Yes, her MK1 movie "Sonya vs Kano" look. But more fitted, shorter shorts, and black boots.

I think that would be awesome. Very simplistic. Sometimes less is more.

Bahahah Quevey, your over the top posts always make me giggle...

In a quick answer to your question, I was always a big fan of MK... but at the time I honestly just didn't hear anything about Deadly Alliance or Shaolin Monks. I was a heavy gamer, but just didn't see a THING about them... Deception rolled around and I loved the Mileena V Baraka video I saw, but then I ended up going to boarding school... which isn't the best place for gaming. But then we got a PS2, and I managed to squirrel up copies of MKDA-Armageddon in one big sitting. So I had plenty of down time (because what was I going to do at boarding school, study?!) to charge through them all We actually had some Armageddon tournaments in the house at times.... (shitty game engine, yes, but the huge roster is all the otherboys were interested in)





And G- the MK movie outfit is flawless Creative, sleek, CLEVER, and not at all slutty. Kudos!

I'm curious though, are you just using photoshop, or some other program? When I used to work as a graphic design assistant I tried a few edits of my own but couldn't get my head around it...




As for the game designers.... It's just so frustrating. They clearly have some good ideas rolling around. It's not like none of the characters have good outfits... And heck... It's not like I'm unforgiveably cranky with any of the characters (except Kitana)...
But it's like they got immensely lazy with the girls. Wham, bam, slut, poof. Done. And the really frustrating part is that we saw much better designs in the concept art.... More creative, more artistic, and more sensible for the characters...
So either all t he designers are really blind, OR... some decisions "from the top" (whether it was Boon and his dirty man mind or WB execs or something) got made to push the envelope....


(And just a side note on the boobs.... I do find them ridiculously huge, but I actually find them more sensible in this game than in other MKs... I mean... Kitana's in MKDA were HIDEOUS. They looked like torpedoes... And other games have had much worse examples too..... MK9's boobs are over the top, and unrealistic, but at least I don't find them actually ugly. They're noticeable and not the best, but at leas they're not dancing back and forth like DoA boobs)

Garladoooorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

PERFECTION!!!

Yes, MKvsDC Sonya is definitely my favorite Sonya ever...wait, no, MK9 Sonya alternate, but....crap.

It's really almost a tie. I'll just say that this Sonya costume is among my top 2 favorites and one of her best, ever. No wonder the NRS team loves this Sonya so much. It's really not surprising.

If anyone remembers the old MKasts (and if you don't just go listen to a few of them) and comments/reviews from the mk team, you'll know that Sonya was pretty much one of the most praised and liked characters of the game design-wise and portrayal.

Many of the team members expressed their satisfaction and content with MKvsDC Sonya and her popular reveal in that TV-show was extremely positive (like Hector said). Her huge promotion as the lead female also helped with her popularity.

Which is really interesting when remembering the negative reactions of many fans in regards to her "manly-face" in the first render. What's really funny, though, is that the same people who kept criticizing her face (in-game) are now the same people who praise and love her "feminine MK9 face"...but, its actually the exact same model from MKvsDC!

Sure, the render gave her features that were too strong in the face, I agree, but, her in-game model was absolutely perfect. They pretty much based her MK9 renders of the MKvsDC in-game model and dropped the "manly" rendered features that made her MKvsDC render so controversial. They got the femininity right in the renders as well as the in-game models, for once.

I think this costume delivered what the MK9 costume failed to give us: Sonya's main essence. MK9 primary has a fantastic design with the very cool details/designs in her pants and vest, but, the serious lack of a shirt (and the heels, as others would say) really threw things off for me. It was simply unnecessary and didn't feel like Sonya.

This costume, however, screams Sonya at its finest: It's sexy, badass, tough, and rich in design without having the (weird compulsive) need of exposing boobs, butt and the silly high heels. The sexy shirt, awesome straps in her body, those amazing futuristic gloves (so sad they didn't bring those back), the distinctive hair style, and those badass boots (I WANT THEM!) really made this one of the most memorable Sonya costumes, imo.

The only thing I would have left out would have been that beret. It's not that it looks bad or that I hate it, I think I just prefer her without it on her head. If anything, the cop hat would have looked much better with this costume. think the beret works perfectly on her MKDA alt, but, not so much on this one.

And with that being said, Garlador (my love), I can now go ahead and praise your fantastic render edit:

Very good job with all the little and big details! I compared this render to her official in-game model and it's absolutely flawless. From the design in her gloves to the tanned-thong lines (plus that design in her private part), you really captured everything about MKvsDC Sonya and delivered one of your best render edits yet.

I particularly love how you did her shirt, the straps on her leg (so good!), shoulders, and the one in the belt ring (love it) and the gloves. Your edit with her MKvsDC boots is flawless (best boots ever and they have no silly high heels). Same thing with the coloring of her pants. It looks really natural. Good job!

This could really pass as an official render. That's how good it is.

There's only 3 small things that I'd like to address with constructive criticism:

1) Her left glove is smaller than the right one. I kind of measured the difference (by adding pretend "straps" like she has on her right arm) and I think you can tell that the left glove should still extend a bit higher. The symmetry would make it better.

