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League of Legends: Kog’Maw Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Jun 072012
 
Kog'Maw, the Mouth of the Abyss
Kog’Maw, the Mouth of the Abyss

Kog’Maw, the Mouth of the Abyss is a void puppy with many facets: he may be found happily frolicking among butterflies just as well as diving in the deepest seas or escaping from a museum exhibition; yet, suitably camouflaged at all occasions. If you want to know more about Kog’Maw’s style and future artillery applications read further on this review.

Caterpillar Kog’Maw
Caterpillar Kog'Maw Splash Art Caterpillar Kog'Maw Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Kog’Maw resembling a caterpillar.
Model: New textures for Kog’Maw.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This piece is a bit of a mixed bag, the background is minimal and simply fills the space around Kog’Maw; a fact not helped by the black patch on the left. The interaction between the beetle and Kog’Maw is well made but it lacks a fitting frame. Kog’Maw is correctly depicted but seems to blend in the background and get lost in the piece. Overall, an adequate splash art that does little more than show Kog’Maw’s new look.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Caterpillar Kog’Maw is as simple a re-texture as it can be. Kog’Maw’s colour becomes green, his back gets an insect-like texture and we’re done. It’s simple and straightforward but at the same time quite uninspired. If you prefer a green Kog’Maw this skin delivers but there’s nothing else here. Only for collectors and devoted Kog’Maw fans.

Sonoran Kog’Maw
Sonoran Kog'Maw Splash Art Sonoran Kog'Maw Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Kog’Maw sports a brown insect-like look.
Model: New textures for Kog’Maw.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This is a splash art that while technically correct feels uninspired. The action is clearly represented: Kog’Maw attacks right at the viewer. However, had it been Classic Kog’Maw there wouldn’t be any difference. In spite of the adequate portrayal of Kog’Maw there isn’t much to make it stand out. Even the setting feels pedestrian: while the woods are well structured they look gloomy and don’t suit the action well. Overall, this isn’t a bad piece but it barely functions as a display of Kog’Maw’s look.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Sonoran Kog’Maw can be considered an alternative to Caterpillar Kog’Maw as both skins effectively deliver the same: a new colour with a new back texture. Sonoran Kog’Maw is a bit more appealing thanks to its ampler colour palette. The dry brown skin provides a nice contrast with the pink eyes and tongue; so the skin stands out a bit more. Regardless, the changes are quite simple and even a little insipid. Overall, better for collectors or devoted Kog’Maw fans.

Monarch Kog’Maw
Monarch Kog'Maw Splash Art Monarch Kog'Maw Model
Category: Regular
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Kog’Maw with the aspect of a butterfly.
Model: Minor model changes and new texture for Kog’Maw.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: New flutter animation while walking.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This piece is a great example of how to make background and foreground deliver in unison. Kog’Maw is fittingly depicted as a disguised butterfly and the setting furthers the point: butterflies fly around over a grass field with flowers. However, the background seems a bit empty with only a few flowers. Besides, the woods in the distance seem out of place as they provide a sombre contrast to the bright sky and playful air. Fortunately, despite these issues the overall mood of the piece doesn’t darken. Therefore, this is quite an accomplished splash art, not without its flaws, but very good nonetheless.
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 StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Monarch Kog’Maw is mostly a re-texture with a few model changes but it’s a very well done one. The new textures provide an attractive colour scheme for Kog’Maw while the wings and antennae change the shape of Kog’Maw. As Kog’Maw’s silhouette is altered the visual effect is quite pronounced, especially at a long distance. Moreover, the dark eyes are clearly visible on the light-coloured head. Therefore, the skin is able to provide a distinct look for Kog’Maw without having to re-model him. The butterfly concept is further developed by the flutter animation while walking; which is a very nice touch. In conclusion, Monarch Kog’Maw is a skin that is able to do much with little. It’s a great execution of a clever concept that results in a very good product.

