Final Fantasy Characters Are Hot on Purpose Because of a Simple Line

Tetsuya Nomura, the creative force behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive character designs. This article delves into his design philosophy and its impact on his iconic creations.

Why Nomura's Heroes Look Like Supermodels

Nomura's protagonists often possess a striking, conventionally attractive appearance. But the reason isn't some profound artistic statement about beauty or the soul. Instead, it stems from a relatable high school experience. In an interview with Young Jump magazine (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura recounted a classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This casual remark resonated deeply, shaping his approach to character design.

Nomura explained, "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; he believes visual appeal fosters player connection and empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create characters too distinct for players to easily relate to.

This doesn't mean Nomura avoids eccentric designs entirely. He reserves his wilder experiments for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, exemplifies this approach. Similarly, the striking designs of Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII are a testament to his creative freedom when designing villains. He noted, "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities."

Reflecting on Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admitted a more unrestrained approach in his early career. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith showcased a bolder, more experimental style. However, even this youthful exuberance contributed to the game's unique charm. He emphasized the importance of detail, stating, "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 attractive hero in a Nomura game, remember the simple, relatable origin of this design choice – a desire to make the player feel good about inhabiting the game world.

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, as the Kingdom Hearts series approaches its conclusion. He's actively integrating new writers to inject fresh perspectives, aiming for Kingdom Hearts IV to be a pivotal chapter leading to the series' finale.