2) Her breasts in the shirt are flawless (yumm!), however, the breast lines (is that even how you call that? sorry) on her skin (outside the shirt) don't match with the breast lines inside of the shirt. Please correct me if I'm wrong because maybe I'm just not seeing it properly, but, from what I see right now, her "breast lines" on her skin should be moved a little bit more to the center of the "shirt breasts" so they look like they are coming out of the right place.

Does that make sense? The way its now is like her breasts are forming in impossible angles. If the lines on her skin were to be centered with both of her breasts in the shirt (not just one like they currently are), it'd look correct and nice. Like I said, the breasts+shirt looks flawless, its just the skin lines that makes it look wrong/off. Let me know if I explained this properly.

3) Please don't hate me, but, you didn't get her bangs right. They deserve justice! See, what I really loved about her bangs in MKvsDC (and MK9) is how distinctive and exaggerated they are. Take a look:



They are long. So long they actually pass her chin a little bit. They are also very straight and very "emo". I would love it if you please edited the bangs in your render to resemble the original ones.

The ones you did are way too short and look a bit curly-messy. But, they are actually supposed to be super long and very straight. That's what made them so unique, imo. The ones in your render sort of resemble Kitana's MKvsDC ones...sort of.

You think you can give that a shot? Pretty please? I certainly hope so because that's my favorite of your edits so far!

Finally, if you do edit the render, could you post an alternate version of how she would have looked like without the beret on her head? I keep thinking that the beret just doesn't suit this costume that well. She's probably look better without it.

A truly wonderful render edit. Thanks man!

PS: I love you.

PPS: I'll address some of the new great comments of this thread in a bit.

lol...I totally have Sonya bangs. Buzzed on sides and back though.

I hope Garlador makes my Sonyaaaaa...

MKvsDC Sonya barrage!






One thing at a time...

EDIT: And that time is now.

OMG!!! BEST - SONYA - EVER!!!

Dude seriously, that's the best. Simple and iconic, and not exploiting her at all. She looks strong and ready for a fight. Thank you!!

If you feel like doing any other edits of that look, adding embellishments and such, go for it ^_^ It's hands down my favorite look you've done for her so far. This should have been her MK9 look (or at least her alternate).

OMG Garlador I'l get back to your absolutely perfect MKvsDC Sonya's and that fantastic Movie Sonya asap.



I understand, and I think you make valid points.

To me, however, the size of her breasts (+ other MK females) is not a problem. I like how big they are and I don't find them weird looking.

If they ever looked like Ivy's (or some others from SC), if they were exploited like the DOA teens, or resembled Lara Croft's early 1990's designs, then, yes, I'd agree with you.

For now, as exaggerated as they are, I find them cool (lol?) and attractive.

Make them Ivy, and I will raise my eyebrows and protest.



Or both?

It really depends on who you ask, I guess.

Also, penises aren't really (for whatever reasons) considered "attractive sex symbols"...boobs, for whatever reasons, are.

I don't know how to explain this. Maybe someone with more knowledge on the subject can shed some light as to way boobs (big or small) are considered sexy while huge penises are just, well, sex?



Is it noticeable the most in Sonya? I thought battle damage was pretty much the same for the other gals.

Hold on. Let me check:



















The battle damage is pretty much almost the same for all the females.

I think the reason Sonya's might be more noticeable and "shocks" the most is because of the kind of character that she is and how she dresses.

I mean, despite the lack of a shirt in her primary, both of her costumes (individually) cover up more skin than all of the other girls combined together. She's the most decently or "conservatively" dressed of the girls.

Mileena's and Sheeva's damage barely makes a difference because their costumes are already revealing enough.

And all of the other girls also have her breasts almost hanging with a little strap or piece of clothes' covering the nipple area. The only one that I don't find as "obvious" as the other ones is Sindel's damage.

That being said, I'm not disagreeing with your view or personal dislike regarding this matter. I understand your points.

I think Sonya's damage is probably more noticeable or "shocking" simply because of the kind of character she is. She's the most "human" of the girls and the one who's never been exposed like that before (obviously not counting MKvsDC were the damage was first introduced) or in a "half naked swimsuit" like most of the females.

She's probably the biggest tease and it does feel that way.

When you look back at MKvsDC, her battle damage is waaaaaay more "sexy" (or silly) than that of Catwoman's, Kitana's, and WonderWoman's combined! She's exposed the most...but, then again, she's the one who's dressed the most, so...

Maybe its all about teasing. It's not the first time they've used her as a "sex symbol" after all.



LOL. Again, this brings me back to the post I made above.



Agreed.

Important question though: How do you feel about Mileena's MKD primary costume?

Because if you feel the same way about that one, than, I honestly can't say that I agree that much.



The more the merrier!

(as long as she remains in MY closet, of course).



Yes. I was also referring to various other games, in general, who pretty much nail and succeed in this subject.

There's plenty of games were you see a logic, sense, creativity, and love for the art direction, and I'm guessing that there are many disagreements and unexpected turns among the artists and developers as well.

