LeoBrZ81 Wrote:
Having seen half of Story Mode including its immediate ending and Sonya's chapter, being aware of her variations, and seen some admittedly weakly executed gameplay of hers, I am extremely satisfied with her showing in this game.




I want to talk about her Portrayal, keeping it as ostensibly spoiler-free as I can.




The goal in MKX evidently encompasses elevating Sonya Blade to an epitomized position of leadership for the Earthrealmers. She is Earthrealm's leader on all fronts: in command, in ambassadorship, as well as active defense. This is brilliant, but it is to be acknowledged that in showering Sonya with such a strong, but specific role, inevitably there will be losses. And indeed we're losing a few things as Sonya ascends to embody Earthrealm's defense.

These losses are minimal, and are strictly tied to Sonya's complete immersion within her military role. As the "cream of the crop" of Special Forces (which itself encapsulates other Earthrealm-based factions; more on that later), Sonya is presented to us very rigorously as a soldier-commander. Thus come lamented additions such as use of a drone and high-tech gear in favor of once iconic acrobatic feats and Chi-based powers ala Liu Kang and Cage. I continue to dislike the idea of the drone and bemoan the retconning of her corporeal energy, but I'm confident I'll grow used to what are essentially newly fashioned modules to her personality.

What we're gaining is much loftier in scope and something to be admired and appreciated, and cherished throughout the lifetime of this iteration. And that is a Sonya confidently boasted and empirically established as a protagonist to the Story, the lore's lead female character, and, really, the "Face of Earthrealm". In a new reality where past defenders have fallen and moved on, and where new faces are mingling with select classics to form a new world of Mortal Kombat, Sonya is given the mantle of Earthrealm's Khan, to put it bluntly and hilariously---she is to it what Kotal hoped to be for Outworld, sans the mutiny and the ensuing civil war. And that is because Sonya wears this mantle beautifully, and the rest of Earthrealm, including its other protective factions, are accepting of this. She has managed to bring them all together, to unify the realm, and is more than happy to be its chieftain; they report to her, they check in with her, they follow her orders, and no stone is moved or turned without her say-so.

A footnote worthy of inclusion is the invalidation of the once popular outcry that the roster is too "Special Forces-heavy". Overreaching jokes about MKX being MK: Special Forces 2 are rendered even sillier when one takes in Story Mode. The Special Forces is merely the faction that brought the others together, that leads them in Earthrealm's defense; it does not lay claim to any one of their identities. Takeda proudly touts his title of Shirai-Ryu; Kung Jin colorfully dons his metaphorical Shaolin Monk robe; Sub-Zero journeys on as Grandmaster of the Lin Kuei.

The existence and prominency of the Special Forces serves only to harmonize an otherwise muddled Earthrealm with a cluttered story involving a group of characters and factions who just can't seem to come together toward the imperative task of the realm's defense. Thanks to SF, characters remain loyal to their identities and titles while sharing a much-needed and overdue goal.





Now, where does Cassie Cage fit into this, and what does this all mean for Sonya in MK11? It's too early to tell, and by Boon's own words, anyone contemplating this at the moment is farther ahead than even NRS is when it comes to the question, "Where do we go from here?" They don't know. They've dedicated themselves wholly to this, MKX, and their daunting battle with the blank page is still to come.

One thing has been made certain: Sonya Blade is not going anywhere. Her impressive portrayal in this game, her snug fit into her new role, and the ending of MKX's Story all concretize her newfound position in the franchise, and optimistically allude to her continuous return.

Will she be back next game, in some form? Of course. Is there a possibility that she won't be an initially playable character? Yes, just as there was such a possibility prior MKX and prior any game. And just like before MKX, the possibility of her exclusion as playable does not correlate whatsoever to her daughter's existence. Do not expect Cassie Cage to perform Leg Grabs and shoot Energy Rings; in fact, expect not to see Stryker's return much sooner than you would do the same toward Sonya.

What was once evident is only made clearer in MKX: Cassie Cage is not her replacement. Her gameplay attests to that more than anything. Other than locks of hair, they have NO notable similarities. Cassie is a welcomed afterthought and addition, never was nor will be a replacement. Therefore, don't be surprised to see Sonya and Cassie sharing a select screen again in the near future.

residentfan Wrote:
I just heard Sonya's EX Leg Grab has armor, that's why it doesn't has extra damage.

