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League of Legends: Jayce Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Jul 172012
 
Jayce, the Defender of Tomorrow
Jayce, the Defender of Tomorrow

Jayce, the Defender of Tomorrow is a champion based on technology and its applications to weapons. While the warrior scientist is hardly a novel idea there have been outstanding examples of this concept that still stays fresh. If you want to know how good the idea of having Jayce fighting in powered armour seems, read further on this skins’ review.

Full Metal Jayce
Full Metal Jayce Splash Art Full Metal Jayce Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Jayce wearing technologically advanced armour.
Model: New model for Jayce and his Mercury Hammer.
Particles: New energy lines particles for his abilities.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: Processed voice-over.
Splash Art: As a display of Jayce’s technological power this is a piece that does its job well. The background barely provides a setting as it’s quite obscure and the structures are difficult to discern. Fortunately, Jayce takes all attention for himself with his hammer crashing on the ground. The pose is straightforward and the energized suit is a good source for the energy displayed. The hammer is well depicted as well as the suit and while the depiction isn’t as flashy as it could be it’s very detailed and makes great use of shading and perspective. All things considered, this is a very good splash art that would reach excellence with a clearer context.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Full Metal Jayce is a great skin in both concept and execution. The technological suit of armour is a nice reference to Iron Man, or Samus Aran, and a fitting addition to Jayce’s arsenal. The suit combines protective plates over the energized suit in a believable and balanced way. Moreover, the energy emitted by the right shoulder makes for an interesting and effective visual cue for Transform. The hammer follows the pattern of the armour appearing simple to wield as well as powerful. The model work is quite nice but the new voice over is what really makes the skin stand out; it’s what truly delivers the powered suit feel.
Additionally, the new particles are a great way to round the theme. The lines of energy used add a fitting intellectual elegance to his attacks. However, as they make the abilities look lean they don’t look as innately powerful. In the end, Full Metal Jayce is an excellent skin in terms of looks that delivers a new suitable feel for Jayce that effectively exploits its source. Sadly, the price is a huge deterrent as the skin offers more than usual ones but not as much as a legendary; even though the price is near. As such, it’s a good option for Jayce fans or collectors but even they will find the price an issue.

Debonair Jayce
Debonair Jayce Splash Art Debonair Jayce Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Jayce as an elegant and refined gentleman.
Model: New model for Jayce and his Mercury Hammer.
Particles: New particles for his abilities.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New recall sounds.
Splash Art: The piece has a distinct moody feel but the colour palette seems a little too dark to provide good contrasts. Nonetheless, there is a sophisticated and classic style that covers the entire piece. The background provides a sensible setting: an old fashioned futuristic city and elegant car; even the colours match the Mercury Hammer. Still, there’s an evident lack of details, especially in the buildings, that flattens the otherwise good impression. Jayce doesn’t share that problem: his clothes are refined and the folds carefully shaded so as to provide a frame to his usual smirk. In general, it’s a unique and interesting piece that oozes with style. However, the dark colours and simple background taint what could’ve been and impressive piece.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Jayce is a rather good subject for a sophisticated and elegant look. The dinner suit is certainly refined and the whole air definitely fits Jayce’s personality. On top of that, the Mercury Hammer is well adapted, along with his particles, to reflect old fashioned futuristic technology. His recall certainly looks more like an exaggeratedly passionate ladies’ man than a gentleman but it isn’t out of place; it just seems to contrast his refined manners. On the whole, the elegance is certainly there and the man, or defender, of tomorrow theme is conveyed with the advanced Mercury Hammer. Therefore, while the skin doesn’t strike one breathless it surely has its charms.