There's just something that truly failed within the NRS team this time around (more so than ever before) in regards to their character designs and the artistic approach. As uncreative and unsuccessful as some of the male costumes are, I think the main problem lies with the people in charge of dressing the females. They all follow the same pattern:

Less Clothes + Huge boobs + SEX + High heels = MK Female.

Sonya's alt, despite its sexiness, is an exception. Her primary would have been if she would have been given a freaking shirt. We can find an excuse for Mileena and Sindel comes off as the best from the bunch. The rest, well, as cool as some look (Jade), they just don't work (and yes, that includes you, Skarlet, and your horrible design).



You know, I feel so in love with the beauty of the stages that I honestly didn't noticed those things you mentioned.

I thin they accomplished something truly wonderful and impressive with their stages and the art direction in which they took them, but, yes, even though i didn't realize about those things, I think you are right. They shouldn't have been overlooked.

Good points!



Yeah!



Charging as in "charging his batteries"?

....oh, I see what you mean. Don't give him any ideas!!!



Mission Accomplished!

And your school tournaments sound like fun.



This. A thousand times.



Agreed.

However, I disagree about Kitana's torpedoes. I liked those.



You know, I happen to agree with your feelings.

However, it really didn't bother me that much because it's the first time (is it?) that we get something like that. I'm not saying that because of this reason they are allowed to slack, no, what I'm saying is that my excitement for the art book was superior to my disappointment of seeing so little art in it.

I loved reading about the arena concepts and I wish the characters would have also gotten a small box of text talking about their looks and designs and why they chose the final versions.

I love the art book, but, like you, I wish it was bigger and better. There's really not that much to look at. They must have sooo much art and concepts for this game. Where is all of that? And why did they make the book so small? Cheapness?

Oh well...hopefully one day we'll get a REAL MK art book compiling everything from before 1992 all the way to the last game. Hopefully.



Yes.

I think most of us are.

I look forward to it.

On the subject of how I feel Sonya's "sexuality" stacks up against Kitana, Mileena, and the others, I actually find her the most dressed yet at the same time still the most inappropriately dressed.

What's weird, and somewhat troubling, to me is that the women in the game, their storylines, their fighting styles, their backgrounds, and especially their personalities, are all fantastic... and the problem is that these personalities, especially for Sonya, don't make sense with what they're wearing into battle.

Now, I'm not saying Sonya can't be sexy or show any femininity. I'm not saying that at all. But I have a hard, hard time thinking that Sonya woke up that morning, the Sonya we see, hear, and love in the game, and she walked to her closet and decided, of her own free will, to wear super high heels on a life-or-death mission, and threw on a vest without a shirt so that her cleavage was more in-your-face than a police siren.

I love fantasy as much as the next guy, but in this particular case, more than the other girls and more than her prior portrayals, it seems... highly unpractical, to an observationally distracting amount.

And I'm not just picking on Miss Blade here. I'm still burning with rage at other women in games outside the MK franchise that decided that high heels are battle-efficient (such as Samus Aran in Other M) or that blatant cleavage-bearing boob windows are the hallmark of a sexy character (Soul Calibur devolved from cool fantasy fashions to Dead or Alive-level shlock and creepy fetishizing of its women).

As Queve said in an earlier post, Lara Croft was at one point the queen of video game sex appeal and boobs.


That... never did it for me. I mean, apart from the now-dated graphics, Lara Croft just could not endure forever on sex appeal alone... and ultimately, she didn't. Her games got worse, her personality less impressive, and her sex appeal grew and grew to compensate. But that alone couldn't save her or her franchise, not until she, and her games, started shifting into a more believable, likeable, and quality-emphasized direction.

The new game, however? Excites me like no other. Why? Not because Lara Croft's boobs have gotten bigger. In fact, they've shrunken to *gasp!* human proportions. In fact, she's doesn't even have her short-shorts or cleavage-bearing tank-tops on. She looks gorgeous, yet down-to-earth and realistically proportioned.


Guess which version of Lara Croft appeals to me more? The vapid, breastacular stereotype with a smidgen of backstory and a large amount of pandering fanservice, or the Lara Croft who shows genuine emotion, weaknesses, strengths, intelligence, relatability, and empathetic qualities from self-doubt to burgeoning courage under fire?

Similarly, and to cut this rant short before I spiral out of control, Sonya Blade's pandering fanservice is bothersome to me not because it EXISTS, but because she, as a character, I whole-heartily believe, is strong and developed enough not to NEED it. If covered from head-to-toe in form-covering military gear, sweaters and baggy cargo pants, and body armor (as one of my concepts showed), I truly believe she would be JUST as liked, well-received, and enjoyable to see in the story and play in the game... if not more so since we'd respect her for who she was and what she did rather than get caught up so often in how amazing her admittedly magnificent mammaries are.

I absolutely 100% agree with you Garlador. You pretty much echoed what I posted above *nods*.

To Queve: When I was talking about Sonya's battle damage, I was referring more to the fact that even though her clothes are too revealing, she starts out at least...dressed. The other girls are already in bikinis. So when Sonya gets damaged, it's more of a change from her look. It's obscene, to me.

