"Final Fantasy Characters Designed to Be Attractive Due to Simple Line"

Tetsuya Nomura, the mastermind behind the iconic designs of Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, has shed light on his approach to character creation in a recent interview with Young Jump magazine, translated by AUTOMATON. His design philosophy, rooted in a simple yet profound high school experience, has significantly shaped the visual landscape of JRPGs.

Why Tetsuya Nomura Designs His Heroes to Look Like They Just Stepped Off a Runway

Simple: ‘I Want to be Good-Looking in Games,’ Said Nomura

Tetsuya Nomura's protagonists often resemble supermodels amidst fantastical worlds of oversized swords and existential dilemmas. This aesthetic choice stems from a casual remark by a high school classmate: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This comment resonated deeply with Nomura, influencing his belief that video games should serve as an escape where players can embody appealing characters.

He explained, "From that experience, I thought, ‘I want to be good-looking in games,’ and that’s how I create my main characters."

Nomura's approach is not merely about vanity; it's about fostering player connection and empathy. He believes that conventionally attractive characters are easier for players to relate to. "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," he stated.

While Nomura's heroes maintain a certain allure, he reserves his more eccentric designs for villains. Characters like Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII and the members of Kingdom Hearts’ Organization XIII showcase his flair for bold and unique aesthetics. "Yes, I like Organization XIII," Nomura remarked. "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."

Reflecting on his early work, Nomura admits to a more unrestrained approach in Final Fantasy VII. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith exemplify the creative freedom he enjoyed. "At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive," he recalled. "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're immersed in a Nomura-crafted game and admire the hero's runway-ready appearance, remember it's inspired by a friend's desire to look cool while saving the world. As Nomura might put it, why be a hero if you can't look good doing it?

Tetsuya Nomura’s Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts

In the same interview, Nomura hinted at his impending retirement as the Kingdom Hearts series approaches its conclusion. He's actively integrating new writers to bring fresh perspectives to the franchise. "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," he shared.

For more insights into how Kingdom Hearts IV aims to reboot the series and pave the way for its grand finale, explore our comprehensive article below!