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 characters' striking good looks. This article delves into his unconventional character design philosophy.

Nomura's Protagonists: Runway Ready for JRPG Battles

Why are Nomura's heroes consistently attractive? It's not some deep artistic statement about beauty reflecting the soul. The answer, as he shared in a Young Jump interview (translated by AUTOMATON), is far more relatable. Inspired by a high school classmate's comment – "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" – Nomura decided he wanted his in-game selves to be attractive. This desire stemmed from his belief that video games provide an escape, a chance to be someone else, someone good-looking.

This isn't mere vanity; Nomura connects visual appeal to player empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create characters that are too distinct, hindering player connection.

Saving the Eccentricity for Villains

Nomura doesn't shy away from bold designs; he reserves them for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, perfectly exemplifies this. Similarly, Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII showcases Nomura's unrestrained creativity, where character personality and appearance are intrinsically linked. He stated, "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 admits his younger self embraced a more unrestrained approach. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, while unconventional, contributed to the game's unique charm. He emphasizes the importance of detail in his designs, connecting even the smallest aesthetic choices to a character's personality and the overall narrative.

In essence, the next time you admire the striking appearance of a Nomura hero, remember that simple high school comment: a desire to look good while saving the world.

Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts

The Young Jump interview also hinted at Nomura's possible retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the Kingdom Hearts series nearing its conclusion. He's actively incorporating new writers to bring fresh perspectives. He stated his intention for Kingdom Hearts IV to be a stepping stone towards the series' finale.