As for penises, you're wrong. LMAO They're super uber OMG sexy. I was saying that ones that don't look human (15 inches) are absurd and unattractive. Same way I feel about animated women who have watermelons for boobs. A human being Sonya's size couldn't have those breasts (certainlly not naturally). Would Sonya, this confident military feminist...do you really think she'd get implants? I don't think so. It conflicts with her character. It's unnecessary. I think MK1 and MK3 and the movie Sonya's were attractive enough! She, like Garlador and I said before, doesn't need to be "enhanced" to be sexy and popular. She already was, before the slutbomb looks.

Garlador! Your second MKvsDC Sonya edit (with the MK4 hat) is not working, so, I uploaded the image again.

Now, I finally have the time to get back to your glorious thread and gorgeous edits:



First of all, I am so glad you are so good and professional with criticism. You listened and you addressed all the little details I talked about in order to improve your work and make it so much better.

I'm glad my rambling about the "boob lines" made sense because your new edits look perfect now. No weird looking boobs coming our of unlikely places. You moved the skin lines to the right place and now she looks natural, symmetrical, and "real". Not like a fake at all.

Good job on the glove! It doesn't look like something is missing or off anymore. Perfect size and length.

Finally, excellent job with her bangs! Now THAT is what I was talking about. You succeeded to make them faithful to her original design. They are super long, distinctive, straight, and very sexy. I love what you did with them and though I'd improve the ends of the bangs just a little bit (to make them look more natural and smooth and not ending squarish like they are now) I really have no further things to add.

Hair, gloves, boobs...you nailed them all (lol)! All of it looks in symmetric and natural proportion, in good size, and faithful to her original design. Like I said, I'd soften the ends of her bangs to make them look more like long smooth flowing hair coming down her face and past her chin and not like a perfectly squarish haircut, but, it's really not that big of a deal.

You can edit that for fun if you have the chance , if not, I'm still excited to see your remaining edits:

1) MK9 Alt Sonya (a must!).
2) MK1 Sonya.
3) And who knows, maybe MKvsDC Sonya in her black-goth costume? The alternate that features her dressed in black with black lipstick, black nails, and sexy balk eye-liner in her eyes? Emo Sonya FTW!

PS: I've come to the conclusion that the beret doesn't look bad at all! I think I like it better in your render than how it looks in the official render for some reason. Looks good, still, I definitely prefer this look:



Well done!

I think I definitely prefer the hat over the beret, but, I have to admit, the beret is quite a distinctive look for her. She makes it work, but, the hat is more badass imo.

Also, I think it suits this costume much better. I think the beret works perfectly on her MKDA alt (as seen in your gorgeous edit).

Once again, excellent job tweaking all those things I mentioned earlier. The entire render looks flawless thanks to you addressing the issues.

Also, I'd like to comment once again on what an excellent job you've done paying attention to the details: the perfectly edited boots, the straps on her leg and shoulders, the belt with the ring, the glove's design, and that design in her private part (with all those wrinkles around it) is outstanding! And the coloring and shadowing in her pants is simply perfect. Good job!



Love it!

Not much to add except that:

1) I think I definitely prefer her with the hat on her head and

2) The bangs here do need some work. Constructive Criticism on the way! :

They look like they were inserted and glued in her head as opposed to being an actual part of her hair that is coming out of her head. Does this make sense?

The top part where they are supposed to be coming out should be smooth and part of her hair, imo. Look like the bangs on the left, they are part of her head and hair, not extensions (like they currently look). That is the only think that I find off with this edit. The bangs should come out naturally from the rest of her hair, not be "glued" on top of it.

And like I mentioned before (though is not a big deal), the ends (points) of her long bangs should be more smooth and like flowing hair instead of having that perfect-squarish cut.

Other than that: excellent!



I'm glad Mikey requested this costume/render because it's really a cool look.

It's simple, to the point, but, an effective and badass costume that suits Sonya. It really does accentuate her human side. It reminds us where she really comes from, more than some of her official costumes.

That being said, this is definitely not a costume I'd approve for her in the game nor a costume I love. This is not because its bad, but, simply because its bad when compared to her other more detailed, interesting, and elaborated designs.

She has nothing going on. No gloves, no interesting designs or accessories, no straps on her arms or legs, and no fashionable additions on her body. Overall, its just too simple and plain of a costume to be a favorite of mine or something that I'd be pleased to see in a future game.

As an extra extra costume it would be fun (as long as she already has 2 or 3 other more elaborated and detailed designs), but, as a primary or alternate, well, it just leaves too much to be desired.

Take note that this is not because its bad, its just, well, too simple, plain, and boring when compared to her other designs and many other MK designs that are given to the rest of the MK cast. It would make her look incomplete and almost like she didn't fit with the rest of the cast.

I'd definitely spice it up with some crazy exaggerated straps around one of her legs, arms (like seen on her back on her MKvsDC costume, but, more crazy, of course), the futuristic long gloves from MKvsDC are a must, and maybe add a shinny and colorful high-tech accessory around one of her legs.

This costume, as it is, is cool, but, too incomplete and simple for my taste.

