Quote Originally Posted by Theodric View Post
Sadly.

He outright admitted in an interview that Au Ra women are his favourite...so I have little doubt that he is responsible for the shift from the original concept art to their current design.

Viera will likely undergo a similar makeover. I don't think this game needs any additional playable races, anyway. I'd sooner see some additional character customisation options added to those that exist already.
Actually, they stated a while back Au Ra aesthetic were changed due to how JP players overwhelmingly dislike bestial race options. I believe complications with armour also led to the change.