Skarlet in MK11 is completely wrong...

[Kuriishi]

Lore/Backstory

Mortal Kombat (2011)
Skarlet was first officially introduced as a character in Mortal Kombat (2011). This was the first canon appearance of the character and the first to give her backstory, as per her Bio[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]:

Shao Kahn has many warriors under his command, but his trust lies solely in the fighters of his own creation. Warrior blood gathered from countless battlefields, fused with sorcery, produced his most effective enforcer yet: Skarlet. An expert tracker, she preys on those deemed enemies of the empire. During kombat, Skarlet gains strength from her opponent's blood, absorbing it through her skin. Shao Kahn has a new mission for this formidable kombatant: discover Quan Chi's true intentions and kill him if he plots betrayal of the emperor.

From this we learnt the following key details pertaining to her character:

• Skarlet is one of Shao Kahn's Creations (like Mileena, we can assume Shang Tsung provided the sorcery)
  
• She is comprised of the blood of many warriors (like how Ermac is comprised of many souls)
  
• She gains strength by absorbing blood through her skin
  
• Her loyalty lies within Shao Kahn

These points are reinforced in her arcade ending:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo1ZQ_MRr_A
Skarlet's loyalty to Shao Kahn is unmoving. She rushes to battle to avenge him and is strengthened with each foe that fails.

Design

Mortal Kombat (2011)
Her design is very notable too. It also alludes to her lore in absorbing blood to become stronger as she has a lot of exposed skin.
Some Examples:

• Skarlet as she Appears in MK9[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]
  
• Alt costume (appearing in MK9 Vita)[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]
• MK2 Costume (Vita)[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]
  
• MK3 Costumes (Vita)[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]

Now, fast forward to Mortal Kombat 11 and A LOT has changed:

Lore/Backstory

Mortal Kombat 11
Mortal Kombat 11 introduces Skarlet with her official Bio, as per the website[www.mortalkombat.com]:

Blood mage and Imperial Bodyguard. Skarlet was a starving wretch before Shao Kahn anointed her in blood. Reborn by his sorcery with an insatiable bloodlust and the power to feed it, her crimson cravings are rivaled by her desire for Shao Kahn's praise. She is his deadliest, most faithful creation.

We learn some interesting details in her Klassic Tower Ending.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYzGM1ghuE8
Whilst non-canonical (like all Arcade endings), this portrays Skarlet with an insatiable appetite for power. So much so that it even eclipses her loyalty to Shao Kahn. Is this believable, well that's up to debate.

Key Points:
Similarities

• Her abilities are gained from Shao Kahn's sorcery
  
• She is faithful to Shao Kahn
  
• She craves blood (power)

Differences Additional Exposition

• She was an orphan taken in by Shao Kahn infused with blood magic(rather than be created solely from blood)
  
• Her ambition for power is greater than her loyalty to Shao Kahn

The following interview with Ed Boon, references her being created from the blood of warriors and as the creation of Shao Kahn, suggesting that the new pieces of information are not retcons but additional exposition of her character.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFYFYoYYs70
Credit to Zaxx for this info.

It would've been nice to have that context within the game imo...

Design

Mortal Kombat 11
This part is where things really get baffling to me.
Cosmetics
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2095473341
Above is some speedpaintings of Skarlet which illustrate the direction they wanted to take the character in MK11. However, this makes no sense to me. The final result is her ending up with a mass of uni-body body suits for costumes in MK11; which doesn't fit her character at all.

First of all, the clothing and armour she is wearing is way too bulky and covers too much. For someone who literally weaponises her own blood, this makes no sense. Covering her skin in areas which she cuts to access blood weapons is inefficient. What's the point in wearing armour if you're just going to tear it apart yourself?

Secondly, as mentioned before, she absorbs her enemies blood to use as weapons. Why would she cover herself up so much reducing the surface area in which she can funnel their blood and absorb their power? In one of her conversations with Cassie, she even mentions how she requires blood to stay alive.

Thirdly, as seen in her Brutalities, she maintains her affliction for blood. The whole "reveling in feeling the sensation of blood rain on skin" looks really daft when all of her skin is covered in cloth. Compared to her Fatality in MK9 where she slits the opponent's neck and does the same thing, it looks out of place.

Face/Hair

We never explicitly get to see Skarlet's face in MK9 but I do think the new Face and Voice suit her well. Her characterisation in how she speaks etc. is quite fitting. However, what is missing is her distinctive Ponytail from MK9. Her default hairstyle looks off (too short) and many of her hairstyles aren't even red. That's all a bit disappointing

In conclusion, I really don't understand this character (she plays pretty cool though)

tl;dr - Skarlet in MK11 has a lot of inconsistencies with her design and character portrayal in comparison with her introduction way back in 2011.

[Kuriishi]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Zaxx:

Ursprungligen skrivet av Kuriishi:

I have contemplated that possibility and will concede that point if that is actually confirmed by one of the devs but as far as I know that's not the case.

