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. It's not a deep artistic statement or a complex psychological theory; it boils down to a relatable high school experience.

In an interview with Young Jump magazine (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura recounted a classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This casual remark resonated deeply, prompting Nomura's design philosophy: "I want to be good-looking in games," he stated, explaining his approach to creating 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 relate to.

This doesn't mean Nomura avoids eccentric designs entirely. He reserves his wilder, more outlandish creations for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, and the members of Organization XIII in Kingdom Hearts, exemplify this approach. Nomura explains that the effectiveness of these villainous designs stems from the synergy between their visual and personality aspects.

Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits a more unrestrained approach in his youth. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith demonstrate this early creative freedom. However, even this youthful exuberance was meticulously detailed, with each design element contributing to the character's personality and the game's narrative.

In essence, the next time you encounter a strikingly attractive hero in a Nomura game, remember the simple desire of a high school student to look cool while saving the world. 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 touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the nearing conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He's actively integrating new writers to introduce fresh perspectives, aiming for Kingdom Hearts IV to be a pivotal stepping stone towards the series' finale.