Forsaken Jayce
Forsaken Jayce Splash Art Forsaken Jayce Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Jayce as a dark, armoured warrior-acolyte.
Model: New model for Jayce and his Mercury Hammer.
Particles: New particles for his abilities, auto-attack, death and recall.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for his abilities, auto-attack, death and recall plus processed voice-over.
Splash Art: In theory, Jayce is battling enemies somewhere but the background is so fuzzy and brief that it barely suggests a setting. Perhaps it’s some sort of temple or building set behind. The skylight might indicate that the action takes place indoor but that may be as much as one can gather. The aspect of the enemies doesn’t say much either. For practical purposes they are just generic soldiers.
Jayce depiction’s centres on his upper body as the legs are largely omitted. What is visible is quite good, the lines are clear and the colours, bathed by the light, make for an attractive composition. The body still looks somewhat dark and plain and Jayce seems to be posing more that looking at his enemies; even if it’s a practical and useful pose. The attack is also too diffuse and solid though the surface of the hammer, what little is visible, is nice. Perhaps having the red magic’s texture closer to fire and red hot metal wouldn’t have been so insipid.
All things considered, it’s a rather good portrayal with a background that doesn’t sufficiently justify and support the main character.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Embracing the darkness Forsaken Jayce transforms the Defender of Tomorrow into a grim follower of secret arts. The red eyes are barely visible under the cowl and the robe’s colour, as well as the armour, looks washed out. A closer look reveals that neither is simple but instead they seem rather advanced as well as practical despite their dull look. The Mercury Hammer is perfectly recognizable and, new colours aside, doesn’t show innovation in its design.
The particles should be commended for their consistency and inflexibility: they practically appear made of the same red lightning placed in different shapes. The ones that manage to stand out are Shock Blast and Lightning Field as well as the auto-attack buff provided by the ultimate; Mercury Cannon / Hammer. It has to be admitted that the red particles instil a particular identity to the skin but they also feel too homogeneous.
The same thing could be said about the sounds but, overall, they manage to have a unique, twisted feel. The processed voice-over reinforces the dark style. Therefore, on the aural side of things we find that the skin manages a clear identity; sans some specific exceptions. Specifically, Hyper Charge seems not to exist which might be a game-play advantage but also a visual and aural deficit.
The recall is a fitting addition that follows the style of the skin as well as that of Jayce; as far as hammer-wielding is concerned. It’s nothing impressive but works.
All things considered, Forsaken Jayce is a good skin but also one that appears visually subdued. The particles, even though a bit monotonous, manage to define a unique identity. Still, it leaves the feeling that all that work doesn’t expose darkness in all its glory as it could.

Jayce Brighthammer
Jayce Brighthammer Splash Art Jayce Brighthammer Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Jayce as a science paladin.
Model: New model for Jayce and his Mercury Hammer. New glowing halo on his back.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: In this case, there’s no real setting to speak of. On the left there’s part of Bard and on the right part of Bristle and, perhaps one of Sejuani’s legs; assumedly. The overly dramatic albeit in places sketchy portrayal of Jayce is all there is to save the piece and, frankly, isn’t enough.
The portrayal goes out of its way to make Jayce’s presence as impressive as it could possibly be. There’s the display of physical prowess aided by magical might to the point that the depiction isn’t faithful enough to the less pretentious three-dimensional representation. For all the appeal that the portrayal has it also is unable to hide some evident flaws. For instance, outside of a central area between head and left arm, armour and clothes look sketchy. Colours seem dull and lines imprecise which makes a contrast with the more vibrant areas. The halo is so intensely lit that it hides his back in a glare and also only barely displays its shape and design. Something that strikes as weird is the opening under the left shoulder which seems to display an absence of a chest underneath. Additionally, the legs are relegated so that little can be seen between blur and perspective.
The hammer is a whole other matter. Even if it covers a large portion of the available space the chosen perspective doesn’t allow a good view of its complex design. Both handle and heads are sketchy with uneven lines and drab colours. Some of the magical effects are good and echo the fancy energy on the eyes yet other strokes of magic are decidedly simplistic.
All things considered, this is a flawed portrayal with nothing in regards of setting to support it. Its dynamism does attract attention which is inevitably unable to withhold. The depiction has an evidently uneven quality and while it goes to great lengths to impress it does so at the expense of faithfulness to the in-game counterpart. At its most basic, it works. Regrettably, it stands as the weakest portion of a full picture that is scarcely suggested.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: At a glance, Jayce Brighthammer may look as a hammer-wielding knight but it promptly reveals a more divine call. The white tunic, book hanging by the side, choice of a blunt weapon and the halo behind his head suggest the idea of a priest. That presumption would change the source of all the marvels Jayce is capable of: from technology to magic. Technically, he could be some sort of science paladin with a strong devotion to the cause as well; which seems to fit his charismatic self much better. Either way the interpretation is quite attractive as it fuses the classic armour with more advanced elements into a believable and appealing personality. Intact is Jayce’s characteristic style and it could be said that the halo suits him perfectly knowing his flashy behaviour. Not only is the halo a useful indicator for the Mercury mode of use but also it’s quite visually striking.
The Mercury Hammer/Cannon is also interpreted as a heavily ornamented weapon that looks rather complex and at the same time undoubtedly deadly. The armour is more sober and practical matching the simple style of the gold-lined tunic. Besides the book there’s also a cup which may be used for offerings to the gods of science though it seems a bit out of place. The armour also has some golden decoration on a few plates and ostensibly on the sole pauldron over his right shoulder. While the asymmetry makes the look distinct it’s not very sensible to leave so much of the body unprotected.
In the end, Jayce Brighthammer is a rather stylish take on the paladin with a, potentially, science base under it all. The appearance is unambiguously stylish but also attractive thanks to a model that is elaborate yet practical enough to be believable; even if fantastic. The halo is a great touch to make the skin have a unique feature. Adding it all together, while there’s room for improvement Jayce Brighthammer is great choice that suits the fantasy of League even better than the classic incarnation.