They still refer to Skarlet as being created by Shao Kahn. From the wiki:

However Mortal Kombat 11 retcons her history, making her a starving Outworlder before being reborn in blood and sorcery. Despite this, Ed Boon in his interview after the game release still refers to her as the creation of Shao Kahn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFYFYoYYs70

Alright, fair. with a bit of research I found the source of what you're referencing. Turns out Boon still acknowedges her as the creation of Shao Kahn. I'll update the OP with this...

[wpykdg]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Kuriishi:

tl;dr - Skarlet in MK11 has a lot of inconsistencies with her design and character portrayal in comparison with her introduction way back in 2011.


Skarlet was first officially introduced as a character in Mortal Kombat (2011). This was the first canon appearance of the character and the first to give her backstory, as per her Bio[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]:

Shao Kahn has many warriors under his command, but his trust lies solely in the fighters of his own creation. Warrior blood gathered from countless battlefields, fused with sorcery, produced his most effective enforcer yet: Skarlet. An expert tracker, she preys on those deemed enemies of the empire. During kombat, Skarlet gains strength from her opponent's blood, absorbing it through her skin. Shao Kahn has a new mission for this formidable kombatant: discover Quan Chi's true intentions and kill him if he plots betrayal of the emperor.

From this we learnt the following key details pertaining to her character:

• Skarlet is one of Shao Kahn's Creations (like Mileena, we can assume Shang Tsung provided the sorcery)
  
• She is comprised of the blood of many warriors (like how Ermac is comprised of many souls)
  
• She gains strength by absorbing blood through her skin
  
• Her loyalty lies within Shao Kahn

These points are reinforced in her arcade ending:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo1ZQ_MRr_A
Skarlet's loyalty to Shao Kahn is unmoving. She rushes to battle to avenge him and is strengthened with each foe that fails.

Her design is very notable too. It also alludes to her lore in absorbing blood to become stronger as she has a lot of exposed skin.
Some Examples:

• Skarlet as she Appears in MK9[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]
  
• Alt costume (appearing in MK9 Vita)[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]
• MK2 Costume (Vita)[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]
  
• MK3 Costumes (Vita)[vignette.wikia.nocookie.net]

Now, fast forward to Mortal Kombat 11 and A LOT has changed:

Lore

Mortal Kombat 11 introduces Skarlet with her official Bio, as per the website[www.mortalkombat.com]:

Blood mage and Imperial Bodyguard. Skarlet was a starving wretch before Shao Kahn anointed her in blood. Reborn by his sorcery with an insatiable bloodlust and the power to feed it, her crimson cravings are rivaled by her desire for Shao Kahn's praise. She is his deadliest, most faithful creation.

We learn some interesting details in her Klassic Tower Ending.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYzGM1ghuE8
Whilst non-canonical (like all Arcade endings), this portrays Skarlet with an insatiable appetite for power. So much so that it even eclipses her loyalty to Shao Kahn. Is this believable, well that's up to debate.

Key Points:
Similarities

• Her abilities are gained from Shao Kahn's sorcery
  
• She is faithful to Shao Kahn
  
• She craves blood (power)

Differences Additional Exposition

• She was an orphan taken in by Shao Kahn infused with blood magic(rather than be created solely from blood)
  
• Her ambition for power is greater than her loyalty to Shao Kahn

The following interview with Ed Boon, references her being created from the blood of warriors and as the creation of Shao Kahn, suggesting that the new pieces of information are not retcons but additional exposition of her character.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFYFYoYYs70
Credit to Zaxx for this info.

It would've been nice to have that context within the game imo...

Design

This part is where things really get baffling to me.
Cosmetics
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2095473341
Above is some speedpaintings of Skarlet which illustrate the direction they wanted to take the character in MK11. However, this makes no sense to me. The final result is her ending up with a mass of uni-body body suits for costumes in MK11; which doesn't fit her character at all.

First of all, the clothing and armour she is wearing is way too bulky and covers too much. For someone who literally weaponises her own blood, this makes no sense. Covering her skin in areas which she cuts to access blood weapons is inefficient. What's the point in wearing armour if you're just going to tear it apart yourself?

Secondly, as mentioned before, she absorbs her enemies blood to use as weapons. Why would she cover herself up so much reducing the surface area in which she can funnel their blood and absorb their power? In one of her conversations with Cassie, she even mentions how she requires blood to stay alive.

Thirdly, as seen in her Brutalities, she maintains her affliction for blood. The whole "reveling in feeling the sensation of blood rain on skin" looks really daft when all of her skin is covered in cloth. Compared to her Fatality in MK9 where she slits the opponent's neck and does the same thing, it looks out of place.

Face/Hair

We never explicitly get to see Skarlet's face in MK9 but I do think the new Face and Voice suit her well. Her characterisation in how she speaks etc. is quite fitting. However, what is missing is her distinctive Ponytail from MK9. Her default hairstyle looks off (too short) and many of her hairstyles aren't even red. That's all a bit disappointing

In conclusion, I really don't understand this character (she plays pretty cool though)

I will make two topics about this.

[Kuriishi]

Ursprungligen skrivet av SuperStreetsofRage4:

I will make two topics about this.

You didn't have to quote the entire OP for such a short reply XD.

