Tetsuya Nomura, the creative mind behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive character designs. This article delves into his design philosophy and its impact on his iconic creations.
Why Nomura's Heroes Look Like Supermodels
Nomura's protagonists often resemble high-fashion models, a stylistic choice that's not as profound as it might seem. The inspiration, he confesses in a Young Jump interview (translated by AUTOMATON), stems from a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This casual remark resonated deeply with Nomura, solidifying his belief that video games should offer an escape, including an aesthetically pleasing one. His design philosophy, therefore, boils down to a simple desire: "I want to be good-looking in games."
This isn't mere vanity, however. Nomura argues that attractive characters foster player connection and empathy. Unconventional designs, he explains, can create characters that are too distinct, hindering audience identification.
Eccentricity Reserved for Villains
Nomura doesn't shy away from unconventional aesthetics; he simply reserves them for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his dramatic flair and oversized sword, exemplifies this approach. Similarly, the striking designs of Organization XIII in Kingdom Hearts are intrinsically linked to their personalities. Nomura emphasizes the synergy between inner and outer appearances in creating memorable villains.
Reflecting on Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits to a more unrestrained approach in his early career. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their unique and bold designs, showcase a youthful exuberance that contributed to the game's charm. He highlights the meticulous attention to detail in his character designs, emphasizing how even seemingly minor elements 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 choice – a desire to make the gaming experience visually appealing and emotionally engaging.
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 integrating new writers to inject fresh perspectives, aiming for a conclusive narrative in Kingdom Hearts IV.
