FF Characters: Aesthetically Pleasing by Design

Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts creator, Tetsuya Nomura, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his strikingly attractive character designs. This article delves into his unconventional design philosophy.

Why Nomura's Heroes Look Like Supermodels

Nomura's protagonists consistently boast supermodel-level attractiveness. But why? It's not some deep artistic statement about inner beauty or a deliberate attempt at edginess. The answer is far more relatable.

A High School Revelation

In an interview with Young Jump magazine (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura traces his design philosophy back to high school. A classmate's simple question – "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" – profoundly impacted him. This resonated with Nomura's belief that video games offer a form of escapism. He explained, "From that experience, I thought, ‘I want to be good-looking in games,’ and that’s how I create my main characters."

Empathy Through Aesthetics

This isn't mere vanity. Nomura believes visual appeal fosters player connection and empathy. He argues that unconventional designs can create characters too distinct to relate to.

Villains: A Playground for Eccentricity

Nomura doesn't shy away from eccentric designs; he reserves them for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, exemplifies this. Similarly, Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII showcases Nomura's unrestrained creativity, where character personality and appearance seamlessly blend. He stated, "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities."

Youthful Experimentation in Final Fantasy VII

Reflecting on Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits to a more unrestrained approach in his early career. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their bold designs, highlight this youthful exuberance. However, he emphasizes the importance of detail in character design, stating, "These details become part of the character’s personality, which in the end become part of the game and its story."

The Simple Truth

The next time you see a Nomura protagonist who could grace a fashion runway, remember that seemingly 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 the Future of Kingdom Hearts

The Young Jump interview also hinted at Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, as the Kingdom Hearts series approaches its conclusion. He's actively incorporating new writers to bring fresh perspectives. He noted, "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, he's developing Kingdom Hearts IV with a conclusive storyline in mind.