Alternate Palette Contest: Round 5 Zelda Open

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Welcome to the Alternate Palette Contest!

Alternate palettes are recolors of characters found in Super Smash Bros. and has been incorporated as a major gameplay element since the 64 days. In fact, many players specifically choose a palette color to represent themselves within the Smash theme. In addition, many palettes are chosen by the development staff due to having iconic ties with their respective franchises while others just look cool and interesting. Regardless, they are fun and it’s alwats great to see new ones come out.

This contest is designed for contestants to design a palette swap for a particular character which alternates every round. After each round, three judges including myself will decide who wins that round. I tried this before during the Smash 4 cycle so let’s see if we can try it again!

Round 5: New Single Color Palette Swap for Zelda​

Princess Zelda wins the spot for the fifth round among characters chosen by the judges. Zelda has tons of potential in a color swap form various games within the Zelda library. You are free to use Smash related artwork, Hyrule Warriors, or any other 3D render artwork with the Princess. You do not need to use the one I provided above.

Contest ends May 10th
​

Round 5 is now open.

Judges
There are currently 3 Judges for the character contest:

Venus of the Desert Bloom
splat
@「Mega Bidoof」

Judging Criteria

There are five criteria from which judges will judge on.​

1. Iconic (The palette swap is deemed iconic to its respective franchise.)
2. Presentation and Skill (The palette swap looks professional and clean.)
3. Creative (The palette swap is creative in its design and implementation.)
4. On Point (The palette swap follows the topic prompt to a T.)
5. Accuracy (The palette swap is accurate to its reference content.)

Guidelines and Rules

There are a number of rules to follow for this contest but nothing too confusing.​

1. One submission per user.
2. No editing submissions after already submitting
3. Please remotely upload your images from an offsite hosting program to make it easier to add the image to the Hall of Fame.
4. Please make sure the image 300 x 300. Points may be deducted if the image itself is bad due to resizing. PNG is preferred.
5. Official Wii U character artwork can be used as can official artwork from other games. Please try to use a 3D render if possible.
6. Please use a solid white background.
7. No plagiarizing.
8. You can include a title, description, and source image (i.e. Dark Link image for the Dark Link palette swap.). This isn’t required.
9. This contest does not include alternate costumes for characters such as Wario, Little Mac, etc. s please don’t submit Wedding Suit Bowser and expect it to slide.

Any submissions that do not adhere to the rules will be disqualified with the user having a second chance to correct. Plagiarism is not accepted and will result a temp ban from submitting artwork.

For Judges

I am now accepting two extra judges! If you wish to be a judge, PM me!

Judges need to:​

1. Be knowledgeable of Smash, Nintendo, and gaming history.
2. Understand about palettes and recolors. Experience in this field is recommended.
3. Work well with others
4. Understand the criteria of the contest
5. Be timely with their judging submissions
6. Have an eye for design and art.

Judging Process

Judges take all the submissions and pick their top three favorites. Following that, the four that appear the most that are in the top three are then judged upon using the above criteria minus #4. Here is an image that @「Mega Bidoof」 made to best represent how we judge the top four submissions:

The contest is now open!! ​

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Hall of Fame​

Forged by dedication, tempered in the crucible, judged by the almighty, and honored in the halls of Valhalla; these are the Palette Swaps that have won each Round followed by the honorable Submissions.

Round 4 Winner: Springmonchan by @Uffe and Ninjara Spring Man by AlphaSSB

Congratulations Uffie and AlphaSSB!

Score: 49​

This round was particularly tough with less submissions than previous rounds as well as a amazing submissions by contestants! It ended up being a tie with a 49 scoring. This is the first time this has happened!

Notable Mentions

Remember that a Notable Mentions means that your submission had made it to the judging process.
​

This seems like a fun game. Here's my first go at it. Not the most original idea, but nonetheless:

Springtron-styled Spring Man

Source:

Spoiler

Higher Quality:

Spoiler

my.mixtape.moe/ehvsgk.png
my.mixtape.moe/zoufyr.png

I didn't add the mask, because that would make it more of an alternate costume than a palette swap, due to how Spring Man and Springtron are different characters, and that would go against Rule #9.