What do you think, Mikey?

Still a gorgeous edit. And talking about that, my dear Garlador:

1) Something looks a off and odd with her left leg. Maybe its because you edited her big hips and her overall pose with that leg? It doesn't look bad, just, a little weird when staring. Like something is not right or missing.

I can see you edited the pose/hip that connects with her left leg, so, maybe that's why it doesn't seem to add. Maybe it would have worked if you would have kept the pose the same? Still, pretty good edit!

2) I think you could do better with the part of her tank top that's in her shoulders. The whole shirt looks great except for the parts in her shoulders (what do you call those? the two straps?) You see, they look a little bit rushed and as if they don't match with one another. The right part is bigger and ends in a particular way, while the left side looks drastically slimmer and also ending in a different way.

I'm having a really hard time explaining this. I'm talking about the tank-top lines going over her shoulders. The shirt itself is good.

I just think you can do better. A softer and more carefully polished edit would make them match and look more like a professional render (like all your other edits) and not like a fan-made render.

I can't wait to see what you will deliver next! Looking forward to the remaining costumes and your very own original creations (which will surely put NRS to shame).

And congratulations on this thread! One of your most successful and awesome KOTW contributions!

I will respond to your post and Mikey's regarding the females sexuality and look in a different post to avoid confusion. This one is already long enough.

I promised a few "Garlador concept ideas" for Sonya.

Here's the first (of many).

NRS you should hire Garlador!!!...like, RIGHT NOW!

Garlador, I love you and shame on you for putting NRS to shame! How dare you come up with far more original, creative, sexy, and outstanding designs than their entire team of professionals?

I take this render edit over her MK9 Primary (as much as I love those fantastic and badass pants of hers) any day!

In all seriousness though, I love NRS and what they've done (for the most part) with my favorite character (thank you guys!!! ), but, when I see these kind of stuff and compare it to their "Sonya without a shirt design" idea, well, I'm just outraged.

1) I absolutely love the military theme (colors) in her pants, hat, boots, and vest. That military vest thing she has is really badass. Nice touch!

2) The blood-stained bandages in her arms is really an excellent and fantastic addition! It really adds to the costume and gives you a sense of who she is and what she does. I love that concept and that's actually something that I'd approve for an alternate in the future.

They don't only look like cool fashionable decorations, like Johnny's or Sub-Zero's, they actually look like something you'd use in real-life if you got hurt. It does look like something she was forced to use due to battle damage. Cool!

Nice nod to the new Lara Croft, btw. I take it you got inspired by her new design (concerning those bandages)?

3) The USA tattoo is pretty cool, unlike the exaggerated and unfitting tattoos that Vincent Proce gave his Sonya in that concept art of his. This one is simple and acceptable. I'm not a fan of Sonya having tattoos, but, I wouldn't oppose to something like this. I like how it looks. It talks about her character and adds to her design. Not crazy and ridiculous.

4) Love love love the colors. I know I said it already, but, the way you worked it on her hat, pants, vest, and specially on her boots is really impressive!

I keep looking at those badass boots and I keep thinking that a dinosaur (preferably a Velociraptor) is about to jump and attack her in any moment, lol. She looks like a Dino-hunter or a lone survivor in Costa Rica's Jurassic Park.

5) Excellent work on the little details: the SF/OIA badge on the vest, the dog tags, glasses, and the yellow lines in her hat all look great.

Sonya should definitely have her own a spin-off game. She'd make a great MK version of "Lara Croft".

Everything looks flawless.

I would mention the thing I mentioned above about this particular new pose and left leg, but, for some reason, it seems to work just fine in this render (and not so much in the one you did for Mikey).

See, I can tell you used the same new pose that you edited for that movie-costume render above, but, it doesn't look off here. The leg looks fine and in proportion. I think it's the addition of those big pocket-things in her pants that helped to balance the perspective. They cover up part of the leg that made it look off in the other render, maybe?

What do you think?

I'd totally try to go with the original pose of the official render (the one that accentuates her hip) instead of the one you did, just to be safe about the right leg and her body not looking off and odd in the future. Just a constructive suggestion.

Anyway, this is a FLAWLESS VICTORY! I'm so excited that you said that there are many more on the way. Soooo looking forward to the rest of your creations!

PS: I would have totally added a knife in one of her legs and maybe even grenades. But, maybe you are saving those for another fantastic render? Also, don't be afraid to use her MKvsDC gloves (which are distinctive, fantastic and superior in design). I think those really added to her design.

PPS: Love love the way you made her hair. Also, don't be afraid to use the face and (Britney Spears) hair you used for these renders:




Awesome, awesome job, man!

Dude, you freakin' rock! The edits of Sonya's past costumes were awesome, but now that you're throwing all this individuality into the mix through your very own concepts, I'm really impressed. Great job with this first one! Very bare-knuckles, down-and-dirty, yet "sexy vixen" kinda vibe. She doesn't look like she tried to be sexy, and just simply is. All she's dressed for is a lot of violent cardio out in the field, it's not her fault she's werkin' it.