Reindeer Kog’Maw
Reindeer Kog'Maw Splash Art Reindeer Kog'Maw Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Kog’Maw trying to look like a Christmas reindeer.
Model: Minor model changes and new textures for Kog’Maw plus intermittent glow for his nose.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: New joke for Kog’Maw: an extract of Deck the Hall.
Splash Art: A void reindeer can come with its set of problems and here some are aptly displayed. The background is a good frame that disappoints a little because of the way colours blend into each other. The lack of contrast makes details difficult to distinguish. Still, the caustic effect of Kog’Maw’s presence is a good touch. Kog’Maw is well represented but the fur is too simple and the void creature features don’t homogenize well with reindeer traits. In conclusion, this splash art shows the relevance of a good execution. In spite of the good concept the final product doesn’t deliver on its promise.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Reindeer Kog’Maw is certainly a picturesque take on the mouth of the abyss. In spite of the festive spirit, the concept doesn’t actually suit Kog’Maw that well. The idea heavily relies on humour but the execution feels more forced than funny. The colour palette is restricted to drab colours and the model changes aren’t particularly effective at changing Kog’Maw’s aspect. The new Deck the Hall’s extract is a nice little addition, though it replaces Classic’s joke and isn’t enough to make up for the plain execution. As a limited skin it’s now worth more as a collector’s item than as a quality skin.

Lion Dance Kog’Maw
Lion Dance Kog'Maw Splash Art Lion Dance Kog'Maw Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Kog’Maw styled as a costume from the Chinese Lion dance.
Model: Major model changes for Kog’Maw.
Particles: New particles for his auto-attack, Caustic Spittle, Bio-Arcane Barrage’s auto-attack and Living Artillery.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: New fireworks sounds for his auto-attack, Bio-Arcane Barrage auto-attack and Living Artillery.
Splash Art: This splash art makes a far-fetched concept plausible thanks to the intelligent structure of the setting. Kog’Maw is very well coloured and rendered, illuminated by the fireworks and perfectly blending as part of the piece. The background frames Kog’Maw in the procession of costumes with an eastern town visible behind. It’s a background that is both complex and faded at the same time. There’s a multitude of things to see in it but they are simply painted and drawn; only Kog’Maw is clearly delineated. Consequently, this piece is quite good, especially in structure, but it suffers from the stark quality contrast between Kog’Maw and the rest of the scene.
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: Lion Dance Kog’Maw is a skin with a lot of additions but with an execution that ultimately falls short. The model changes and new textures are well used to give an eastern style and are quite effective at conveying a lion costume look. However, the void creature features stand out for not mixing well with the overall aesthetic. As a lion costume Kog’Maw is colourful and attractive but his shape pushes forth the void creature visual to the detriment of the eastern concept. Moreover, the particle changes are quite good looking and the accompanying sounds very charming. Regardless, some abilities still rely on ooze instead of fireworks. This lack of cohesion between style and shape, fireworks and ooze erode the quality of the skin. In conclusion, Lion Dance Kog’Maw is a rather disappointing skin: a good idea with a lacklustre execution.

Deep Sea Kog’Maw
Deep Sea Kog'Maw Splash Art DeepSeaKogMaw Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Kog’Maw looking like an anglerfish.
Model: New model for Kog’Maw and new glow for his illicium.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This piece is a marvel that shows a fantastic and well painted setting. The background is full of flora and fauna: the squid on the left, the school of fishes on the right, the eggs at the front and the algae between them. Kog’Maw is very well depicted: well detailed skin and membrane texture, glassy eyes and bioluminescent spots on the back and the illicium. Even the sea bed has a complex and pleasing surface. In conclusion, this is a splash art with an incredible quality and definitely one of League of Legends’ best.
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: Deep Sea Kog’Maw is a skin that goes beyond a simple visual change and instead modifies the feel of the champion. Kog’Maw is usually considered a cute little monster, the void puppy, but Deep Sea Kog’Maw removes much if not all of that allure and replaces it with a more dreadful look. The new model is inspiring and menacing: Kog’Maw practically looks like a mutated deep sea fish. The thin long teeth, the membranes, glassy eyes and blood red skin present an interesting appearance. Furthermore, while the light sources on his back are simple textures that effectively get the job done, the illicium actually glows. Consequently, Deep Sea Kog’Maw is a awesome re-model for Kog’Maw thanks to how it challenges the way Kog’Maw is usually seen. It just needs a price more fitting to what it is.

