Final Fantasy: Iconic Beauties Designed by Purpose

Tetsuya Nomura, the creative mind behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his consistently attractive character designs. In an interview with Young Jump magazine, Nomura confessed his design philosophy 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, sparking Nomura's desire to create visually appealing protagonists. He believes players connect more readily with characters they find attractive, fostering empathy and engagement.

Nomura's approach isn't about vanity; it's about accessibility. He argues that unconventional designs can create characters who are too distinct, hindering player connection. This doesn't mean he avoids eccentric designs entirely – instead, he reserves his boldest, most outlandish creations for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII and Organization XIII from Kingdom Hearts serve as prime examples of Nomura's unrestrained creativity applied to villains. Their striking appearances are intrinsically linked to their personalities, creating memorable and impactful characters.

Reflecting on his earlier work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits to a more unrestrained approach in his youth. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith, with their unique and less conventionally attractive designs, showcase a youthful exuberance. Even then, however, he meticulously considered every detail, ensuring each design element contributed to the character's personality and the overall narrative.

Nomura's design philosophy highlights the importance of player connection. The next time you encounter a strikingly handsome protagonist in a Nomura game, remember the simple yet profound origin of this aesthetic choice: a desire to provide players with an appealing and relatable escape within the game world.

The interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement in the coming years, coinciding with the nearing conclusion of the Kingdom Hearts series. He expressed his intention to conclude the series with Kingdom Hearts IV, while also introducing new perspectives by collaborating with writers unfamiliar with the franchise. This suggests a carefully planned transition, ensuring the series' legacy continues while embracing fresh creative voices.