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As one of the most recognizable ladies in the genre of fighting games next to the likes of Chun-Li, Sonya Blade has cemented herself as an icon of theMortal Kombatfranchise. Initially appearing as the only woman in the original arcade game that started it all, she has maintained her presence in the series into the modern day.
A prolific member of Earthrealm’s Special Forces that has aided in protecting her home from the various apocalyptic disasters theMortal Kombatuniverse has faced over the years, Sonya is a veteran representative of the classic roster.
While her most recent appearance inMortal Kombat 1may have reduced her role significantly, the respect it pays to the past has led some fans to reflect on Sonya’s long history.
While she is undeniably popular and one ofMortal Kombat’s key faces even among casual fans, Sonya’s status as more of a supporting character has led to her not making it into every single game in the series. Both she and her rivalKanowere skipped over inMortal Kombat 2, and she would also end up sitting outDeceptiondue to her canonical death at the time. In a series that has explored as many directions asMK, however, she would also get several opportunities to reinvent herself within every other mainline title.
This tier list focuses only on versions of Sonya Blade from the mainlineMortal Kombatgames.
S-Tier
Mortal Kombat 3
Themost iconic version of Sonya Bladeto many fans ofMK’s original arcade era, this design is instantly recognizable to fighting game fans of that time and beyond. This iteration would be her official return to the series after being left out ofMK2, confirming that she was here to stay after all. With her returning moveset and a more elaborate version of her fitness-inspired outfit that was able to lean a bit more into her military background, this is often considered the definitive version of the character that influenced what followed.
Mortal Kombat 1
Appearing as one of the game’sKameo assist fighters, Sonya inMK1is a pure homage to her most famous outings in the arcade days. With the return of her original design and special moves in a fully realized HD style, this version’s respect for the past made it an instant favorite among fans of the first fewMKtitles. While she may not be an actual fully playable character due to her status as a seemingly non-canonical assist, the level of consistency with her arcade appearances makes this a special iteration for a new era.
A-Tier
Mortal Kombat (1992)
In her original appearance,Mortal Kombat’s Sonya Bladewould feature one of the more nuanced designs that the firstMortal Kombathad to offer. She wasn’t even initially planned to be in the game, but extra development allowed for her to become the only woman in an otherwise all-male cast.
With her bold choice of aerobic-style clothing and distinct special moves like her Energy Rings and Leg Grab throw, Sonya would begin to establish her reputation as a memorable fighter from the beginning. The fact that this look has so heavily inspired her look inMK1decades later only shows just how important the first game was for her.
Mortal Kombat X
Likely the most well-received iteration of a military look for Sonya,MKXgave her some much-needed personality that helped to make her a much more distinct character when compared to what was nearly pure fan service inMK9. With this game aging her up and making her the mother to newcomerCassie Cage, this was the most development that Sonya had ever seen given the relatively static nature of her previous characterizations. The variation system would also allow her to lean more heavily into her Special Forces technology while also staying true to her original gameplay.
Mortal Kombat 11
WhileMK11’s time travel-based narrative came with two different versions of Sonya Blade, this is one of her most controversial iterations for a reason that is beyond even aesthetics and gameplay. Voiced by the MMA fighterRonda Rousey, this vocal performance has been criticized ever since the game was released.
While there’s no doubt that Rousey is amazing at combat in real life, many fans have found her voice acting work here leaving something to be desired. This is still a strong outing for Sonya otherwise, even though her reliance on technology would reach a peak that proved somewhat controversial.
B-Tier
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance / Armageddon
Sonya, like several other fighters, would greatly change her look when the 3D era came along. Unlike characters such asSub-Zero, however, her new design wouldn’t exactly become a beloved, classic version of her.
Taking on a more simple jacket-based outfit as she left the aerobic-esque suit of the past behind,Deadly Alliance’s Sonya looked more militaristic at the cost of her unique flair. New stances would open up her moveset, but her identity began to become more muddled with a weapon as basic as the kali sticks.Armageddonsaw the return of this design following her absence inDeception, but it had even less of an impact overall beyond her appearances in Konquest mode.
Mortal Kombat 4
While the version ofSonya Blade inMK4wasn’t necessarily poorly received, her appearance here is also likely one of the most forgettable of the entire series. Considering how she has generally been billed as a mainstay of the franchise since the start, the lack of discussion or mere acknowledgment this iteration gets speaks volumes about its mediocre impact. Still, by no means a bad version, this Sonya would come with moves like the Kartwheel that stayed with her in future games.
Mortal Kombat (2011)
MKfans are no strangers to fan service and unrealistic standards set by fantastical characters, but Sonya’s design inMK9is still seen as something that went too far in the eyes of many. With the most emphasis that has ever been placed on her cleavage, the sheer impracticality of her outfit doesn’t benefit from the same lore reasoning behind a powerful Edenian likeKitanashowing a similar amount of skin. This version is still appreciated by players who don’t mind its bold nature, but it is ultimately not the best representation of Sonya around.
WHERE TO PLAY
Welcome to a new era of Kombat. NetherRealm Studios ushers in a new era of the iconic fighting franchise with a total reset that changes the entire world as we know it. Following the thrilling climax of Mortal Kombat 11, the all-powerful Fire God Liu Kang has created a New Era in the hope of bringing peace to Earthrealm and beyond. Through the series' most cinematic story mode yet, you’ll be reintroduced to a cast of legendary warriors as you’ve never seen them before. Expect twists on classic friendships and rivalries, as well as new backstories that will change everything you think you know about your favorite Kombatants. Discover a host of new offline and online game modes as you master a revitalized fighting system that boasts bone-crunching Fatal Blows, defensive Breakers and the most creatively vicious Fatalities yet.
