Tetsuya Nomura, the creative force behind Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts, recently revealed the surprisingly simple reason behind his characters' striking good looks. It's not a deep philosophical statement about beauty or artistry; it's far more relatable. Read on to discover his design philosophy.

The Runway-Ready Heroes of Nomura's Games

Nomura's protagonists consistently possess a supermodel-esque appeal, a trait that's less about artistic intention and more about a personal desire, rooted in a high school experience. In a Young Jump interview (translated by AUTOMATON), Nomura recounted a classmate's insightful question: "Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?" This seemingly casual remark profoundly impacted him.

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; Nomura believes visual appeal fosters player connection and empathy. Unconventional designs, he argues, can create distance and hinder emotional engagement.

However, this doesn't mean Nomura avoids eccentric designs entirely. His villains, such as the iconic Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII, are where his creative boldness truly shines. The striking visuals of Organization XIII in Kingdom Hearts demonstrate this perfectly. 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 his early work in Final Fantasy VII, Nomura admits a less restrained approach. Characters like Red XIII and Cait Sith showcase a youthful exuberance for distinctive designs. Yet, even this early stylistic freedom contributed to the game's unique charm. He notes, "At the time, I was still young… so I just decided to make all the characters distinctive."

In essence, the next time you admire the striking appearance of a Nomura hero, remember the simple origin of this design philosophy: a high school classmate's desire to look good while saving the world.

Nomura's Potential Retirement and the Future of Kingdom Hearts

The same interview also touched upon Nomura's potential retirement and the future of the Kingdom Hearts series. He hinted at a nearing conclusion for the series, highlighting the introduction of new writers to bring fresh perspectives. He stated that he’s currently working on Kingdom Hearts IV with the aim of concluding the series' storyline.