Tetsuya Nomura, the creative force behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his characters' striking good looks. This article delves into his unconventional character design philosophy.
Why Nomura's Heroes Look Like Supermodels
Nomura's protagonists consistently resemble high-fashion models, a stylistic choice that's less about artistic statement and more about a relatable desire. In a Young Jump interview (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura traces his design philosophy back to a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This comment resonated deeply, influencing his belief that video games should offer an escape, including an escape from the mundane reality of appearance.
He explains his approach: "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; Nomura believes visual appeal fosters player connection and empathy. He argues that unconventional designs can create distance, hindering player identification with the character.
However, Nomura's creativity isn't stifled. He reserves his most eccentric designs for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his dramatic flair and oversized sword, exemplifies this approach. Similarly, Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII showcases Nomura's unrestrained creativity, where personality and appearance perfectly intertwine.
"Yes, I like Organization XIII," he stated. "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 approach. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their distinct and unusual designs, highlight this early creative freedom. He notes that even these seemingly minor details contribute to the overall personality and narrative of the game.
"At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive," Nomura remembers. "I am very particular about the basis (for character designs) right down to the smallest details, like why this part is this color, and why this is a certain shape. These details become part of the character’s personality, which in the end become part of the game and its story."
In essence, the next time you encounter a strikingly handsome hero in a Nomura game, remember the simple desire of a high school student to look cool while saving the world. As Nomura might say, why be a hero if you can't look good doing it?
Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts
The Young Jump interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the anticipated conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He's actively incorporating new writers to bring fresh perspectives. Nomura shared, "I only have a few years left until I retire, and it’s looking like: will I retire or will I finish the series first? However, I'm making Kingdom Hearts IV with the intention of it being a story that leads to the conclusion."
