Tetsuya Nomura, the creative mind behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his characters' striking good looks. This article delves into his unconventional design philosophy.
Why Nomura's Heroes Look Like Supermodels
Nomura's protagonists consistently possess a supermodel-esque appeal, a stylistic choice he attributes to a high school experience. A classmate's simple question—"Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?"—profoundly impacted his approach to character design. This resonated with his belief that video games offer an escape from reality.
As Nomura 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. He argues that unconventional designs can create characters too distinct for players to relate to.
Eccentric Designs Reserved for Villains
Nomura doesn't shy away from eccentric designs entirely; he reserves them for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, exemplifies this approach. The Organization XIII in Kingdom Hearts further showcases Nomura's unrestrained creativity in villain design.
He explains, "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 his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits to a more unrestrained creative process. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith demonstrate this early, bolder style. However, even this youthful exuberance contributed to the game's unique charm.
Attention to Detail: Personality in Design
Nomura emphasizes the importance of detail in his designs, noting that even the smallest choices—color, shape—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, relatable origin of this design philosophy: a desire to make the gaming experience visually appealing and emotionally engaging.
Nomura's Potential Retirement and Kingdom Hearts' Future
The Young Jump interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement and the future of Kingdom Hearts. He hinted at a nearing conclusion for the series, mentioning the integration of new writers to bring fresh perspectives. He stated his intention for Kingdom Hearts IV to set the stage for the series' finale.