Jurassic Kog’Maw
Jurassic Kog'Maw Splash Art Jurassic Kog'Maw Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Kog’Maw as an skeleton from a museum exhibition.
Model: New model for Kog’Maw.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: New animation for Icathian Surprise.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This piece is quite well done with a suitable setting and good technique. The background looks monotonous because of the lack of colour but it makes up for it with funny references: Jurassic Cho’Gath’s arm and Omen’s skeleton. Kog’Maw is superbly drawn with excellent use of lighting sources: both the sunlight and his mouth’s energy. Moreover, Kog’Maw’s skeleton has a complex texture with intensive use of reflections. Additionally, the cracks on the wall and falling stones add dynamism and help bring the piece to life. Therefore, this is a very good piece, with a disappointing background, but with an excellent portrayal of Jurassic Kog’Maw.
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: Jurassic Kog’Maw is a definite visual departure from Classic Kog’Maw. Nonetheless, most of what makes Kog’Maw appealing, including his cuteness, remains. This bone structure isn’t a faithful representation of how Kog’Maw’s actual skeleton would look: there are front and tail horns, more leg articulations and questionable tongue bones. Nevertheless, the skeleton structure is believable and functional; as cartilage wouldn’t survive from the Jurassic era. In addition to this, the screws that hold the bones together and the new death animation help to effectively deliver the concept. In conclusion, Jurassic Kog’Maw is a very nice skin thanks to a very good concept with an adequate execution but the price is high for what it offers.

Battlecast Kog’Maw
Battlecast Kog'Maw Splash Art Battlecast Kog'Maw Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Kog’Maw as an artillery robot.
Model: New model for Kog’Maw plus smoke for his exhaust tube and spark for his flamethrower. New textures for Icathian Surprise.
Particles: New particles for his abilities and auto-attack.
Animations: New animations for Bio-Arcane Barrage’s auto-attack, Void Ooze, Living Artillery, standing idle and recall.
Sounds: New sounds for his abilities, auto-attack and recall plus processed voice-over.
Splash Art: Blurriness is all over the background and in certain parts also over Kog’Maw. The setting could be anywhere as the elements are too obscure to avoid guessing: maybe near a factory or similar building. The near focus also doesn’t do Kog’Maw any favours as his general aspect isn’t easy to determine. He appears as a convoluted array of mechanical parts that, despite the dynamic setup, seems chaotic. The shading varies from good, around the centre of his face, to sketchy, around the periphery. This makes the piece interesting at a glance as Kog’Maw seems to jump out of it. However, a closer look makes evident the chaos prevalent and raises more doubts than excitement about what is there.
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: In spite of the whimsical yet necessary creature design Battlecast Kog’Maw accomplishes a technological aesthetic. The model struggles with his classic physiognomy but the added weaponry manages to communicate the concept. The smoke and spark particles help cement the idea yet the dichotomy never disappears. In fact, it’s even heightened by the processed voice with regards to Kog’Maw’s quotes.
The particles and sounds do a good job at adapting his attacks into explosive bombardment. Nonetheless, his Bio-Arcane Barrage looks too subdued for its expected significance. The furnace effect is nice but doesn’t stand out enough with its timid animation. Maybe some extra modifications would’ve helped make it feel noteworthy. Living Artillery also would’ve welcomed some extra impact as well but it has the advantage of a more noticeable new animation. The recall takes advantage of the worm-like shape and appears like a clever touch.
Ultimately, Battlecast Kog’Maw never completely reconciles the biological and mechanical natures into one cohesive whole. In spite of that, the skin succeeds at communicating its theme and does so in an appealing way. Fans of robotic artillery will find that Battlecast Kog’Maw is a rather good choice.

