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 and its impact on the JRPG landscape.
Nomura's Protagonists: Runway Ready for Role-Playing
Why are Nomura's heroes consistently stunning? It's not some deep artistic statement or edgy rebellion. The answer is surprisingly relatable.
In a Young Jump interview (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura traces his approach back to high school. A classmate's casual question—"Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?"—resonated deeply, shaping his belief that video games should offer an escape, including an escape from the mundane realities of appearance.
He explained, "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, however. Nomura believes visual appeal fosters player connection and empathy. He stated, "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."
The Eccentricity Reserved for Villains
Nomura doesn't shy away from unconventional designs; he reserves them for antagonists. Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, with his towering sword and dramatic flair, exemplifies this approach. Similarly, Kingdom Hearts' Organization XIII showcases Nomura's unrestrained creativity.
He commented, "Yes, I like Organization XIII. 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."
Early Final Fantasy VII reveals a younger, less restrained Nomura. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith demonstrate a bolder, more experimental approach. This youthful energy, however, contributed to the game's unique charm.
Nomura reflected, "At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive. 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, those striking Nomura heroes are a testament to a simple desire – to look good while saving the world.
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, as the Kingdom Hearts series approaches its conclusion. He's actively incorporating new writers to bring fresh perspectives to the series. Nomura stated, "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."
