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 striking character designs. This article delves into his design philosophy.

Nomura's Protagonists: Runway Ready for JRPG Battles

Why are Nomura's heroes so conventionally attractive? It's not a deep artistic statement or an edgy choice. In a Young Jump interview (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura traces his approach back to high school, to a 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 an appealing escape. Nomura's response? "I want to be good-looking in games," thus creating his iconic protagonists.

This isn't mere vanity; Nomura believes visual appeal fosters player connection and empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create characters too distinct to relate to.

Villains: Where the Eccentricity Thrives

Nomura doesn't shy away from eccentric designs entirely—he reserves them for his villains. 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, where personality and appearance perfectly intertwine. He notes, "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities."

A Look Back at Final Fantasy VII's Wild Designs

Reflecting on Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits to a more unrestrained approach in his younger days. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, while unconventional, contributed to the game's unique charm. He explains, "At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive." This attention to detail, from color choices to shapes, informs the characters' personalities and the overall narrative.

The Simple Truth Behind the Style

So, the next time you're captivated by a Nomura protagonist's model-esque appearance, remember that simple high school comment. As Nomura might say, why be a hero if you can't look good doing it?

Nomura's Potential Retirement and Kingdom Hearts' Future

The Young Jump interview also touched on 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 to the series, aiming for a conclusive narrative in Kingdom Hearts IV.