Metaphor: ReFantazio is a handsome recreation—it won’t have the highest-resolution textures at occasions, however when it comes to character design, visible worldbuilding, and menu aesthetics? It is all downright peak. It is also actually horny apparently, however, like, in a means that transcends gender boundaries.
That is in response to a former Atlus artist, who goes by LAM on-line, and who went freelance in 2018. He was joined by current artwork director and character designer Shigenori Soejima throughout a three-way interview on DenfaminicoGamer, as noticed and translated right here by Automaton.
When requested what makes Soejima’s character designs so good, LAM casts all pretence apart and simply goes for it: “In a phrase, it’s intercourse enchantment. Once I noticed Soejima’s character designs, it was the primary time I discovered male characters horny.”
Apart from the truth that an RPG character would possibly’ve awoken one thing in LAM (been there), he thinks the trick is that the intercourse enchantment is current no matter your gender—not adhering to any specific stereotype, however as a substitute specializing in issues that everybody finds interesting:
“In a great way, [the design] feels ‘unisex’, within the sense that you may’t inform the writer’s gender. It won’t be so good to say nowadays, however I believe that artists can show bias in how they depict the alternative intercourse. You’ve artists who draw ladies in a cute means, and you’ve got artists who draw males in a cool means.
“With Soejima, it’s like he’s wanting on the characters from a chook’s-eye view. There’s no distinction within the attractiveness of the characters relying on gender. They’re stunning and funky no matter age and gender.”
Truthfully, I am mainly in full-chested settlement with LAM, right here. Everybody in ReFantazio is designed to be visually interesting and enticing with out veering into stereotypes. If I begin speaking about why, I will most likely reveal extra about my tastes than I want to on the data freeway—however each get together member (apart from Heismay, sorry, I am not into sugar gliders) strikes a fantastic stability between lookin’ good and telling you one thing about their character with how they’re dressed. After which there’s the smoking sizzling face of might-makes-right, Rely Louis. I am regular about him.
On Soejima’s half, it is all about remembering their viewers: “Clearly, there are lots of male Persona followers, however there are additionally many feminine followers. That’s why I believe it’s vital to attract feminine characters in a means that received’t be disliked by feminine followers.
“In spite of everything I’m a man myself, so I do get the urge to attract cliched, [cute girls] occasionally, however nonetheless, I place an significance on this strategy.” He then goes on to notice that he solicits recommendation from the studio’s feminine workers on his designs, which looks as if a smart place to get your info on what girls discover enticing.
For those who’ve not performed Atlus’s masterwork this yr your self, I extremely suggest it. I lately wrapped up my 95-hour playthrough, and I’ve obtained a gap left in my chest for scouse canine boys and its heavy-hitting artwork course. I’m resisting a second playthrough with all my would possibly, despite the fact that it could be a chance for Louis’ unassailable aesthetic to make me really feel a sure kinda means once more.