Last one for today. Another Garlador original, though with some inspiration from a concept I saw by RyomaNinja awhile back.

You just don't mess with a Texan girl...

SPOILED.

Spoiled spoiled spoiled spoiled spoiled.

*shakes head*

As a Sonya fan, i feel privileged


Some immense talent goin' on right here.

Love your first concept, the camo-shorts and short jacket.

Treads a fine linebetween "genuine military outfit" and "spunky cool hot chick". Perfect balance!

Awesome rendering. Impressive talent :)

<3

Regarding these past comments:



I absolutely agree.

I've never minded the big boobs, sexy thong, battle damage introduced in MKvsDC, exposed midriff, or even the high heels in her MKDA alternate, however, MK9 Sonya (primary costume) is the first time I ever feel like they got her wrong. And considering that its a new and cool design, its a real shame.

No shirt and high heels....they almost killed it for me. It's still unacceptable and makes no sense. After all these years, you'd think they'd KNOW about their own characters and their reputation.

They failed miserably with most of the females designs in this game. A real shame. But, to me, no mistake is more offensive (and stupid) than Sonya's lack of a shirt. Not even Kitana's alternative costume (though that's a different story).



Exactly my feelings!

Though, to be absolutely honest and fair, I never felt dislike towards the old classic Lara because of her sexualized image. I just lost interest in the games.

Her new look, design, and comeback in Legend brought me back to her. I love it! I can't deny it, I love the new look, model, and I love that she still has big boobs in that game, Anniversary and even Underworld. The point is, however, that she looks more modest and decent than she did in the past. She is still sexualized, but, she's finally starting to be more human. You can relate to her more than before.

The new Lara, however, wow, has turned everything around for me. Exactly for the same reasons that Garlador has expressed. She doesn't look like the Super Ultra Mega Model of the past games, she looks human. Real. The boobs and the sexiness have taken a step back to finally let the thing that really matters shine.

That being said, I'm disappointed she isn't wearing her trademark shorts (or showing off her belly). I like the new design, but, well, I'm still a sucker for certain things that made her iconic, and because of that, I miss the braid, long hair, and shorts more than I'll ever miss the boobs or her exposed stomach.

I thinking I'm going off the point though. What I want to say is that I pretty much agree with Garlador's vision and thoughts on this matter. Nicely put!



Hail to the absolute truth!

NRS needs to hire you. Now.



Gottcha. Yeah, you make sense.



How dare you question Sonya's natural gifts to the world? It has already been confirmed that her twins are real and natural. No implants (unlike that Mileena. Shame on her!).



And lol about the penises.



I agree.

Like I said, I honestly really don't mind the enhanced sexiness as long as she still looks like Sonya and is represented as the tough badass that she is. I honestly don't mind a thong or a belly piercing. I do, however, severely mind MK9 primary without a shirt and the high heels.

It's stupid. And you are correct.



Leo!!!!!!

So great to see you stopping by in one of the most glorious Sonya threads ever. Come back to us. I hope to see you share more your thoughts and constructive ideas concerning Garlador's renders and his KOTW threads.

Miss you.

And now:



IMPRESSIVE!!!

Like Leo said, your edits have gotten even more impressive and interesting now that you are adding your own style and creativity to the table.

I'm glad you chose to continue using the original pose of the official render. Looks much better.

This edit is very impressive and it definitely sports some unique details that I wouldn't have considered for Sonya.

Excellent job with the coloring! It's really one of my favorite things about your renders. The way you edit all those details and manage to color them so perfectly makes your renders look very official and of a professional quality. I particularly like the design of that new jacket/vest (with the bright lines, zipper, badge and colors).

However, I'm personally not a big fan of that fur in the costume. I think its simply because its something so different for Sonya, something we haven't seen before or that I really wouldn't think/expect to see in one of her costumes, that I'm not particularly warm to that idea.

It's supposed to be fur, right? Problem is, I also think of "feathers" when I see it..and then I immediately think of a "chicken", lol.

But this is MY own personal taste. This doesn't mean the design is bad! I felt the same way about Sub-Zero's MKD fur. I loved the new Shredder costume, but, the dead animals around him, not so much.

That being said, I think that fur (or feathers?) is what makes this costume so very interesting and unique. Definitely an interesting take on Sonya and I'm so glad to see how you can envision her in more than just a single creative style. I love your take on it even though I'm not a fan of the fur.

Fantastic job on the pants and gloves! I'm more of a firm believer that Sonya should always have body-tight pants (and shirts, lol), but honestly, I think the baggy pants work perfectly for this costume. It adds a lot to the overall "look". Very good choice.

Great job editing those accessories in her legs (the pockets? the ammo holders? how do you call those?) and the strap-holders in her "private part" area (the black lines...can someone please tell me how you call that stuff in English so I can stop writing so lamely about it? thanks!) and excellent coloring of the gloves. Really really nice!

I also love that you kept that "watch"/"High-Tech" devise in her wrist and the arm band with that symbol. That's supposed to be a real military symbol, correct? The number of lines is supposed to mean something, right? Is it about rank? Accomplishments?

Finally, I love that you chose the loose hair and the details in her face and head suit her perfectly.

