Lien Neville was conceptualized to contrast with Mai Shiranui: Where Mai's character was very cheerful and lighthearted, Lien was made to be more serious and dark. Where Mai represents a "sexy and beautiful [Japanese] kunoichi", Lien represents the "sexy Western femme fatale". Mai wore loose-fitting outfits, while Lien had "tight and constricting" outfits. Mai had is straight and long black hair, and Lein had a short and curly hairstyle. Her curled hair needed several retakes, along with a long trial-and-error process for the game's modelers.