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[ZombiePlatypus]

Agree 100%

FFIX character design is ugly as fuck.

It just goes to show that this is all objective. I personally love both looks, and don't think there's ever been a mainline FF game that had anything close to all around terrible and incompetent character design. This isn't a "Nomura is bad" problem. (The guy's work is amazing.) This is a "SE not using more variety" problem.

I really don't see the what's effeminate or androgynous about Nomura's characters.

Kula (Kuja?) though? I played it in Japanese and thought it was a woman. I was like...wut? when I played it in English and realized my mistake. Seriously. Shakira would be jealous of those hips.

Yeah, I remember when FFIX just came out, and some of my friends looking at me like I completely fucking lost it when I showed them Kuja and was trying to explain to them that he's in fact a dude.

 

[Skilletor]

Nomura is gross. Since when was it trendy to defend his trashy style? He's like the nickel back of jrpg character designs Forget the usual complaints. His art style is toothless. His characters are focus tested mannequins with ridiculous clothes and he probably hasn't had a truly original character design since ffviii. The series has various other problems but canning him and allowing the series to try something new Would be a step in the right direction. Seriously I am shocked that he has so many supporters here on gaf. I guess there's no accounting for taste

Lol you've got to be joking. Because I have a strong opinion that differs from yours I'm condescending? I wasn't even directly referring to any one poster. What about the guy who directly attacked me and called my post idiotic. Anger issues much? Lol

I think you're taking this whole discussion a little seriously. Maybe it's time to back away from the keyboard and take a little breather. I can't be banned for staying 'nomura is trash' no matter how much you don't like it. Give your head a shake

Saying Nomura is trash is fine. Insulting others because they like Nomura is not. Your condescension comes in the form of insulting others for having a view you do not share. You already insulted people in the post I've quoted. That is what I was calling idiotic. Just because you're being vague doesn't make throwing insults around any better.

And I'm not angry. I'm watching football, playing Zelda and posting on gaf. Random people on the internet can't affect my mood.

 

[dan2026]

SOmetimes it can be good.

This guy should of been the protagonist.

Not horrible crappy Tidus.

 

[MrDenny]

Nomura is gross. Since when was it trendy to defend his trashy style? He's like the nickel back of jrpg character designs Forget the usual complaints. His art style is toothless. His characters are focus tested mannequins with ridiculous clothes and he probably hasn't had a truly original character design since ffviii. The series has various other problems but canning him and allowing the series to try something new Would be a step in the right direction. Seriously I am shocked that he has so many supporters here on gaf. I guess there's no accounting for taste

I have to disagree, you really think his character designs are trashy?
I would like to know what you think is good character design

 

[Kikujiro]

Lol you've got to be joking. Because I have a strong opinion that differs from yours I'm condescending? I wasn't even directly referring to any one poster. What about the guy who directly attacked me and called my post idiotic. Anger issues much? Lol

I think you're taking this whole discussion a little seriously. Maybe it's time to back away from the keyboard and take a little breather. I can't be banned for staying 'nomura is trash' no matter how much you don't like it. Give your head a shake

You insult other people because they like what you don't like while being a condescending asshole, the most amazing part is that you don't even realize it.

 

[Skilletor]

This guy should of been the protagonist.

Not horrible crappy Tidus.

We need a prequel with Auron taking Yuna's father to fight Sin.

 

[DiipuSurotu]

This guy should of been the protagonist.

Not horrible crappy Tidus.

Interestingly, Tidus originally had this guy's backstory (basically). However, M. Night Shyamalan's "The Sixth Sense" came out during development and Square thought it was too similar to what they wanted to do, so they gave this backstory to Auron instead of the main character.

 

[Moon_frogger]

IX: Minaba, Murase, Itahana
X: Nomura
XI: many people
XII: Yoshida
XIII: Nomura and Ikeda
XIV: Yoshida
XV: Nomura and Ferrari

How is Nomura the main character designer for the series?

Because his name appears on that list more than any of those designers?? Lol??? Not to mention the games you conveniently left off. That's about 5 games you left off the list where he's the main designer. Are you serious?

Let's be clear, I don't blame nomura for the overall perceived 'failings' of the series. I've bought, played and enjoyed them all.

I'm saying I think nomuras style is terrible. I guess you can defend him by saying the character designs aren't his fault. But his style is still his style! And he still designed them! Go ahead and tell me my opinion is wrong, but I'm entitled to it and I'm not alone.

