Tetsuya Nomura, the mastermind behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts character designs, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive protagonists. Forget deep philosophical musings; it all boils down to a relatable high school experience.
The "Good-Looking in Games" Philosophy
Nomura's iconic supermodel-esque heroes aren't the result of some elaborate aesthetic theory. In a Young Jump interview (translated by AUTOMATON), he credits a classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This casual remark resonated deeply, solidifying Nomura's belief that video games should offer a visually appealing escape. His design philosophy, therefore, is simply: "I want to be good-looking in games," a desire he translates into his main character designs.
This isn't mere vanity, though. Nomura argues that visually appealing characters foster player connection and empathy. Unconventional designs, he suggests, can create distance and hinder that crucial player-character bond.
Eccentricity Reserved for Villains
Nomura doesn't shy away from eccentric designs entirely. Instead, he reserves his most outlandish creations for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, serves as a prime example. Similarly, the striking members of Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII showcase Nomura's unrestrained creativity, where character personality and visual design seamlessly intertwine. He notes that the unique designs of Organization XIII wouldn't be as impactful without their distinct personalities.
Early Days and Evolving Style
Looking back at Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits a more unrestrained approach in his younger years. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their bold and unconventional designs, highlight this early creative freedom. However, even then, his attention to detail, from color choices to shapes, contributed significantly to the characters' personalities and the overall game narrative.
In essence, the next time you encounter a strikingly attractive hero in a Nomura game, remember the simple, relatable origin of this design philosophy – a high school comment that changed the face of JRPG character design.
Nomura's Potential Retirement and Kingdom Hearts' Future
The same interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years as the Kingdom Hearts series nears its conclusion. He's actively incorporating new writers to bring fresh perspectives, aiming for Kingdom Hearts IV to be a stepping stone towards the series' grand finale.