A very tasteful, creative, and different Sonya-costume, indeed. I really really like it!

My one constructive criticism:

There is definitely something off with her breasts. They look way too ENORMOUS and also disproportionated, buddy. I think you should take care of that issue to make your render perfect.

You see, her right breast is a lot smaller and in a clearly different shape than the left one. The difference is so big that its hard to ignore it. So far, it looks like the left one got a "enhanced boob-job" but the right one decided to stay smaller and not as round.

I think this little mistake throws off the quality of your render. The difference in size is so clear that I kind of find myself paying more attention at the odd shape of her breasts instead of your flawless costume idea. What do you think?

Also, I look forward to you responding my comments above (points at this post and the other post concerning your MKvsDC Sonya edits). I know you don't usually tackle everything people right to you, but, I'd love to hear your thoughts on some of the things I said and asked you.

Looking forward to your next original edit!



All of this.

Garlador, keep them coming!

This one is great. Maybe make the boots all black with a camo-edge instead, as I am not fan of the camo-sneakers. Also, not sure about the bandages...



Great edit, but I don't like the outfit for Sonya. I don't think it fits her. But still a great edit.

As far as the simple black MK1 movie outfit you made for me Garlador, I still say it's the best look you've made so far. I did hint though that you could embellish it (maybe give her some leather arm bands, the thigh strap in your other designs, maybe some studded (small, not bulky) bracelets, etc.)

I think if you decorated this version of Sonya in the right way, it would hands down be the best Sonya ever.

I can see in my mind the additions I would make, so that's why unlike Queve I can still adamantly say this is your best work. It's the beginning of something that could be "the best", anyways. Sonya isn't a fashion queen. Tank top, shorts, and leather boots and she's ready to go. THAT is Sonya to me.

So....think maybe you'll add some extra details to it? :)

Glad you like it. I'm a big proponent of adding "history" and personal details or touches to every character design, something that would tell you all you'd need to know about their personality and history without bogging them down or over-complicating a design.


The vest (and the fur around it) is based off of a bomber jacket my father had in the airforce, though tailored to fit and enhance a female form and figure. It's not something I necessarily like either, but I do think it's the most interesting addition to the outfit and something real people in the military wear, especially on missions that would necessitate warmer clothing (though I guess we're following the "Cammy" rule on this one, where she wears a parka on the top and a thong on the bottom... how warm can she be?)

I do see the issue with her breasts and it took me awhile to fix it. I've had the itch to do other things and work on other designs, so I didn't look back quite as eagerly as on the other designs to tackle those when I was distracted by other things... but I got around to it eventually.

Sorry I haven't gotten back to you. It's been a crazy-busy week, and I haven't had time to make too many changes.


Will do!

You requested of me a more "future soldier" look, right? More of a bodysuit of some kind? Well, here's my take on that.


Hope you like.

Ooo that's pretty cool

It feels a bitttttttttt Cammy-esque, and I've never been a fan of all-over camo, but the design and little details (her dog tags on the b elt!) look great!

And I love how you made her hair swept back in her ponytail. I love her big ass bangs but it's nice to see something different too ^_^


However, unlike Quevey, I'm not one for "futuristic" when it comes to Sonya. Ideally I want her to stay fantastical, but grounded in "modern" outfit. Tank tops and cool pants etc. MK4 was probably as "futuristic" as I'd like her.

Because seriously, her MK9 alternate was just out-of-the-park cool :)

Make it purple and it looks like Nina Williams. :P
Cool none the less.

Did you make her boobs insanely huge just to annoy me? Hahaha ^_^

Can you make an accessorized version of the one you made for me (MK1 black)? Still no hat or sunglasses though. And can you make the boots look like this style? http://cache.pixazza.com/product/full/9504a212f.jpeg Except, a bit taller on the top (so it looks more like a boot and less like a shoe). FYI, that's my shoe. hahaha

Some great posts I want to address, but, first things first:



And you do are doing an excellent job at that!



LOL on the "Cammy rule".

But, yes, I agree that the fur is definitely the most interesting addition to the outfit and it really makes the whole thing stand out, and in a good way! I'm not a fan of it, but, I can definitely appreciate it in this design and I think that I'd learn to love it quite easily. That render edit is pretty badass and one of my favorites.



Yay!

Man, it looks sooo much better and professional. Good job!



Same here! Which is why it too me so long to get to this awesomeness:



GORGEOUS!!!

Garlador, this is some really impressive work! All those wonderful details in her design are fantastic!

I please need to know: what was your inspiration? How did you come up with this look?

I really love how you designed her top. The top along side ALL the black-colored edges/parts/designs/materials/things in this costume (I don't know how to properly name those in English) are my favorite things about this design.

Excellent attention to details, Garlador. You've really made her stand out. And I'm also loving the straps in her costume. Really cool! Glad you went with the awesome MKvsDC boots as well as the big/long gloves.

This is definitely a badass and awesome look. I also like that it reminds me of Lara Croft (because of the way you designed the lower part of her top, the one that goes inside of her pants and leaves the sides of her waist exposed, she used to have that look in the past) and that's always a good thing!