 

[YAWN]

We need a prequel with Auron taking Yuna's father to fight Sin.

They had it. It was right there in front of them. But they chose to make Charlie's Angel's The Game while ruining the whole of FFX's story. Thanks for that as well, Toriyama.

 

[Wasp]

This image really emphasizes how much better the characters are in FFVII compared to VIII, not just in appearance but personality too. Hell, I can't even remember the names of most of the VIII cast.

 

[ZombiePlatypus]

I have to disagree, you really think his character designs are trashy?
I would like to know what you think is good character design

So good. His stuff is pretty much iconic.

 

[Moon_frogger]

Yup I actually think his vii designs are fine. Too bad it's been focus tested fashion models ever since viii

 

[Skilletor]

This image really emphasizes how much better the characters are in FFVII compared to VIII, not just in appearance but personality too. Hell, I can't even remember the names of most of the VIII cast.

I dunno, Edea is so classy and timeless. I had the biggest crush on Rinoa. I'll never forget Zell's love of hotdogs. Selphie said booyah the first time you meet her, and for that I will always love her. Seifer and Squall's swordfight intro? Classic.

I never learned to like Rinoa, though.

Oh, and chicken wuss.

Not pictured: Robin Williams Cid.

Fang is probably my all time favorite Nomura female, though.

Yup I actually think his vii designs are fine. Too bad it's been focus tested fashion models ever since viii

Yup. Kimahri, Auron, Wakka, Fang, Sazh, Seymore, Jecht...focus tested fahion models all. Definitely.

I mean, what does that even mean?

 

[Green Mamba]

This image really emphasizes how much better the characters are in FFVII compared to VIII, not just in appearance but personality too. Hell, I can't even remember the names of most of the VIII cast.

In all fairness VIII had a terrible cast of characters set in an even worse story. Whenever I get excited for XV's story for being written by Nojima and not Toriyama/Watanabe, I just remind myself, "He wrote VIII, you know."

 

[Meccanical]

Well Rinoa pretty much sucks.

 

[Mr. RHC]

I never learned to like Rinoa, though.

Oh, and chicken wuss.

Not pictured: Robin Williams Cid.

Fang is probably my all time favorite Nomura female, though.

I'm now off to search for Cid and NORG bro art! brbl8r!

Edit: I found nothing..

 

[Manu]

Yup I actually think his vii designs are fine. Too bad it's been focus tested fashion models ever since viii

Yeah, fashion models.

Gotta pander to those stylish Japanese teenage girls.

Just look at this focus tested crap:

 

[Green Mamba]

I find all of the "fashion model" talk about FF characters to be pretty funny in hindsight considering the main characters of XV are actually fashion models.

 

[Meccanical]

Look at how trashy this is.

 

[Skilletor]

I find all of the "fashion model" talk about FF characters to be pretty funny in hindsight considering the main characters of XV are actually fashion models.

Are they modeled after real life people? I thought it was just clothing done by a popular brand in japan?

 

[Ouren]

Yeah, fashion models.



Gotta pander to those stylish Japanese teenage girls.

.

 

[Manu]

Pics

Those are neither in the games, nor designed by Nomura, I don't see how they're relevant.

 

[Green Mamba]

Are they modeled after real life people? I thought it was just clothing done by a popular brand in japan?

I just meant in the very literal sense they are modeling actual clothing. I just thought it was funny.

 

[jackal27]

I just wish that modern Final Fantasy characters didn't have to look so realistic. One of the things I really miss characters of all proportions and sizes.

Look at Steiner or Barrett. Those guys aren't the sizes of real people at all, but that gives them character.

 

[Meccanical]

Are they modeled after real life people? I thought it was just clothing done by a popular brand in japan?

No but they are modeling the fashion for the brand since all the clothes they wear are real.

 

[Meccanical]

Those are neither in the games, nor designed by Nomura, I don't see how they're relevant.

Sazh looks like a straight baller and that is always relevant.

 

[DiipuSurotu]

I dunno, Edea is so classy and timeless.

Nomura created Edea based on Yoshitaka Amano's art style, so it's no wonder it's so timeless.

Edea was actually created before Chrono Trigger was even finished, for FFVII which at the time was a SNES project that looked like this:

 

[Moon_frogger]

Yeah, fashion models.



