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

Tetsuya Nomura, the mastermind behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts character designs, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his characters' striking good looks. In an interview with Young Jump magazine, Nomura traced his design philosophy back to a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This casual remark resonated deeply, shaping Nomura's belief that video games should offer an escape, including an aesthetically pleasing one.

"I want to be good-looking in games," Nomura stated, explaining his approach to designing protagonists. 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.

However, Nomura doesn't shy away from eccentric designs entirely. He reserves his wilder experiments for antagonists, citing Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII and Organization XIII from Kingdom Hearts as prime examples. He believes the impact of these outlandish designs is amplified by the characters' personalities, creating a cohesive and memorable villain.

Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admitted to a more unrestrained approach, resulting in characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith. This youthful exuberance, he notes, contributed to the game's unique charm. He emphasizes the importance of meticulous detail in his designs, believing that even minor choices contribute to a character's personality and the overall narrative.

In essence, the next time you encounter a strikingly attractive hero in a Nomura game, remember the simple desire for in-game attractiveness that spurred his design philosophy. Why be a hero, he might ask, if you can't look good doing it?

Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts

The interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the anticipated conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He's actively integrating new writers to inject fresh perspectives, aiming for Kingdom Hearts IV to be a pivotal stepping stone towards the series' finale. He stated his intention to complete the series, though the timing of his retirement remains uncertain.