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

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

Why Nomura's Heroes Look Like Supermodels

Nomura's protagonists often resemble high-fashion models, a stark contrast to the fantastical worlds and intense battles they inhabit. But the reason isn't some complex artistic statement. In an interview with Young Jump magazine (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura traces his approach back to high school, citing 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 players an appealing escape.

He stated: "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. He explained that unconventional designs can create distance, hindering emotional engagement.

Eccentricity Reserved for Villains

Nomura doesn't shy away from unconventional designs entirely. Instead, he reserves his most outlandish creations for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his dramatic flair and oversized sword, serves as a prime example. Similarly, the striking designs of Organization XIII in Kingdom Hearts showcase Nomura's creative freedom when designing villains.

He noted: "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities. It’s only when their inner and outer appearances come together that they become that kind of character."

Looking back at Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits his younger self embraced a more unrestrained approach, resulting in characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith. However, even this early experimentation contributed to the game's unique charm.

Attention to Detail and Character Personality

Nomura emphasizes the importance of detail in his designs, explaining that even seemingly minor choices—color palettes, shapes—contribute to a character's personality and ultimately, the game's narrative.

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 incorporating new writers to introduce fresh perspectives, aiming for Kingdom Hearts IV to set the stage for a satisfying series finale.

In essence, the next time you admire a stylish 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?