Gotta pander to those stylish Japanese teenage girls.



Just look at this focus tested crap:

I could cherry pick designs to support my argument just like that other poster left out 5 main series entries to 'prove' his point but overalls don't think I need to. Also
The disgusting stereotype that is sazh really just convinced me even more that nomura has to go.

 

[Meccanical]

I just wish that modern Final Fantasy characters didn't have to look so realistic. One of the things I really miss characters of all proportions and sizes.

Look at Steiner or Barrett. Those guys aren't the sizes of real people at all, but that gives them character.

Things only have character when we enjoy them.

Fact is if FF7 or FF9 were pieces of shit we would all hate looking at these characters.

 

[Skilletor]

I just meant in the very literal sense they are modeling actual clothing. I just thought it was funny.

No but they are modeling the fashion for the brand since all the clothes they wear are real.

I get it. That is pretty funny.

 

[Manu]

I could cherry pick designs to support my argument just like that other poster left out 5 main series entries to 'prove' his point but overalls don't think I need to.

Both sides of the argument have been nitpicking so far because every FF game has both good and bad designs.

The disgusting stereotype that is sazh really just convinced me even more that nomura has to go.

What? Sazh is probably one of the least stereotypical black men in video games. Other than being the comic relief sometimes, how is he a stereotype? Barret is the true stereotype, being big and dumb and speaking like "yo we gotta blow that mothafuckin' mako reactor, mah man."

 

[NinjamicWZ]

I don't particularly like the idea of game characters being styled like fashion models(unless it serves the story), it bothers me when a solider who is out fighting is dressed like a club kid, or like a clown(tidus).

Tidus is a soldier? He's closer to Dennis Rodman visiting North Korea.

 

[NinjamicWZ]

However, reading through reviews and previews for the game, it was often criticized for having the 'typical' jRPG character designs of form over function. But I think that was kind of a bullshit trend in the gaming media. I like the character designs of The Last Story quite a bit.

Form over function? Yeah, but it still looks damned cool.

I like this design, but that's essentially Nooj Belmont. A swashbuckling outfit rather than a set of red long johns for the winter.

 

[The Karasumori]

So long as Final Fantasy characters continue to look like androgynous sissy boys I'll never be able to get into the series again. I wish they would just make a main series FF game in the same style as FFXIV except not online only. I much prefer the "high fantasy" environment compared to the pseudo quasi-futuristic environments we have today.

 

[Sheap]

Only in my wildest dreams would Joe Mad work on an RPG like FF.

 

[Daouzin]

I don't know why I read most of this thread as everyone is clearly on one side or the other. I very much like Final Fantasy's current visual identity. I roll my eyes every time I see traditional LOTR style art. That style has been done to death and makes me immediately not want to play it. I almost didn't play or get through Dragon Age Origins because of that. It's entirely the reason that it's hard for me to give Skyrim a shot.

There is a flood of traditional fantasy art, you guys have plenty of options. I'll cross my fingers that Final Fantasy stays cool and crazy.

Dragon Quest captures what I personally want from traditional fantasy just fine. So I got two great options in two completely different/awesome settings to play in.

Final Fantasy worlds are interesting and beautiful. If people want a gritty soldier as their lead, I get that, and they should probably do that at some point for the sake of variety, but I suspect the 'gritty soldier' in a Final Fantasy series would still be 'model like,' and I'm okay with that.

 

[NinjamicWZ]

Ever notice that Paine's short hair and tough girl demeanor doesn't seem to stir up as much gall as "androgynous sissy boys" and "male models" do? Must be 'cause she still seems attainable or, at the very least, watchable. I do remember how "embarrassed" some people were with the idea of playing FFX-2 back then, though.

 

[Moon_frogger]

I don't mind the futuristic look. I don't even mind the girly man plump lipped 2000 dollar haircut male protagonists. I just think the designs are Bland and forgettable. Yes, give the reigns to yoshida. Or even let nomuras cartoonish stylings out of the designers bag. Something. Anything but what they've been doing for so long now.

 

[Moon_frogger]

Ever notice that Paine's short hair and tough girl demeanor doesn't seem to stir up as much gall as "androgynous sissy boys" and "male models" do? Must be 'cause she still seems attainable or, at the very least, watchable. I do remember how "embarrassed" some people were with the idea of playing FFX-2 back then, though.

