At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive. 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, the next time you encounter a strikingly handsome hero in a Nomura game, remember the simple desire of a high school classmate to look good 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 same Young Jump interview hinted at Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the nearing conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He's actively incorporating new writers to inject fresh perspectives, stating: "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."