Conclusion

Jayce’s options are rather good albeit limited but, fortunately, it’s a clear case of quality over quantity. The stylish yet believable look of Jayce Brighthammer proposes him as a paladin of science with a striking look. The asymmetric armour, ornate Mercury Hammer and eye-catching halo define a unique personality for the skin. Considering the pleasing result and how well it meshes in the fantasy of the game it surely is a recommended skin.

Debonair Jayce is a fine choice and also a great skin for fans of gentlemen. It effectively delivers elegance but has a layer of womaniser that erodes a bit the sophistication. Regardless, the theme is fitting and appealing so, while not impressive at a glance, the gentleman of tomorrow is surely there.

A more expensive but still fine alternative is Forsaken Jayce. The skin has a distinct identity but also seems washed out and unable to make the most of its theme. It manages to be a quite good and has a fair amount of features but not implemented in the best of ways. Nonetheless, it offers an iconic style with sufficient features for its high price.

To be fair, Full Metal Jayce is a nice purchase as it furthers Jayce’s original theme and expands it into a sensible and appealing direction. It may be more of the same but if it’s so good then there’s no problem. Nonetheless, the price gets in the way and it’s something that just can’t be ignored. It’s a great choice for Jayce fans so keep your eyes open for a sale as it would prove a good opportunity to catch this one.

  45 Responses to “League of Legends: Jayce Skins’ Review”

  1. Full Metal Jayce = Samus Aran

    • Not a bad comparison. Actually, the Full Metal Jayce look is equivalent to many popular heroes in powered armour. Still, coupled with the lore he seems closer to Iron Man, as a fellow scientist, than to Samus, an inter-galactic bounty hunter.

    • Added Samus Aran as a reference. Thanks for mentioning it.

  2. May I request Wu Kong skins review please

  3. Reminds me a lot of a Cygnar soldier from Warmachine. Stormguards or something.

  4. In the Debonair review, you wrote “racall” in the animations section instead of “recall”.
    And do you think maybe that skin was a James Bond reference?
    Thanks.

    • Thanks for the correction.

      Debonair Jayce is quite possibly a James Bond reference due to the dinner suit, refined womaniser manners and technological gadget; the Mercury Hammer in this case. It still passes as mostly a gentleman skin but there sure seems to be a layer of James Bond in it.