If you have any thoughts, feel free to share them here

[GuRu Asaki]

How can you hate her, based on concepts that didnt make it into the Game?

oO

My fave is the Black Red Ponytail
hair skin... & long hair one...

The one that covers everything, but above the chest...

MK9 has an ugly costume for skarlet...

Shes too covered up for a blood weilder?
True, but its already too late to fix it now...

[GuRu Asaki]

Read my text again, it wasnt finished, stupid mobile, :( srry, cant type no more, be back later

[Kuriishi]

Ursprungligen skrivet av GuRu Asaki:

How can you hate her, based on concepts that didnt make it into the Game?

oO

My fave is the Black Red Ponytail
hair skin... & long hair one...

I don't hate her, I just don't understand the direction they went with her in terms of her design. I brought up those concepts as an indicator of how the entire conceptualisation of the character in MK11 was off base from the start. Her designs aren't consistent with her debut or character for the most part.

Ursprungligen skrivet av GuRu Asaki:

MK9 has an ugly costume for skarlet...

Shes too covered up for a blood weilder?
True, but its already too late to fix it now...

Ugly is entirely subjective. In this case, "ugliness" doesn't matter as long as the costume is consistent with the character. You're right it is too late to fix it now but I am only pointing out the inconsistencies. It's partially just some cathartic release for me lol.

Anyway, we can't fix these costumes but these design considerations can be taken for future skins for the character

[GuRu Asaki]

Bck, I just meant the MK9 Skins
were very awkward looking for skarlet,
I think her hair should be more Redish,
& all, but look at the costume from mk9?

The shoulder pad thing is lame,
& her top doesnt even hold the shoulder pads in place...

The whole pink coloring does not make sense at all? When Blood is actually Red, or Black-Red...

I just thought it was a dum design...

Also what do you mean by her costume being consistant? Consistsnt to what?


Im not defending MK11's default Skin at all, that doesnt make sense to me either... I just think till they create a better Costume in the future for Skarlet in mk... 1 that fits her the, best?

I am sticking to the mk11 two styles till that happens... Ponytail & long hair skins in the jumpsuit thing...

Problem is? Mk11 is not doing well,
so im less likely to return for another one... So im just taking it what it is,
that mk11 is the end of the story...

I get what you mean by, showing
more skin allows her abilities to flow better, but I just dun think the Developers, will give us something that works... & what we already got, will only get worst, oO

[Zaxx]

What I can think of as something that doesn't fit Skarlet in MK11 is her gameplay actually. She's a zoner and that doesn't really say "bloodthirsty and blood fueled witch" to me. In MK9 she was more of a rushdown character and that was a better fit even if I personally enjoy playing her in MK11 more.

[GuRu Asaki]

MK11 replaced her Orb Blood Absorbing HP, ability with blood rain, but so far, i think blood rain has been removed from game, i dont see it anymore...

Can anyone confirm, is it still there?
Which Ability is it?

[Cason]

She was also way stronger in MK9 having one of the best rush downs and now shes a weird mid ranged neutral zoner.

[Kuriishi]

Yeah, but the game-play changes are in-line with the changes in her established backstory. I think though, isn't the leniency towards being a zoner a common trait in MK11 for the whole roster? It's more of a meta thing rather than a specific character change, right?

Originally she was described as a "tracker" type in MK9 but now is referred to as a "Blood mage and Imperial Bodyguard" so that does deviate a bit in terms of origins. I can't really comment on gameplay too much since I'm a complete casual lol

I can comment on her design though, and it doesn't make sense in MK11

[Darkronous the Supreme Senpai]

Honestly, i think skarlet wasn't supposed to be in the game originally i think skarlet was probably gonna be nitara originally but was replaced because 'hurr durr mk fans don't like 3d characters"

[Kuriishi]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Darkronous the Supreme Senpai:

Honestly, i think skarlet wasn't supposed to be in the game originally i think skarlet was probably gonna be nitara originally but was replaced because 'hurr durr mk fans don't like 3d characters"

If you watch the video I linked Ed literally starts with "even though she was a DLC character, she was highly requested so for MK11 we knew from the start she was going to be included"

[Darkronous the Supreme Senpai]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Kuriishi:

Ursprungligen skrivet av Darkronous the Supreme Senpai:

Honestly, i think skarlet wasn't supposed to be in the game originally i think skarlet was probably gonna be nitara originally but was replaced because 'hurr durr mk fans don't like 3d characters"

If you watch the video I linked Ed literally starts with "even though she was a DLC character, she was highly requested so for MK11 we knew from the start she was going to be included"

For some reason,i don't know even when i liked mk9 i didn't play skarlet that much, i'm really hoping this isn't a case of people liking her due to her.... let's just call it assets

[Kuriishi]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Darkronous the Supreme Senpai:

For some reason,i don't know even when i liked mk9 i didn't play skarlet that much, i'm really hoping this isn't a case of people liking her due to her.... let's just call it assets

Skarlet is cool because she literally uses blood as a weapon. Also, for me she had a really cool design which was distinct from a lot of the other female ninja characters. Her fatalities were cool too