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League of Legends: Shaco Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Oct 042012
 
Shaco, the Demon Jester
Shaco, the Demon Jester

Shaco, the Demon Jester has a singular style, ideas and sense of humour; not to say that he’s a raving maniac. Regardless of insanity, he appreciates the need to dress well and has a few options in his wardrobe. For our next trick we won’t make you hallucinate, instead you can read Shaco’s skins’ review and get advice on his buffoon outfits.

Mad Hatter Shaco
Mad Hatter Shaco Splash Art Mad Hatter Shaco Model
Category: Regular
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Shaco dressed as the mad hatter from Alice in Wonderland.
Model: Moderate model changes for Shaco and new models for his daggers. New textures for Jack in the Box and Hallucinate.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The background is a bit too homogeneous but aptly displays some whimsical vegetation typical of Wonderland. Actually, a depiction of Wonderland has a lot of potential yet the chosen representation comes across as simplistic and disappointing. Shaco is well dressed as the classic Mad Hatter but the underlying Classic Shaco base clashes with the general Wonderland style. In conclusion, the concept is great and the execution isn’t bad with its pencil drawing style. However, the piece’s lack of depth holds back what could otherwise be an excellent splash art.
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: Alice in Wonderland’s mad hatter is a good fit for Shaco: as far as sanity is concerned they have quite a bit in common. The look is well realized with a fine hat and suit and a couple of engraved daggers. However, a significant part of the Classic Shaco base remains. The base doesn’t compromise the concept but it restricts its implementation. Therefore, the hatter has to comply with the stylistic choices of a jester. Regardless, it’s a good looking skin with a remarkable style. Fans of Alice in Wonderland or cuckoo characters will find it a nice option.

Royal Shaco
Royal Shaco Splash Art Royal Shaco Model
Category: Regular
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Shaco styled as a court buffoon.
Model: Moderate model changes for Shaco and his daggers. New textures for Jack in the box and Hallucinate.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The setting shows the scenery of a stage that appears a little too simple and a little too empty. Shaco hangs, near some undefined curtains, upside down as if he wants to ineffectively hide his blood soaked daggers behind him; smiling at the situation. So far the description of the piece suits Shaco quite well but more could’ve been shown to better frame the action. Shaco’s portrayal isn’t bad: the clothes are well delineated and the shading is appropriate. Truth be told, this piece wants to tell a story instead of simply displaying Shaco’s style. However, it lacks sufficient elements to set a complete situation and so it leaves too many aspects unstated.
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: Royal Shaco takes his basic jester look and refines it into a court buffoon. The result is a nicely stylized aesthetic with excellent use of colours and squared patterns. The daggers aren’t changed much so that they still match Shaco’s shoulder pads. Nonetheless, the remnants of Classic Shaco seem to prevent the skin from having its own unique look. In conclusion, a stylish and colourful buffoon skin that is as suitable as it is attractive.

Nutcracko
Nutcracko Splash Art Nutcracko Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Shaco as a nutcracker soldier.
Model: Major model changes for Shaco and new model for his daggers. New textures for Jack in the Box and Hallucinate.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This splash is so centred on showing how Shaco poses as a nutcracker soldier that it simply doesn’t show anything else; sans a floor to stand on. Besides, the soldiers quickly fade in the distance which, considering the absence of any substantial background, make the piece look empty. Shaco’s portrayal is passable, he does seem to blend with the rest of the soldiers but the depiction isn’t special or attractive in any way. Overall, it’s a simplistic and disappointing splash art that barely serves its purpose.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Nutcracko is a clear reference to Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and an adequate Christmas skin. Unfortunately, while Shaco may be nuts there’s little else linking him to a nutcracker. Therefore, the concept feels more forced that clever. Furthermore, the soldier uniform conforms to Classic Shaco’s style so it looks adapted instead of recreated. In fact, while the adaptation is technically passable the result feels unexciting. Shaco fans will find that the skin hardly delivers on what makes Shaco appealing and so it becomes little more than a collector’s item.

Workshop Shaco
Workshop Shaco Splash Art Workshop Shaco Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Shaco as a clockwork toy.
Model: New model for Shaco and his daggers. New textures for Jack in the Box and Hallucinate.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: Workshop Shaco’s background may not impress but still is an adequate setting. Although an actual workshop full of clockwork toys or machines would have been more suitable, the clock with its gigantic gears properly matches the concept. Shaco depiction isn’t very good: the whimsical stance shows how weird he is as a clockwork toy but that prevents a clear view of his aspect. In general, it’s possible to get an idea of how Shaco looks but that should be evident and in no way something that requires a close inspection. In conclusion, the concept behind the piece isn’t bad but the quality of the composition leaves much to be desired.
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: Workshop Shaco capitalizes on another characteristic of Shaco: coulrophobia. The clown mixes with the evil toy and the addition of fears makes for a very interesting concept. The clockwork toy design is very good: the limbs have thin unions, the body a spring in the middle and clothes are made of metal instead of cloth. The artificial aspect is very well delivered which turns Shaco into an efficient killing machine; another suitable way of interpreting the Demon Jester. To sum up, Workshop Shaco is a great skin thanks to the confluence of a clever concept and an attractive appearance.