  5. VOLIBEAR PLEASE!! Thnx

  6. The name’s Bond… Jayce Bond.

  7. I have a question why is the rating of the full metal jayce skin 3 stars now it used to be 5, last time i checked?

    • That’s because of the price increase. At 975 RP Full Metal Jayce has everything to be an excellent skin but at 1350 RP it needs a little more to really reach greatness. It’s not a bad skin by any chance as the concept is very appealing but it doesn’t reach as high as other offerings at the same price point.

      For instance, besides the concept and processed voice-over Full Metal and Debonair Jayce offer the same: new model and particles. If the model and particles where something out of this world we could consider a higher rating but while rather nice they aren’t anything striking.

      Full Metal Jayce is still a good skin and an attractive option for Jayce fans. However, with its new price it’s not as great an option as it once was.

  8. What do you think Zero?Should I get foxfire ahri or fullmetal jayce?

    • They are very different skins. Not only do they have different prices but they also have radically different concepts: fantasy and sci-fi. You should consider which champion you like and play the most and also which theme you prefer.

      If possible, we’d recommend waiting for a sale for both skins; especially Full Metal Jayce. Neither are cheap but Full Metal certainly is expensive. They are nice skins but we think that Foxfire is a better fit for its price. However, it all comes down to which one you prefer as none is a bad choice.

  9. Totally pumped about the new Forsaken Jayce skin. Looking forward to the review for that.

  10. I’m looking forward to the new Jayce skin, but I have to say that I disagree with your recommended purchase at least for this champion. Price isn’t a huge obstacle for me in decking out a champion that I like to play, and therefore my interests lie more in what is the highest quality skin, regardless of whether there’s a 975 skin out there that is relatively equal in changes to a 1350. For the full metal skin, it isn’t the price of a full legendary, and I don’t think that 375 RP is that significant when you see the actual changes done by the skin. I’ve noticed this in a variety of your reviews, that you place a LOT of emphasis on a minor cost change relatively to the actual skin itself, and I don’t think that it merits taking a skin that quality-wise easily merits 4-5 stars simply because it is slightly more expensive. Just something I thought was worth mentioning.

    • We have a different approach to reviews. We consider the price an important aspect when buying especially when a skin costs more and offers hardly anything over a cheaper alternative. Take Full Metal versus Debonair: if we take the processed voice-over out then both skins offer almost the same features. In fact, Debonair has a new recall that Full Metal lacks. The Full Metal theme is more attractive for a sci-fi character but a skin at 1350 RP is expected to have also new sounds and animations.

      Individually, perhaps the difference in price isn’t so significant but when you start to buy a few skins it quickly adds up. Besides, why pay more if you aren’t receiving a better realized product? We understand your point of view. However, more expensive skins tend to have more features than cheaper ones. The biggest issue is that they don’t usually justify the higher price or the features aren’t well developed.

      If you are only looking for the skins’ features then the reviews list all additions and modifications we noticed; feedback helps a lot in covering complex skins. Then we analyse whether they all come together at presenting the theme in a way fitting for the price they charge. For instance, there are some very good re-models, without anything else added, but if they charge 975 RP for them it’s a bit too much. At that price a skin should offer more and there are examples that they can.

      Finally, we do try to note in the reviews when a skin is well done but the price is too high. When a skin is good it should be noted and we do try. However, we also take the price into account so that if someone wants to pay more for a skin that is good but expensive they can. Our main intention is for people to make informed purchases not to tell them what to buy.

  11. Hi there, wondering when Forsaken Jayce will be reviewed by?

    • About now in fact. It’s always the same you have to go in person to see that things get done. Sorry we made the Order wait; you can leave that hammer now, please.

      • Thanks a lot Zero, just another thing, how good do you think Kassadin is currently? And also will he get a new skin anytime soon?

      • Kassadin looks better than before but, as it often happens with visual upgrades, his skins have been homogenized towards the classic look. He should definitely get a new skin as now there’s no excuse not to. However, when and what are a complete mystery.

