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

Tetsuya Nomura's Character Design Philosophy: Why Final Fantasy Heroes Are So Attractive

Tetsuya Nomura, the renowned designer behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts characters, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive protagonist designs. Forget deep philosophical musings; it all boils down to a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?"

This seemingly casual remark profoundly impacted Nomura, leading him to prioritize aesthetic appeal in his character creation. As he explained in an interview with Young Jump magazine (translated by AUTOMATON), he aims to make players feel good about their in-game avatars. "I want to be good-looking in games," he stated, explaining his design approach for main characters.

This isn't mere vanity, however. Nomura 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 shuns eccentric designs entirely. He reserves his wilder, more outlandish creations for antagonists. Characters like Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII) and Organization XIII (Kingdom Hearts) showcase Nomura's unrestrained creative energy, where bold aesthetics complement their personalities. He emphasizes the synergy between inner and outer appearances in crafting compelling villains.

Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits to a more unrestrained approach. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, while unconventional, contributed to the game's unique charm. Even then, he meticulously considered design details, viewing them as integral to character personality and narrative.

In essence, the next time you admire the striking appearance of a Nomura protagonist, remember the simple origin of this design philosophy: a desire to make the player feel good while experiencing the game.

Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts

The same interview also hinted at Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the Kingdom Hearts series nearing its conclusion. He's actively integrating new writers to inject fresh perspectives into the franchise, aiming for Kingdom Hearts IV to be a pivotal stepping stone towards the series' finale.