Tetsuya Nomura, the renowned developer at Square Enix, is famous for creating some of the most memorable and unconventional villains in video game history, such as Sephiroth and Genesis. With their striking designs—often featuring leather trenchcoats and an excessive number of belts—these characters have become iconic. Recently, Nomura shared insights into his creative process and the reasons behind his distinctive character designs.
The Influence of High School Experience
In an interview with Young Jump, translated by Automaton, Nomura revealed that a conversation with a high school friend had a lasting impact on his approach to character design. This friend expressed frustration over playing as an unattractive protagonist, asking, “Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?” This sentiment resonated with Nomura and shaped his philosophy on character aesthetics.
“I wanted to create characters that were cool and interesting to look at,” Nomura explained. He focused on making the protagonists of games like Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 10, and Kingdom Hearts visually appealing. However, he acknowledged that he doesn’t push this design philosophy too far with player characters, as doing so can make them less relatable.
Balancing Uniqueness with Relatability
Nomura noted, “If you make a character too unconventional, they become too distinct and hard to empathize with.” This is why his wildest designs are typically reserved for antagonists, like Sephiroth, where players are expected to feel animosity. This creative choice allows for a more engaging experience, as players can enjoy the thrill of facing off against such over-the-top villains.
Throughout the Final Fantasy series, characters are often extravagant, with even the more reserved characters standing out. For instance, Cloud, the protagonist of Final Fantasy 7, is known for his massive spiky blonde hair and an enormous sword, making him instantly recognizable.
Recent Developments in the Final Fantasy Franchise
The latest installment, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, continues the legacy of memorable character design, while the recent PC release of Final Fantasy 16 showcases the franchise’s evolution. However, both games have underperformed, prompting Square Enix to reconsider its strategy and shift towards multiplatform releases rather than focusing solely on PlayStation.
Conclusion
Tetsuya Nomura’s commitment to creating wild and unconventional villains stems from his early experiences and his desire to captivate players visually and emotionally. By balancing uniqueness with relatability, he has crafted some of gaming’s most memorable characters. As the Final Fantasy franchise evolves, fans eagerly await more of Nomura’s iconic designs.
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