This one was tough, but I love playing this game.

Since we're dealing with boxers, I had to go with the OG Smash boxer: Presenting SpringMac!

Can't wait to see the rest!

Gotta say, I wasn't really considering Springman in Smash before, but I kinda really want to see it now

​

Round 3 Winner: Akuma Ryu CaptainAmerica ​

Congratulations CaptainAmerca
Score: 49​

The judges would like to thank all the contestants in creating amazing Ryu palettes. The judges felt there were tons of great submissions that truly made a case for these swaps to be included should Ryu return again.

Spoiler

Notable Mentions

Remember that a Notable Mentions means that your submission had made it to the judging process. We normally judge based on four chosen submissions but this time we increased it to five due to reasons.

Spoiler

Hinata Red Ryu: 46
Starcutter Violent Ken Ryu: 44
@Uffe Dan Hibiki: 42
Oddball Dan Hibiki: 47

Once again, tried to get this done quick. I'm super in love with this contest, and I'm always excited to find out who's next so I can get my renders in.

Evil Ryu

Origin

This skin originates from many Street Fighter games, and represents Ryu if he were to give in to the Satsui no Hado, an evil energy that flows through him. However, this particular render takes heavy inspiration from Evil Ryu's apperance in Street Fighter IV.

Source Image​

Spoiler

Spoiler: Bigger Render (if you want to see more detail)

Hm, I don't really think Ryu has a lot of options to get creative but I tried.

VIOLENT KEN RYU

Based off Violent Ken, a version of Ken who is possessed by M. Bison's Psycho Power. That's why I tried to make him glow, haha

Ryu is tough - Don't really know Street Fighter, but here's my hand at it.

Based on Akuma

Dan Hibiki First appeared in Street Fighter Alpha

Well, now I feel bad. I had the exact same idea. Here's my version.

Round 2 Winner: Phazon Ridley vaanrose ​

Congratulations Vaanrose​

Phazon Ridley

Spoiler: Cause Ridley's too big for 300 pixels

The judges would like to thank all the contestants in creating amazing Ridey palettes that truthfully. Made judging very hard. Especially for the first time. The judges felt there were tons of great submissions that truly made a case for these swaps to be included should Ridley be playable.

Notable submissions includes:
Hinata “Fusion Mission Ridley”
Starcutter “Frozen Ridley”
AlphaSSB “Meta Ridley”

Sorry for getting this submission in so late at night (or early in the morning, depending on your perspective), but I was really proud of this idea and wanted to make sure I got mine in before anyone else did the same thing.

Submissions:

Zero Mission Ridley

Origin

This skin is based off of Ridley's appearance from Metroid: Zero Mission. It's more specifically based off his official artwork from that game, since the artwork has details that aren't captured very well by the sprite.

Source Image​

Spoiler

Alright, time for my attempt at this.

Captain N Ridley
View attachment 140535


Origin

This recolor is based off of Ridley's color scheme in his appearance in Captain N: The Game Master, minus the torso since I was unable to do it.

Source image​

Spoiler

View attachment 140534
​

Golden Ridley.
View attachment 140546

Based on Super Metroid.

Spoiler

I was going for an ALIENS feel for this one.

I'm so happy
Here is my Gandrayda recolored Ridley
View attachment 140557 View attachment 140559

Spoiler: Source: Gandrayda

Suprise! I did get one finished!

FROZEN RIDLEY

Frozen Ridley was in Metroid: Fusion, as a frozen enity, presumably dead.