Pug’Maw
Pug'Maw Splash Art Pug'Maw Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Kog’Maw as a doggo.
Model: New model for Kog’Maw.
Particles: New particles for his abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Animations: New idle, joke and recall animations. New animations for his tongue and ears.
Sounds: New barks for Bio-Arcane Barrage’s auto-attacks and new sounds for his recall.
Splash Art: There are high hopes of a setting with much to show given the intense blur applied to it. The house wooden floor and sun-basking windows look nice enough yet somewhat empty. It’s not just the lack of detail in what is shown but also the fact that there’s little to see in what otherwise would be a residence. There seems to be some toys besides the dog bowl but that’s all the evidence left by pet and children. Of course, provided we don’t take into account a Toy-Story-inspired run for their life.
The apparition of the three toys under the sunlight is rather eye-catching. They flee with desperation from a dog that seems as playful as deadly; at least for them. Alistar displays the best shading to the point that the costume looks like photorealistic plastic. His face is a bit less convincing but still works well. The glass bottle seems a bit sketchy and the milk somewhat dense like cream but the effect is appealing. Kennen, instead, adopts a cartoony style emphasised by the streak of lighting behind him. The simpler shading and more exaggerated lines further reinforce the fact. It’s, in comparison, less attractive than Alistar’s portrayal but still effective. Renekton stands somewhat in the middle between quasi-photorealistic shading and cartoony lines. The soft shading strikes as too subdued and the outline may force the perspective a bit: the lower body seems too small. The slashing of a wet tennis ball isn’t well explained, though. Knowing Pug’Maw, he’d spit it against them but there’s no sign of it. At least, it suits the Toy Butcher.
Moving to the side and shifting focus, which is frankly ridiculous as all of the characters are of equal importance, we find Kog’Maw in dog form. Now, reassured of what we have to look at, we find that the, at times, photorealistic shading which, much like the three-dimensional skin, ends up bringing up the effects of the uncanny valley. The glassy eyes, sometimes waxy and sometimes sketchy fur, dead-like dry tongue, sketchy maw and nose, all before a body of unconvincing proportions and not entirely familiar shapes, like the legs and paws, makes for a slightly deformed dog that can appear more creepy than cute. The big eyes and maw aim at such intended cuteness but there’s obviously something off on sight.
All added together, this is an uneven splash art that provides a good context for three fleeing toys and a monstrous dog on the chase. The toys are the most appealing part given that the dog’s physique can feel off-putting when examined up close. The setting seems bare and minimal, as well as diffuse, but it frames the action well enough. What feels preposterous is that the shared splash arts blurs either toys or dog to indicate where the viewer should look at; which seems too patronising. The scene speaks for itself and as a shared splash art the spotlight should be, exactly, shared instead of focused arbitrarily. Maybe in future splash arts we’ll receive a diagram and manual to know how to go about them.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Skidding between the uncanny valley and scatology Pug’Maw might’ve originally aimed at presenting the Void Puppy in all his glory but ends up creepy and even disgusting. Fans of certain kinds of humour may find the deformed dog body cute. Others may notice that the anatomical inconsistencies can feel from strange to distasteful. By making Kog’Maw less monstrous he becomes more horrendous. Perhaps some praise is due to the fact that the adaptation from Void horror to dog is so seamless. It doesn’t make the result any more appealing but it’s something of note. Without trying to exaggerate, it seems like a Void monster is wearing a rubber dog skin to appear harmless; just like a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
The particles are an excess of saliva. For Void Ooze and Living Artillery a tennis ball is regurgitated but Caustic Spittle doesn’t make it clear whether it’s a fur ball or phlegm being used; regardless of item it’s far from appealing. Other times it’s a drooling shower thanks to Icathian Surprise and Bio-Arcane Barrage; the glow of the latter clashes hard with the skin’s physical style and the barking seem arbitrary on top of artificial. Like a rabid dog foaming at the mouth Pug’Maw loses control of himself. At any rate, a spitting dog, as the auto-attack demonstrates, isn’t exactly an example of cute no matter how big the eyes are.
Following on the trend of questionable appeal we get a new idle animation that hardly exposes the best in canine behaviour. The recall seems to be the only area where a likeable aspect, that of a playful dog, is exposed. The large eerie face and weird body still take centre stage and are visible from many angles so it can be a mixed bag.
In the end, Pug’Maw isn’t a bad idea on paper but when reaching three dimensions things take an ugly turn. The scatological humour may not be to everyone’s liking, to start with. Add to this the deformed dog body and strange face and Pug’Maw becomes a niche product dedicated only for the connoisseurs.

