FFXIII’s Lightning could’ve been macho, says Tetsuya Nomura
Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu‘s special 1001th issue not only dons a cover drawn by a game creator for the first time ever, but one who rolled up his sleeves to take the privilege also shared a few words regarding his latest project. Square Enix‘ Tetsuya Nomura, talked about Final Fantasy XIII‘s Lightning being masculine and some bits of FF Versus XIII‘s mysterious protagonist.
According to Square Enix‘ Tetsuya Nomura in his latest appearance on Famitsu, deciding how spiky Cloud’s hair may have been difficult, but making sure Lightning from Final Fantasy XIII isn’t too masculine also wasn’t an easy feat. In the popular Japanese gaming magazine’s special 1001th issue, Nomura talked about character design of FFXIII and FF Versus XIII.
Nomura described FFXIII‘s female protagonist Lightning as someone akin to a military soldier with muscular legs. “She isn’t sweet, strict to herself and to others, and doesn’t like whiners,” said Nomura as translated on the PS3Forums.
FFXIII‘s scenario writer Motomu Toriyama reportedly wanted Lightning to be “muscular and macho,” but Nomura only went as far as the Lightning we have been familiar with since he doesn’t think people will be too fond of a more muscular female main character.
On the other hand, not long after revealing new Final Fantasy Versus XIII characters, Nomura explained that clothes in the game may still be revised. The black haired guy who appeared since Versus was first made public is different from Squall and Cloud of previous Final Fantasy installments unlike what people are expecting, he added.
His name is still unknown, but Nomura promised the moniker will follow the weather-based convention of his other characters like Lightning, and the name will be revealed the next time Square Enix reveals new FF Versus XIII info. However, Nomura admitted that he’s growing bored of the naming tradition.
Interesting enough, Nomura said he’s not keen on showing his art because Final Fantasy is now associated with beautiful CG. He believes fans would rather see the famed illustrator Yoshitaka Amano‘s works if talking about FF artwork. It’s also worth noting that he buys games based on Famitsu reviews – speaks much about how Japan trusts the mag.
Via PS3Forums