  12. As a bit of information on the Forsaken Jayce splash art, the figure on the bottom left being hit by Jayce’s hammer is in fact Chosen Master Yi. The tail of hair that he has on his chin and what I believe to be his lightsaber-esque sword give this away.

    • Could be and we’ve read elsewhere something of the kind. Still, it’s so unclear that we wouldn’t hold it as a certainty. We understand that a background shouldn’t compete with the champion’s portrayal but if there are relevant elements they should be easily noticeable.

  13. Debonair jayce has new recall sounds. Very minor but present.

  14. Can you do a skin review on the Jayce
    Brighthammer skin?

  15. Hmn, I don’t know where to put a comment about the Battle Academia skinline so i will put here. Honestly, most of skins in here are amazingly good. Especially Jayce, who get not only younger look and by far my personal opinion the best splash art of this year.

    But the best still has it’s own bad part, Battle Principal Yuumi shouldn’t have effect way too impactful to the personality champion, left the result to Cyber Pop Zoe feel. Battle Professor Graves is fine but model look uneven. Lux is way too lacking to be a 1350 RP skin tier of good and V.O box of Ezreal is awful and annoying. Jayce and Katarina maybe leave that for you to find it.

    Anyway, it’s still in pre-release so let hope the best of it.

    • From what little we’ve seen of the Battle Academia skins it seems like there are a few nice features but it also follows the expected pattern on recent skins. We agree that they could get better but skins that reach the PBE are usually as good as finished. They may receive some small changes but even that is unusual. Truth be told, it makes one wonder about the real use of the PBE beyond squashing bugs for release because there hasn’t been skins that have been radically changed due to feedback in the PBE.

      • Usually when no adjustment needed on the skin is more a good sign but also bad in some case.

        Example: Prestige Edition of K/DA Ahri when pre-release is yellow urine color (sound gross!). It’s so bad that they have to change it to look like champagne color.

        Effect in Battle Academy skin is supposed to be like an shounen effect that used in anime like Naruto, Dragonball, My Hero Academia (which is what the skinline based on). So that why i said it kinda weird on Yuumi but the efficient is fine enough.

        I’m surprised that Jayce keep getting better wardrobe and probably shaking my head about Ezreal get his 13th skins, leaving Miss Fortune for the most skin in a champion. And in a several year, i wouldn’t get to see another skin has non-yellow effects on Lux.

        • Agreed, it skins were really well done, and they were for a time, then adjustments weren’t actually needed. Nowadays, they are as the example you mention demonstrates. It’s clear by now that popular champions receive loads of skins less popular ones are left with a tiny wardrobe. There are exceptions sometimes but it’s too much a case of making profit. There could and even should be a balance for the better of the game but that’s a clear conflict with making the most profit. The gambling experience of hextech crafting is a clear indicator of the direction the game has taken, a pity.

          • I have some examples for something popular but haven’t release a skin despite staying in the meta for a long time.

            Kassadin, aka Kai’sa father is one balance enough champion and usually didn’t disappear in pro play. The last time he received the skin is Cosmic Reaver, which belong from Event Horizon skin series. Hey, even Malzahar get Arcade and later on a very good hextech skin.

            (not a good example ?)
            Okay, i will give you a better example. Sion, the previous main of mine and somewhat the pathetic one rival only by Skarner and Xerath. Ever since Mecha Zero Sion release, he hasn’t been given a skin. I understand Sion wardrobe wasn’t really good and only one i could say that is nice was Hextech and MZ. But that leaving like bad option one.

            Honestly, i kinda hate that Ezreal and Lux get that undeserved fame and treating like Riot’s favorites. I mean you right, profit get the most of them.

            But at least i could give some respect on Riot for not too unlucky gambling chance (3 box = always skin shard) instead some Electrical Art gambling method. Business is still business so yeah i understand that.

          • Unfortunately, that’s the way it is. Not that it makes things easier but at least we should be aware of how things work. True, things could be worse but they could be better. Some could even say that they were better in the past. Regardless, what we have is the present and we have to accept it and move on.

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