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 design philosophy, a revelation as unexpected as it is relatable.
Why Nomura's Heroes Look Like Supermodels
Nomura's protagonists consistently possess a supermodel-esque appeal, a stylistic choice that's less about artistic statement and more about a personal connection to gaming. In an interview with Young Jump magazine (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura traced his approach back to a high school classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This casual comment resonated deeply, influencing his belief that games should offer escapism, including visually appealing protagonists.
He confessed, "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 attractive characters foster player connection and empathy. He argues that unconventional designs can create distance, hindering emotional engagement. "If you go out of your way to make them unconventional, you will end up with a character who is too distinct and hard to empathize with," he explained.
However, Nomura's creativity isn't stifled. He reserves his more eccentric designs for antagonists, showcasing his stylistic range through characters like Sephiroth (Final Fantasy VII) and Organization XIII (Kingdom Hearts). The wild designs of these villains are intrinsically linked to their personalities, creating a cohesive and memorable presence.
"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 Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admitted a more unrestrained approach in his early career. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, while unconventional, contributed to the game's unique charm. This youthful exuberance, he noted, stemmed from a desire for distinctive character designs.
"At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive," Nomura remembered. "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 attractive 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 same Young Jump interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, as the Kingdom Hearts series nears its conclusion. He's actively integrating new writers to inject 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."