Or maybe it's because her look hasn't been done to death

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

I have to disagree, you really think his character designs are trashy?
I would like to know what you think is good character design

i miss 2d artwork so much.

FFXV please?

 

[Meccanical]

i miss 2d artwork so much.

FFXV please?

You only get 2D artwork in Ultimanias now.

 

[MYE]

you really think this is better than Nomura ? If yes then I am glad you have no influence on what makes the cut in FF art department.

Hideous designs.

Looks like a damn fine cast of characters to me

And yes, these are good, creative and expressive designs as far as I'm concerned

And I DEFINITELY prefer this over Nomura's fashion orientated teenage character designs.
But to each his own.

 

[MilkBeard]

Never played The Last Story, but the designs and art are fucking amazing.
Is it worth a play?

If you have a Wii or a WiiU then by all means, get the game. I believe you can get it for $40 bucks at most stores still, or probably a little cheaper on Amazon.

The Last Story has some flaws of design, but that's mostly because the game is an original design that tries to take jRPGs into a new direction. It's a very good game, and while it probably won't blow your mind, it has a very solid design and fun combat system. There's also the Sakaguchi-style writing that I think lends it a lot of charm. (serious, but surprisingly comical during brief moments).

 

[NinjamicWZ]

Or maybe it's because her look hasn't been done to death

So you'd be justifiably disgusted with it if you saw it often enough?

 

[Go_Ly_Dow]

You only get 2D artwork in Ultimanias now.

tis bullshit

they want to XV/Versus to have a old school FF feel. .......

2D ARTWORK IN THE MENU's IS THE KEY!

 

[Skinpop]

Tidus is a soldier? He's closer to Dennis Rodman visiting North Korea.

is that supposed to be a good thing? Nontheless he is supposed to be a hero in an adventure, do you think even rodman would sport a clown outfit like Tidus' if he were up for some serious world saving business?

 

[MoogleWizard]

I like it, FF designs are immediately recognizable amongst JRPGs. Only VII had some tacky designs, every 3D title after that was great, the characters always fit the game world perfectly. I don't mind the pretty boys either, it's something different in the sea of ugly/generic caucasian males, bald space marines or cartoony characters (or Anime in Japan), that are in most games.

This image really emphasizes how much better the characters are in FFVII compared to VIII, not just in appearance but personality too. Hell, I can't even remember the names of most of the VIII cast.

The two games go for a pretty different aesthetic, VII is really catoony/Anime whereas VIII is more realistic. Personally, VIII is my favorite, the designs are simple and elegant without stupid hair like Cloud or a million belts like X. Squall and Edea are probably my favorite FF designs, along with Balthier.

 

[Moon_frogger]

So you'd be justifiably disgusted with it if you saw it often enough?

I guess if they rehashed it in every game id grow annoyed with it the same way I'm annoyed with squall being re imagined in every nomura designed ff, yes

 

[MilkBeard]

I like this design, but that's essentially Nooj Belmont. A swashbuckling outfit rather than a set of red long johns for the winter.

Your point? It's still a style in the vein of 'form over function' but yet it looks good, and fits the style of the game quite well. I would argue that the style of this character is expertly crafted while Nooj is just kind of like the creator just vomited designs out all at once.

That being said, I don't have much problem with Nomura over all. I actually like a lot of his designs, and I think the character designs of XV look great. The point of my post was that the idea that video game's character design always have to be function over form is just a silly argument, and it was kind of annoying to see a lot of game journalists parroting this idea whenever an article for The Last Story came up.

 

[Skinpop]

I like it, FF designs are immediately recognizable amongst JRPGs. Only VII had some tacky designs, every 3D title after that was great, the characters always fit the game world perfectly. I don't mind the pretty boys either, it's something different in the sea of ugly/generic caucasian males, bald space marines or cartoony characters (or Anime in Japan), that are in most games.



The two games go for a pretty different aesthetic, VII is really catoony/Anime whereas VIII is more realistic. Personally, VIII is my favorite, the designs are simple and elegant without stupid hair like Cloud or a million belts like X. Squall and Edea are probably my favorite FF designs, along with Balthier.

FF VIII is where the downfall to the nonsensical jpop semi-realistic fashion model style of FF started. For that I shall forever hate it(it's also a horrible game, but that is beside the point).