fbpx

Final Fantasy X Artist Remembers Kobe Bryant In Touching Tribute

The recent passing of NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others following a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California came as a devastating shock to many. But in wake of the 41-year-old’s untimely passing, many have shone a light to honour his deeds.

The latest among these was Yusuke Naora, the art director for Final Fantasy X. Last Saturday, Naora-san posted a Tweet stating his heartfelt condolences for the fallen basketball superstar, accompanied by his artist’s rendition of Bryant.

Advertisement ▼

Here’s the translated version of his post (courtesy of Google Translate via ResetEra):

I got hooked on the NBA on the MJ and then started following Kobe, burning purple and gold. When I was at a loss about the coloring of the final fantasy 10 flying boat I was making at that time, I remembered those two colors and let them fly in the sky. A few years ago, at an LA launch event, I was rejoiced to tell fans about this episode. #OurKobe

Unpacking what Naora-san said, the artist actually drew inspiration from the “purple and gold” colours of Bryant’s team, the Los Angeles Lakers, for the airship, the Fahrenheit. He initially revealed his particular choice “at an LA launch event” for the Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster “a few years ago”.

The Fahrenheit in Final Fantasy X.

Since Kobe Bryant’s death, the world has come together to pay respects. The gaming community, in particular, had their fair share of Kobe tributes, including NBA 2K20‘s dev team putting up a banner of him in the game’s home screen, and its players donning Lakers jerseys in the Neighbourhood and letting the shot clock run out during online games.