Hextech Kog’Maw
Hextech Kog'Maw Splash Art Hextech Kog'Maw Model
Category: Promotional (forge 10 gemstones or reroll skin shards and permanents in Hextech Crafting)
Price: Not Applicable
Concept: Kog’Maw as a magic-powered, mechanical automaton.
Model: New model for Kog’Maw and expanded crest for Bio-Arcane Barrage.
Particles: New particles for his abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for his abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Splash Art: Although the background is very diffuse the idea of a nice artificial pet bound and fuelled by magic seems pretty clear. The key in hand right before the machine and the joy in the faces of the children indicate that this is clearly a sought after prize. The question is: what’s the price to get this wonder? In spite of the difficulty the background has in displaying the setting it does manage to provide a good context. If we add some cynicism we can also say that it seems like a glorification of hextech crafting. After all, all the necessary elements are there: chest, key and prize; it conveniently forgoes the mention of the random nature of the crafting.
Even though Kog’Maw is the star of the piece he doesn’t receive much room to develop his new style. The portrayal seems to summarise his look with a brief depiction. The perspective practically occludes his entire body and only the head and an angled side is visible. The colours are quite saturated with dim reflections on the metallic plates and colours that mesh with each other. In spite of blue and bronze being part of Kog’Maw’s colour scheme, bronze tends to be dyed in blue tones along the body. The glowing eye is a good touch that adds some magic fuel to the depiction but it’s the only instance where magic’s seen. Maw and tail alike, as well as the right eye, look as opaque as if they were made of plastic. The use of light is also uneven being too intense on the right of the body and too weak on the left. The result is a vaguely useful portrayal of Kog’Maw that doesn’t give a good idea of his hextech-based appearance.
All added together we find that this is a splash art that seems more concerned in presenting the appeal of hextech crafting than the look of Hextech Kog’Maw. There’s context to appreciate but the viewer has to struggle to notice its elements. The portrayal isn’t a good depiction of Kog’Maw and seems more interested in capturing the feel of the moment, which is viable and ad influenced, but at the expense of clarity; notoriously so. This all leaves the splash art as one with charm but serious presentation issues.
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: By now the hextech look is starting to be standardized and Hextech Kog’Maw is a clear example of it. With multiple, overlapping blue plates lined with a dim bronze and a few gems to break the monotony and add that mystical touch to the mechanical base the look is distinct but also familiar. The fact that we are talking about a synthetic Kog’Maw should draw comparisons to Battlecast. In comparison, this is a light take against the grim, industrial feel of Battlecast Kog’Maw. However, it’s also one that’s less developed and with less unique features. The model verifies as much: there’s nothing novel about it. In fact, it’s even quite straightforward. That’s not to say that it isn’t appealing but there aren’t any clever design choices that make it stand out. In other words, it simply works.
Particles also show the standardization of the Hextech template. The use of quadrilaterals for projectiles and trails is constant between auto-attacks and abilities. Projectiles tend to be diamond-shaped shards while trails display rhombuses and kites. In all cases we are talking of white projectiles with blue, line shapes behind and some white highlights to add the sparkling, magical touch. There’s no doubt that the look is consistent but to the point that the homogeneity turns into monotony. Bio-Arcane Barrage has the advantage of a small model change to support the shy electric glow of maw and back-gem. The apparition of electrical bushing behind his open ears, or crest, adds a fitting even if weak electric style to the machinery. Of course, as an ultimate, Living Artillery should be mentioned but that’s because of how light it appears. Both discharge and impact seem frail though ethereal. The spiralling trails after impact act as a display of magic but one that appears weak and harmless. Even Icathian Surprise doesn’t convince with its power, a fearsome ability in the right situation, it looks like an overcharged Bio-Arcane Barrage; the potential confusion could have some use.
Sounds are a bit strange. The liquid gurgling characteristic of Kog’Maw’s attacks is transformed into crystalline vibrations; as if shards were hitting and rubbing against each other when shook inside a bag. It’s not unfeasible considering that shards are the projectiles of choice. However, the classic design of the sounds is present instead of substituted by something unique. Instead of having, let’s say, a magical charge that propels a shard that explodes with magical power we have the shard-gurgling instead.
The recall can be described as a reference to a claw crane of the hextech variety with Kog’Maw as the prize. It’s better interpreted as suitable transport for a hextech machine built as a weapon. In either case, the playful mocking seems too much like Classic Kog’Maw and not really fit for a machine.
The result is that Hextech Kog’Maw ends up feeling like a straightforward and superficial skin. It does look good but lacks variety in its design. It doesn’t sound bad but does sound strange. It has a different style but not really a new identity. In a way, everything seems to be developed only half-way. Given that’s there’s quite some competition in the realm of craftable skins, Hextech Kog’Maw isn’t bad by any means yet disappointing and certainly not up to par with what’s been delivered so far.

