Tetsuya Nomura, the creative force behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive character designs. It's not a deep artistic statement, but a relatable personal experience. Read on to discover his design philosophy.
The "Good-Looking in Games" Philosophy
Nomura's protagonists often resemble supermodels, a stylistic choice stemming from a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This resonated with Nomura's view of video games as escapism. He explains his design 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. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create characters too distinct to relate to.
This doesn't mean Nomura avoids eccentric designs entirely. He reserves his boldest, most outlandish creations for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, is a prime example. The Organization XIII in Kingdom Hearts further demonstrates this approach, where striking visuals complement their personalities. Nomura notes, "I don’t think the designs of Organization XIII would be that unique without their personalities."
Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits to a more unrestrained approach. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith showcased a youthful exuberance, proving that sometimes, wild creativity pays off. He emphasizes the importance of detail, stating, "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 admire a Nomura hero's striking appearance, remember that simple high school comment—a desire to look cool while saving the world. As Nomura might say, why be heroic if you can't look good doing it?
Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts
The interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years as the Kingdom Hearts series approaches its conclusion. He's incorporating new writers to inject fresh perspectives, explaining, "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, Kingdom Hearts IV is being developed with a clear path towards the series' finale.
