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

Tetsuya Nomura, the creative force behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, 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-esque features, a stylistic choice that's not as profound as one might think. It's not about reflecting inner beauty or edgy aesthetics. The inspiration? A high school classmate's simple question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?"

This seemingly casual remark profoundly impacted Nomura, resonating with his belief that video games offer an escape. As he stated in a Young Jump interview (translated by AUTOMATON): "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, however. Nomura believes visual appeal fosters player connection and empathy. "If you go out of your way to make them unconventional, you will end up with a character who is too distinct and hard to empathize with," he explained.

The Eccentricity of Villains

Nomura doesn't shy away from eccentric designs; he reserves them for his antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, perfectly exemplifies this. Similarly, Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII showcases Nomura's unrestrained creativity. He notes, "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities. That’s because I feel that it’s only when their inner and outer appearances come together that they become that kind of character."

Reflecting on Final Fantasy VII's diverse cast, Nomura admits to a more unrestrained approach in his early career. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their striking and unconventional designs, highlight this youthful exuberance. He recalls, "At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive."

In essence, Nomura's aesthetically pleasing heroes are a testament to a simple desire: to feel good while saving the world. Why be a hero if you can't look good doing it?

Nomura's Potential Retirement and Kingdom Hearts' Future

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 inject fresh perspectives, stating, "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, I'm making Kingdom Hearts IV with the intention of it being a story that leads to the conclusion."