Conclusion

Kog’Maw may be the void puppy but he isn’t just a cute little thing when it comes to outfits. Monarch Kog’Maw is the recommended purchase: a cheap and interesting look that elaborates on Kog’Maw’s cuteness. Deep Sea Kog’Maw and Jurassic Kog’Maw are also good alternatives: they provide distinct visuals with a menacing and funny concept, respectively.

A more expensive yet also attractive option is Battlecast Kog’Maw. While the mechanical adaptation doesn’t feel really complete the idea of robotic artillery is reached. The price is high but the skin mostly justifies the expense with its technological display.

Pug’Maw is a skin of questionable appeal. The scatological angle taken for abilities and auto-attacks will probably not be everyone’s cup of tea. Add to this the incongruity between the Void monster and dog bodies and the result is nothing short of eerie. It can appeal to a certain kind of taste but, by and large, it’s a skin that ends up weird more often than cute.

As a skin for dedicated fans, Lion Dance Kog’Maw is too inconsistent to be recommended, it goes an extra step in changes but it also does so in price. Finally, both Caterpillar and Sonoran Kog’Maw offer simple and plain changes. Sonoran is a bit more appealing than Caterpillar but for that price there’s no reason to ignore Monarch Kog’Maw. It’s a modest skin but the few changes are attractive and make the skin stand out.

For hextech crafters, Hextech Kog’Maw is the magical-mechanical based version. It’s light and even ethereal at times but also straightforward and superficial. The skin has a distinct style but lacking in variety and depth; to the point that the identity is untouched. This leaves the skin in a bad spot against the better competition of craftable skins. It’s good, anyway, but not as good as it should’ve been.

  32 Responses to “League of Legends: Kog’Maw Skins’ Review”

  1. Thanks for the review! <3

  2. Very nice review. Kog’Maw is my very favorite champion and wanted to buy a skin on him. I ended up with the Jurassic skin because I love Jurassic Park and Michael Chricton (writer or Jurassic park novels) is my favorite author also. I enjoy your style of writing and it is quite informative. If I may I suggest that you base your rating on a scale of 1-10 or 1-100 because the star rating is quite extreme. 3-4 star goes from ok get it if you are a fan to a good recommended skin. Just my thoughts.
    Cheers

    • Glad that you liked it and thanks for the compliments.

      Without doubt Jurassic Kog’Maw is the perfect skin for Jurassic Park fans. Don’t forget Jurassic Cho’Gath either.

      We chose to use a five star rating to better reflect that they are recommendations. For instance, three stars isn’t a bad rating, it simply means that there are better options but that it still is a good product. Regardless, your suggestion has been noted.

  3. I have Lion Dance Kog’maw and it is by far one of my favorite skins. However I strongly agree that there should be more cohesion between void ooze and fireworks. If Riot updates the skin so it’s more on-par with the more recent legendary skins (recall animation new particles for his Q E and Icathian Surprise) then he would definitely be more worth it.
    I just saw a preview on the SkinSpotlights channel on Youtube of a Dragonwing Corki skin that’s supposed to come out and it just put Lion Dance Kog’maw to shame. So, if Riot does update the skin then I think it would definitely score higher with you, am I right?
    Either way, thanks for the review. I might end up getting Monarch as well. Just because it’s cheap and cute lol.

    • Glad that you liked it and Monarch Kog’Maw is definitely a good option.

      Lion Dance Kog’Maw would benefit from some polish in an eventual Kog’Maw visual upgrade. The skin has its moments but we agree that legendary skins needs a good level of quality and consistency to be worth the expense.

  4. What’s the new animation for Icathian Surprise? Is it like a different run? He definitely has a new death animation.

    • Actually it’s the explosion: his body leaves a few bones on the ground whereas his classic Icathian Surprise just leaves his lower body. The change is certainly minor but present nonetheless.

  5. I believe I should point out that, not too long ago, Lion Dance Kog’Maw got a new particle for his Q, and that is important and should be mentioned in the Particles section of the skin.

  6. When can I expect the battlecast Kog’Maw review ^^
    great website by the way.

  7. I wish they added more particles and animations. Only two skins really have major changes. I wish Jurassic could have bones., deep sea could have fish auto attack ( that would be funny).

    • Completely agreed, there are several skins that would improve with some extra particles or sounds. At least, Battlecast finally adds something extra though it also charges for it.

