Hot Final Fantasy Characters: A Design Strategy

Tetsuya Nomura: Why Final Fantasy Characters Are So Attractive

A recent interview with Tetsuya Nomura, the designer behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts characters, reveals a surprisingly simple reason for his consistently attractive protagonist designs. It's not a deep philosophical statement on beauty or edginess; it's far more relatable.

Nomura credits a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This casual remark resonated with Nomura's belief that video games should offer an escape, leading to his design philosophy: "I want to be good-looking in games." This desire shapes his main character creations.

This isn't mere vanity, though. Nomura believes attractive characters foster player connection and empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create distance. This explains the striking difference between his heroes and villains.

While Nomura doesn't shy away from eccentric designs, he reserves them for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, and Organization XIII from Kingdom Hearts, exemplify this approach. Their bold aesthetics are intrinsically linked to their personalities, creating unforgettable characters.

Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits a more unrestrained approach to character design. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, while unconventional, contributed to the game's unique charm. He emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, believing even small design choices contribute to character personality and the overall narrative.

Ultimately, the next time you see a strikingly handsome hero in a Nomura game, remember a simple high school comment – a desire to look good while saving the world.

Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts

The same interview also hints at Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the Kingdom Hearts series' nearing conclusion. He's actively integrating new writers to inject fresh perspectives, aiming for Kingdom Hearts IV to be a conclusive chapter.