Also, you can have preassure with it, it could be even more powerfull than the Kartweel in 9.

residentfan Wrote:
I just heard Sonya's EX Leg Grab has armor, that's why it doesn't has extra damage.

Also, you can have preassure with it, it could be even more powerfull than the Kartweel in 9.

Darkmage41 Wrote:


oh my I was comepltey oblvious to armour properties, that is so cool! Just shows you the level of depth the game has, yes so now it basically is a replacement for the Kartwheel!

I finished the Tower and the ending featured artwork, the ending also was a downer as in it wasnt happily ever after.

I have a feeling her classic skin is going to be her MK3 outfit because under her tournament jacket, she's wearing a tank top that is sort of striped black, white and green, the pony tail is also a big give away as its alot like her MK3 pony tail. but I could be mistaken, they might give her short hair and make her wear the green aerobics outfit with white socks.

Zidane_FF Wrote:
Covert OPS will be my main variation, but it is too bad that she had her face painted in that style.

Sonya31 Wrote:
It's funny, I remember stating 4 years ago about Sonya being top tier. People thought she would be no more than mid tier. Yeah Un huh! Now mark my words, history is about to repeat itself. Sonya's covert ops alone will make her top tier( with military stance, and counter parries). I expect demolition to do major damage as well, especially if she can utilize those bombs good or even like Cyrax. So people who think otherwise get ready for a rude awakening.

sonyamkoriginal Wrote:
I really like this image...........

Darkmage41 Wrote:
Been away the game for sometime, MKX has become so addictive that you itch for it when you're not playing it loL!

Darkmage41 Wrote:
I checked out the practice video and the D+4 to military stance is new to me! and certainly makes her military stance more useful, while playing I manged to jump Kick followed by a Drop kick *thats two guaranteed hits) and then a D+4 connects after the drop kick, ( low third hit) so I;m wondering know if I can fit in the military stance after the third hit for a Kartwheel and then Juggle (if that works out then we've got a guaranteed 12+ hit combo!) .

Darkmage41 Wrote:
Still cant makeout any difference with her Ex Leg grab ( I tried it on block and I tired while the opponent is attacking me) and didn't notice anything different. sorry I;m not really savvy when it comes to these things. I'm hoping the release date patch will add something here.

Darkmage41 Wrote:
Covert ups is hardcore Sonya Blade.
Demolition is tricky, fun and games, very different play style more accessible for beginners.
Special Forces ( Still havent made much progress but I think this variation has an exclusive brutality, not 100% sure though)

As for the face paint, I'm a fan, it makes her look tougher without making her feel less feminine, It is true that her tournament outfit is similar to major blade but Its her only outfit (so far) that is green(ish), and green is classic Sonya so its become very popular with me, I'd Say General Sonya is her best outfit followed by Tournament Sonya the green trumps any misgivings.

Darkmage41 Wrote:
As for her prefight interactions, I love the Banter between her and Kano, there is history there, Kano even drops his "allo Baby, did you miss me" line from the movie! I might have misheard but he even mentions that she;s one of his favorite Blades, there are atleast five different prefight intros. on the other hand there is just one post fight concluder, which gets tiring really quickly . She tells Rayden that she''lk shove her boots up his "a$$".

Darkmage41 Wrote:
As for the rest of the characters, I;m digging most of them, NRS have gone out of their way to make the newbies user friendly, Cassie, Dvorah, Takeda, Jin, all stand out immediately, Jaquie actually I'm big fan off, unlike Cassie her moves are mostly unique and she takes some skill to play with also her shotgun is cool.

I'm not digging Ferra Torr and Kotal Khan.

TigerStyle Wrote:
Not sure why people were mad about Sonya and Jax being in the game when they had some of the best parts.

MerdynBlade Wrote:
I am wondering what kind of Brutalities she has.

SlickRick82 Wrote:


She has a leg toss one from the get go. Kinda like her old leg split fatality. I've unlocked another. Press FWD and BK and she feint kicks them. It turns into a brutality with the right combination and she kicks their head clean off. It's beautiful!