Reference:

Spoiler: Reference

Oh, and I don't think this will be the one to be judged, but there likely wouldn't be Ice on the in-game model, so here it is without it

Spoiler

Spoiler: Source

Took the easy route with this one, and made an alt based off Meta Ridley. Was much easier to do than Mario. Just separated the wings, mouth, eyes, and claws. Mostly just played with monotone and contrast tools. I originally had the claws the same shade of grey, to match the claws on Meta Ridley, but it looked a bit too bland. Fortunately, closer examination of Meta Ridley shows some red claws on top of the wings and tip of the tail. So, out of curiosity, applied it to all the claws and felt it looked a bit better. Also made they eye a bit more yellow to match.

Phazon Ridley

Spoiler: Cause Ridley's too big for 300 pixels

Thanks everyone! The Mario recolors were amazing. I've gotta say, if we don't have a Super Mario Maker recolor like that, I'll be disappointed.

Here's my version of Ridley, modelled after Little Birdie

Spoiler: My favorite Ridley recolor

Of course, My absolute first choice would be a different one, but it's not exactly original...

Round 1 Winner: Toad Mario CaptainAmerica ​

Congratulations CaptainAmerica!

Ooh, this sounds like a really fun contest. I still see a few color flaws if I look close enough. Good thing for zooming out!

I wanted to try something different. Mario's had lots of recolors based on various costumes, so I decided to recolor based on another character. Since Peach tends to get a Daisy recolor, I figured it'd be fun to try it.

So for those of you disappointed that Toad isn't playable, I give you Toad Mario!

The judges would like to thank all the contestants in creating amazing Mario palettes that truthfully. Made judging very hard. Especially for the first time. Many judges felt that the Toad Mario swap was excellent in design, extraordinarily creative, and references an iconic element within the Mario series.

Notable submissions includes vaanrose “Retro Fire Mario”, Starcutter “Mario Maker Mario”, and Hinata “Flying Mario”.


Submissions

Spoiler

Sadly, I have more than one entry for Mario, so I guess I'll just have to go with the one that's more notable...

Ice Mario

[/COLOR][/SIZE]

Origin
This Ice Mario variant first debuted in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. He attacks enemies by freezing them with ice balls, enabling him to defeat certain enemies that Fire Mario can't defeat, such as the Dry Bones.

Source Images

Spoiler

Appearance In-Game

I'll throw my hat into the ring.

Flying Mario

Origin

This skin comes from Super Mario Galaxy, and is the form Mario takes on when he collects the Red Star in that game. It allows Mario to fly freely through the Comet Observatory and Gateway Galaxy, similar to the Wing Cap, but with much more freedom in control.

Source Image

Spoiler

Oh man, I was looking for an excuse to Photoshop some stuff!

MARIO MAKER MARIO

Source

Spoiler

Note to self: Never try a white pallete costume again EVER
View attachment 139845 View attachment 139846

Spoiler: White Tanooki Mario

Inspiration:
View attachment 139847

I really need some photoshop lessons. Some pixels are really annoying. I'm not good on the final polishing part

Shadow Mario

Spoiler: Origin

Not my best made, but wanted to get the idea in before anyone else!

I'm quite partial to the original Fire Mario color scheme.

Spoiler

Ooh, this sounds like a really fun contest. I still see a few color flaws if I look close enough. Good thing for zooming out!

I wanted to try something different. Mario's had lots of recolors based on various costumes, so I decided to recolor based on another character. Since Peach tends to get a Daisy recolor, I figured it'd be fun to try it.

So for those of you disappointed that Toad isn't playable, I give you Toad Mario!

Gotta go with the OG Super Mario palette.

Spoiler: Alternate Alt Version

Classic Mario (or Retro Mario if you prefer)

Not the best when it comes to doing recolors, but I'm trying to learn. Figure I'll throw my Cappy into the ring.

Spoiler: Loosely based off of Tanookie Mario

Spoiler

Had a bit of trouble getting the browns to match the suit's, so I got as close as I could get. Currently using Paint.net for doing recolors. Anyone have suggestions for add-ons or other apps?

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Saved for future purposes

 

[NintenRob]

I hope this gets nice attention

Could be fun to watch

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

I hope this gets nice attention

Could be fun to watch

It might start slow at first but hopefully more and more people become interested in it.

