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

Tetsuya Nomura, the mastermind behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts character designs, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his protagonists' striking good looks. Forget deep philosophical musings; it all boils down to a relatable high school experience.

The "Good-Looking in Games" Philosophy

Nomura's heroes consistently resemble supermodels, a stylistic choice he attributes to a classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This comment resonated deeply, prompting Nomura's desire to create visually appealing protagonists who offer players a sense of escapism and identification.

He explains that player connection is fostered through visual appeal, emphasizing empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create characters too distinct for players to readily connect with.

This isn't about vanity, but rather about facilitating player engagement. Nomura reserves his more eccentric designs for antagonists, allowing villains like Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII) and Organization XIII (Kingdom Hearts) to embody bold, unconventional aesthetics. He believes that the effectiveness of these designs stems from the perfect blend of inner personality and outward appearance.

He acknowledges a more unrestrained approach in his earlier work on Final Fantasy VII, citing the unique designs of characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith as examples of his youthful creative exuberance. However, even then, he meticulously considered design details, integrating them into the characters' personalities and the overall narrative.

Essentially, the next time you admire the striking appearance of a Nomura protagonist, remember that simple high school comment – a desire to look cool while saving the world.

Nomura's Potential Retirement and Kingdom Hearts' Future

In the same interview, Nomura hinted at a possible retirement in the near future, coinciding with the anticipated conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He's actively integrating new writers into the Kingdom Hearts team to bring fresh perspectives, aiming to create a satisfying conclusion with Kingdom Hearts IV.