Oooh, this is cool! O: It probably fits more into the graphics and art style thread...but it's mostly me having monologues there, so I rather post it in here. Character models and portraits have been revised one final time and the art director, Yusuke Naora, tells us a bit as to why. Unfortunately IGN didn't let me just copy paste the text so I had to repeat it in condensed form:
Noctis:
Yusuke Naora:
- more birthmarks and blotches for skin to appear more realistic.
- better light penetration of skin
- shadow casting of his bangs on the face improved
- the hairstyles remain a bit unrealistic, are treated as symbols of the characters
Luna:
Yusuke Naora:
- exudes indomitable will
- reworked her eye and lip makeup
- they worked with a professional hair and makeup stylist.
- intricate hairstyle has to look like she needed a handmaiden for it, displaying her status.
- slightly disheveled hair to not appear too formal and prim.
Gladiolus:
Yusuke Naora:
- His facial structure was edited, his eyes narrowed
- powerful physique to look like Noctis' shield and protector.
- martial artists' bodies were studied to sculpt his chest and abdominal muscles
- given a slightly sultry gaze to seem more intellectual and not like a simple muscleman
Ignis:
Yusuke Naora:
- few changes to his design
- altered physique, more toned and conditioned looking to show he proteted Noctis from a young age
- more musculature around neck
- important that his intelellectual image is retained, looks slender in suit
Regis:
Yusuke Naora:
- older appearance to show strain of magical power
- closely matches actor in Kingsglaive movie:
Phew this is taking time... >__>' The rest is here:
http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/06/8-gorgeous-photos-of-final-fantasy-xvas-characters