 

[Mario & Sonic Guy]

Sadly, I have more than one entry for Mario, so I guess I'll just have to go with the one that's more notable...

Ice Mario

Origin
This Ice Mario variant first debuted in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. He attacks enemies by freezing them with ice balls, enabling him to defeat certain enemies that Fire Mario can't defeat, such as the Dry Bones.

Source Images

Spoiler

Appearance In-Game

 

[Hinata]

I'll throw my hat into the ring.

Flying Mario

Origin

This skin comes from Super Mario Galaxy, and is the form Mario takes on when he collects the Red Star in that game. It allows Mario to fly freely through the Comet Observatory and Gateway Galaxy, similar to the Wing Cap, but with much more freedom in control.

Source Image

Spoiler

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

I forget to mention this round ends on April 3rd!

 

[Starcutter]

Oh man, I was looking for an excuse to Photoshop some stuff!

MARIO MAKER MARIO

Source

Spoiler

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Looking great guys! Funny but I forgot to mention the format of a submission but Mario & Sonic Guy nailed it! Hopefully, we will get a few more submissions!

 

[Ghirahilda]

Just for curiosity (and dumbness)
For this Mario challenge we can use only his SSB4 render or can I use another? (Still it's hard to find a better render than this one)

 

[Deleted member 396530]

This Is brawl Costume pallete

 

[Hinata]

Just for curiosity (and dumbness)
For this Mario challenge we can use only his SSB4 render or can I use another? (Still it's hard to find a better render than this one)

"Official Wii U character artwork can be used as can official artwork from other games. Please try to use a 3D render if possible."

Yes, you can use other renders.

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Just for curiosity (and dumbness)
For this Mario challenge we can use only his SSB4 render or can I use another? (Still it's hard to find a better render than this one)

Yes, you can use SSB4 or 5 official artwork as well as other artwork from other games unless specified in the topic prompt.

This Is brawl Costume pallete

This is not an alternate palette color swap as it’s just Mario’s Brawl artwork. Plus, it’s not against a white background. Therefore, this submission will not be accepted.

 

[Ghirahilda]

Note to self: Never try a white pallete costume again EVER

Spoiler: White Tanooki Mario

Inspiration:

I really need some photoshop lessons. Some pixels are really annoying. I'm not good on the final polishing part

 

[YoshiandToad]

Shadow Mario

Spoiler: Origin

Not my best made, but wanted to get the idea in before anyone else!

 

[Ghirahilda]

Can this thread be Sticked? I think it is a very important contest

 

[Kevandre]

I was just hanging out seeing what the thread was about but then I noticed it was Venus so I had to make Talio

I didn't spend very long on it and am not considering this a real submission but I still had to, you understand

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

I was just hanging out seeing what the thread was about but then I noticed it was Venus so I had to make Talio

I didn't spend very long on it and am not considering this a real submission but I still had to, you understand

And we have a winner!

Needs more emergency induction ports, though.

 

[vaanrose]

I'm quite partial to the original Fire Mario color scheme.

Spoiler

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Ooh, this sounds like a really fun contest. I still see a few color flaws if I look close enough. Good thing for zooming out!

I wanted to try something different. Mario's had lots of recolors based on various costumes, so I decided to recolor based on another character. Since Peach tends to get a Daisy recolor, I figured it'd be fun to try it.

So for those of you disappointed that Toad isn't playable, I give you Toad Mario!

 

[TheZoologist]

Almost every one of these would be viable in my eyes. Love the Ice Mario, Flying Mario, Super Mario Maker Mario, Shadow Mario, original Fire Mario, and even the Toad color palletes!

 

[JamesDNaux]

Gotta go with the OG Super Mario palette.

Spoiler: Alternate Alt Version

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Looks great everyone!

Just a reminder we have about 5 days left of Round 1 so finish those palette swaps and submit them! Judging will then begin and should take about a day or two.