And finally, it does indeed have a "futuristic vibe" to it. It's not really the "futuristic look" that I have in mind (please read below for constructive criticism), but, overall, I absolutely approve of this design and it would make a wonderful Primary Costume for her.

I also want to compliment your talent in regards to the coloring of your edits. It's really impressive! I love how I keep looking at this render edit and it just doesn't look fake or fan-made. The "camo-military-colors" look really really nice. Very smooth and very pretty. You've been doing a good job with the colors since your very first render edit buddy. Like I said before, it's one of my favorite things about your edits.

The first time I saw your edit she had HUGE breasts that rivaled those of Ivy! That was going to be my only constructive criticism because they were simply too big for her (and this is coming from a big Rosetta and Derek Tickle-Muffins supporter, FYI). I felt that they lowered the quality of your work and the size made her look a bit ugly. But, you thankfully listened to Mikey and took care of that single issue.

That being said, I do have one personal comment and one "constructive criticism special note" that I'd like to share with you. These are the two things I'm not feeling:

1) Regarding the Constructive special note:

I love this design and it definitely gives us that cool "futuristic vibe", however, I feel that it's not as big and powerful as it could be: The camo-colors you gave her in this costume "ruin" the costume, imo. As gorgeous as the coloring looks, I don't think the choice works well for this costume. Let me try to explain:

I think you should be bolder with her colors and be less obvious with the coloring-theme in her designs (does that make sense?). Sonya is military and her badass soldier-like costumes tell us that story. Because of that, we really don't need to see her featuring camo/military colors all the time. It's predictable, safe, and I don't think its necessary, specially in a case like this one.

The "futuristic" vibe of this costume is sacrificed in favor of the "realistic-military theme". It clashes.

It does work well in some costumes (like your first 2, for example), but, definitely not in everything. Take a look at the colors in her MK4, MKDA, MKvsDC, and MK9 primary and alt costumes, for example. Sonya plays with colors. Not all of them feature that "military theme".

Your first two original edits definitely make it work. Perfectly. The colors are perfect and really fitting to the designs you created for her (no complaints), but, I really don't feel that's the case with this Sonya. It feels like those camo-military colors were forced on her just because she's a soldier.

Its almost like you felt that we needed to be reminded of who she is and what she does and where she comes from. I think the design of the costume is already very successful and does all those things! The colors over-do it and are unnecessary.

The whole idea of this costume is that its "futuristic". The colors don't feel right with the vibe this costume is trying to give.

Out of the 3 costumes you did for her, this is the most different of them all. Like, you could actually team up the first two costumes, easily, and put them in the same category. They both look very realistic and that they come from the same world.

But, this one doesn't fit with those two. It's in another kind of "style". In a different world. In a totally different category. This costume would go in a separate closet of hers that feature the more "risky and less realistic" wardrobe that she should have.

Because of that, I think you could be more creative and bolder with the colors of this design. I think you should do it! Spice it up! Make it feel like a real futuristic costume. You don't need to color her in a military theme for her to be military. The design is already perfect! It already tells us she's a badass soldier. It already tells us that there is some OIA going on in there.

She doesn't need that camo in her. Instead, why don't you play around with red (mk4) and that white/silver theme she had going on in MKvsDC? Or what about a shinny bright "glowing green" instead? Example:



See that lovely shade of glowing green? Her primary would have been so much better if it looked like that. I can't believe they didn't even consider a shade like that for her alt color. And take a look at your first MK4 edits. Those red and green colors in her costume look superb and really fitting for a costume like this.

I think that if you mixed the colors properly you've have a totally GLORIOUS and SUCCESSFUL "Futuristic Design":

1) Red + Silver/White
2) Red + Glowing green
3) Bright glowing Green + Silver/white

You see what I mean? You can always add extra things if you think she'd look "too flat", but, I really don't think thats going to happen.

You should be bolder and drop the camo-colors"military colors" theme. I think it looks great on some costumes and I do enjoy that look, however, I enjoy even more that Sonya doesn't need to sport that obvious theme for us to know who she is and what she does. I love that she can have a more diverse and unique combination of colors instead of being labeled with "camo" just because she is a soldier. After all, you were the one who said this:





I really really hope I made sense with all of that above. I apologize if it sounds a bit confusing, but, I tried my best.

2) Regarding that personal comment:

I'm not feeling (at all) her hair. I love the bangs, but, I just can't appreciate that new hair style. :-/ I don't think it looks bad, however, it reminds me of Johnny's "spiky" hair in the new game and that's a look that doesn't favor her or does her any justice.

I'd love to see this render with the original hair style she has or any of the other ones you had in your older edits. I'm not liking this one too much. Maybe if you do edit the colors you can change the hair?

PLEASE let me know what you think. I want to hear all your thoughts about all I wrote and hopefully see you tackling those issues.

I really look forward to seeing this particular render edited again, featuring a bolder and more creative approach with her colors. I know you can do it! You are all about making things unique and being creative.

Just so you know: I will harass you till you do it, constantly and more annoyingly than ever before. You've been warned.