  8. I like jurassic kog’maw because i find dinosaur skeletons awesome and looks fierce, but i also like battlecast kog as well cos im an avid fan of war machines, what do you think is more preferable?

    • Depends on what you are looking for and how much you are willing to pay. Of course waiting for a sale would be the best way of getting the skins but the difference in price remains. The questions left are: which concept do you prefer and would you pay more for a more elaborate skin?

      Jurassic and Battlecast have clearly different concepts so that’s a good way of making a choice between the two skins. Then there’s the fact that Battlecast has new effects but also costs more. Do you think that you like Battlecast enough to justify the higher price?

      Another thing to consider is: do you play Kog’Maw enough to buy two skins for him? Do you play him enough to get Battlecast or would the cheaper Jurassic be enough?

      With the answers to those questions you should be able to have a better idea of which skins is a better choice. Both are actually good skins and none should disapoint. However, there are significant differences between the two; concept and price among others.

  9. Thanks a lot zero. I think i’ll get battlecast kog but wait for it to be on sale and on a side note its original price justifies what u could get imo. My hype for CoD: Advance Warfare will live in this skin aftr i bought it. But seriously, i even if i play a champion a lot, i do not consider buying 1 more than skin for him/her or even buying a skin at all cos i think thats a wastet of a lot of money just for new looks(cosmetics only). Ive mained fiora but never bought a skin for her. Again, thanks a lot. Ur questions helped me narrow down what i really want. More power for this site. Ur reviews are gr8.

    • Thanks for the kind words, we are glad we could be of help. We agree that it’s not always justifiable to have many skins. Sometimes there are some great skins, even for the same champion, but in general it’s better to simply get a few that you really like.
      We hope you enjoy Battlecast Kog’Maw.

  10. hey, do you know that with the Reindeer Kog’Maw his nose keeps shining red and then becomes dull again… it happens every ~10 sec if im right, not sure if you already knew it….
    the reviews are really nice and i love the part that you react pretty fast when a new skin comes out, love to read your thoughts about it

    • Glad that you like the reviews. We didn’t notice the effect on Koggy’s nose so we’ll take a look; thanks for the notice.

      • alright, hope it helps. rly like that skin, since the song makes me, and the people around me happy :p

        • Indeed it helps, the more complete the reviews the more useful they can be.

          That’s a nice reason to like the skin. It’s always good to add some happiness to this tortured world.

  11. Hey zero! 🙂 I’ve waited for a battlecast Kog’Maw sale for ages and he is currently on sale, is it worth it at half price?

    • We haven’t been able to find in which region Battlecast Kog’Maw is currently on sale. However, if it is discounted to half its price then it’s a great chance to get a skin that does a rather good job at turning the Void Puppy into a mechanised menace. If you like the robot theme then Battlecast would make for an intersting artillery version of Kog’Maw.

  12. I have a special discount on battlecast kog’maw for 840, do you think is worth it? thanks for the review.

    • If it were a regular sale the price would be 675 RP, that is a difference of 165 RP. It’s not a big difference but if you plan to buy several skins in the long run the extra expense accumulates fast. If you really like to have it now then it’s not a bad price. However, if you aren’t in a rush and don’t mind the wait then you might as well wait a bit for Battlecast Kog’Maw to go on a regular sale.

      It was last discounted at the beginning of March, this year. Therefore, it will take quite some time before it goes on sale. Depending on how much you like it or want to have it now you may be able to decide whether those 165 RP matter. It’s a good skin yet in case you own other skins for the Void puppy you might want to play them a bit more. That way, when Battlecast arrives you can move on to that skin knowing that you got your money’s worth from the others.

  13. Any early opinions on Pug’Maw? It looks really cute imo.

    • Perhaps from a distance but we find the uncanny valley when we get close. Also, the scatological humour of the skin it’s probably not for everyone. In few words, making the Void Puppy less monstrous might end up having the opposite result of what is intended.

  14. Pug’Maw also has a new joke animation i think.

    Just lettin’ ya know.

  15. I want to also add that the skin Pug Maw also has an unique sound for his w aa, he barks like a dog, you should also add that, and thanks for the nice reviews as always.

    • Not at all. You’re right, they are a bit eclipsed by all the splashing sounds but there’s a bark in each auto-attack. Thanks for the information, we’ll add it to the review.

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