 

[Oddball]

Classic Mario (or Retro Mario if you prefer)

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to change the deadline date from April 3rd to April 2nd! Sorry if this hinders anyone’s plans for their submission but I made a mistake.

 

[splat]

Not an actual entry (judging), but I had half an hour to spare and wanted to give it a try.

DUN-DUN-DUN-DUDUN-DUN-DUDUDUDUN
DUN-DUN-DUN-DUDUN-DUN-DUDUDUDUN
DUN-DUN-DUN-DUDUN-DUN-DUDUDUDUN
DUN-DUN-DUN-DUDUN-DUN-DUDUDUDUN
DUN-DUN-DUN-DUDUN-DUN-DUDUDUDUN

 

[AlphaSSB]

Not the best when it comes to doing recolors, but I'm trying to learn. Figure I'll throw my Cappy into the ring.

Spoiler: Loosely based off of Tanookie Mario

Had a bit of trouble getting the browns to match the suit's, so I got as close as I could get. Currently using Paint.net for doing recolors. Anyone have suggestions for add-ons or other apps?

 

[Oddball]

I use gimp for my recolors. if you want to use it, I can give you a hand there.

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

24 hours left of the first round which will be followed by the judging period which will last a day or two. Good luck everyone!

 

[Oddball]

Are you going to announcing the next character before the judging or after?

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Haven’t decided yet. Mario was just a test run and I was worried if it would take a long time to get recolors done. But i was surprised by how quick people got them out.

 

[Oddball]

Mario has a fairly simple design. Characters with more elaborate designs are going to take longer.

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Indeed. This first round was a test round of sorts. Future rounds may be shorter or longer depending on what’s required.

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Thank you everyone for your submissions! Round 1 is officially closed and the judges will be deciding the winner. As this is the first time for the judging round, please keep in mind it may take longer than usual so we apologize for any delays.

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Round 1 Winner: Toad Mario CaptainAmerica ​

Congratulations CaptainAmerica!​

Ooh, this sounds like a really fun contest. I still see a few color flaws if I look close enough. Good thing for zooming out!

I wanted to try something different. Mario's had lots of recolors based on various costumes, so I decided to recolor based on another character. Since Peach tends to get a Daisy recolor, I figured it'd be fun to try it.

So for those of you disappointed that Toad isn't playable, I give you Toad Mario!

The judges would like to thank all the contestants in creating amazing Mario palettes that truthfully. Made judging very hard. Especially for the first time. Many judges felt that the Toad Mario swap was excellent in design, extraordinarily creative, and references an iconic element within the Mario series.

Notable submissions includes vaanrose “Retro Fire Mario”, Starcutter “Mario Maker Mario”, and Hinata “Flying Mario”.​

 

[Hinata]

The fact that my submission stuck out is all I could ask for, really.

Congratulations, CaptainAmerica! Your submission definitely deserved the win.

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Round 2: New Single Color Palette Swap for Ridley​

Now time for a BIG round! After having a BIG turnout for Round 1, it’s time to even get an ever BIGGER turnout! Ridley is hands down one of the most requested newcomers to not yet appear playable in Smash! But could this change for Smash 5? It’s time to create a single color swap for the Space Dragon! The only requirement consists of creating a color swap for Ridley and not alternate versions/clones/robots, etc. just the purple space dragon.

Contest ends April 11th.

​

Round 2 is now open.​

 

[Hinata]

Sorry for getting this submission in so late at night (or early in the morning, depending on your perspective), but I was really proud of this idea and wanted to make sure I got mine in before anyone else did the same thing.

Zero Mission Ridley​

Origin​

This skin is based off of Ridley's appearance from Metroid: Zero Mission. It's more specifically based off his official artwork from that game, since the artwork has details that aren't captured very well by the sprite.

Source Image​

Spoiler

 

[Venus of the Desert Bloom]

Just to clarify to everyone on what I said earlier, color swaps of aridley representing his alternate versions such as omega or meta is fine but please do not use models other than normal Ridley