Final Fantasy: Devs Intentionalized Character Attractiveness

Tetsuya Nomura, the creative mind behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his characters' striking good looks. In an interview with Young Jump magazine, Nomura confessed that his design philosophy stems from a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This seemingly casual remark resonated deeply, prompting Nomura to prioritize aesthetic appeal in his protagonists. He aims to create characters players can readily connect with, believing visual appeal fosters empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can hinder this connection.

This isn't mere vanity; Nomura's approach is strategically driven. While he embraces eccentric designs for antagonists like Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII) and Organization XIII (Kingdom Hearts), showcasing his creative freedom, his heroes maintain a conventionally attractive aesthetic. He acknowledges a more unrestrained approach in his earlier work on Final Fantasy VII, featuring characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, highlighting a youthful exuberance that contributed to the game's unique charm. However, his current focus on creating relatable protagonists is evident.

Nomura's attention to detail extends beyond superficial attractiveness; he meticulously considers every aspect, from color palettes to shapes, ensuring these details contribute to a character's personality and the overall narrative. The result? Heroes who are visually appealing and emotionally engaging. The next time you admire a Nomura-designed hero, remember the origin of this design philosophy – a simple desire to make the gaming experience more visually appealing and emotionally resonant for the player.

The interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the nearing conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He expressed his intention to bring the series to a satisfying conclusion with Kingdom Hearts IV, while simultaneously mentoring new writers to ensure the series' longevity beyond his involvement.