Asylum Shaco
Asylum Shaco Splash Art Asylum Shaco Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Shaco as a straitjacketed mental institution patient.
Model: New model for Shaco and his daggers. New textures for Jack in the Box and Hallucinate.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: Asylum Shaco’s splash art manages a good balance between the jester’s quirky nature and a representation of his look. The background is a clear yet empty frame: just a wall made with irregular bricks. Conversely, Shaco’s depiction is great: the lighting is superb and the shading allows the different materials to be very easily distinguishable. The pose is also a good fit for Shaco though the heavy use of bandages and an unusual plush toy to the left seem arbitrary. Moreover, the perspective used to display his daggers makes them look much smaller than they really are. Regardless of caveats, this is a very good splash art that does its job well and with style.
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: Asylum Shaco is the natural evolution of a lunatic: getting a straitjacket and being happy about it. While the style follows the jester design to a degree it has its unique look and colour scheme. Nevertheless, the execution has its issues yet one stands out: the straitjacketed look is too stylized and the actual aspect ends like a mix of asylum lunatic and blue buffoon without makeup. Additionally, the blue based palette makes the skin too subdued for a clown. In spite of this, the overall result is appealing and suits Shaco’s unusual nature. It isn’t a perfect skin but it has a pretty unique look.

Masked Shaco
Masked Shaco Splash Art Masked Shaco Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Shaco as a happy Korean-styled clown.
Model: New model for Shaco, his daggers and Jack in the Box. New textures for Hallucinate.
Particles: New particles for his abilities.
Animations: Opening fans for his daggers when using abilities or standing idle and new dance animation.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The background does show a room full of Jacks in the Box but aside from Shaco’s peculiar laying habit there’s little to see. There are some decorations, beams and columns but it’s all rather basic. Shaco is very well depicted with nice lines and shading so as to show ample details. Folds and reflections abound and even the straw fiber is easily distinguishable on his sole. His legs look a bit plain but it’s an overall good portrayal of Shaco; even though not much more.
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: Masked Shaco may look rather unconventional but still provides a nice style that mixes sandae noli, or talchum, and buchaechum. The clothes are elegant and reasonably done though the colours don’t always match those in the splash art. However, the mask, including the headgear and wig, are too dark and mute: they hardly approximate the splash art’s quality. At least, the clothes’ decorations are animated. Besides, the fan-daggers are definitely a distinct feature, nicely incorporated into his animations; even the clone’s explosion. Additionally, Jack in the Box effectively follows the general theme and the new particles add a satisfying and necessary layer of flare. In general, it’s a consistent and attractive style that catches the eye with its original concept but that isn’t on par with the promises made by the splash art.

Wild Card Shaco
Wild Card Shaco Splash Art Wild Card Shaco Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Shaco dressed in a joker card motif.
Model: New model for Shaco, his daggers and Jack in the Box. New textures for Hallucinate.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: In spite of the extremely blurry background one can get an idea of the setting. The throne room is inexplicably foggy and its architecture can only be guessed at but, at least, there’s a setting. In the throne we find the King of Clubs with his golden armour glinting under the sunlight. On the stairs, we find the elegant but distant Queen of Diamonds; not far from the sinister Joker. On the other side, in the darkness we find a knave discretely hiding his presence. In the foreground, a confident aristocrat greets us as we approach the room.
In general, each champion receives a portion of the spotlight and, mostly, characteristic traits are noticeable. Perhaps Shaco should’ve been in the darkness while Twisted Fate charmingly received the viewer or presented the court to us. Besides, Mordekaiser doesn’t say much sitting in the throne and doesn’t really strike as imposing; except for his title.
Ultimately, the splash art presents the champions in a rather clear way in an appropriate setting. The background could’ve been clearer and some champions could’ve been better presented. Still, considering how many champions vie for the viewer’s attention, this is a piece that manages to give each a relevant place that is supported by the others.
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: The aesthetic presented by Wild Card Shaco surely captures the first part even if the Joker angle isn’t that clear. Perhaps Jack in the Box does a better job at referencing a Joker card. Shaco looks like too much of a maniac in comparison to the usual lightheartedness of the card’s image. Nonetheless, he surely seems suitable for a court even if he appears more like an eccentric aristocrat rather than a dark buffoon. The clothes are richly decorated with a subtle asymmetric colouring that matches his iconic hairstyle; a great choice supported by an eloquent visage. The metallic boots come as surprising despite the vambraces on his forearms and don’t make much sense. The daggers have a distinct design and, like the Jack in the Box, they seem like items of fine quality.
In the sum of its parts, it could be said that Wild Card Shaco is more noble than Joker. Regardless, it surely offers an attractive style that manages to mix madness and elegance with crazy appeal.

Conclusion

Clowns usually rely on the same look but Shaco is a jester with a particular style and mind. Taking that into consideration, the recommended skin is Masked Shaco as it delivers an original concept backed by an appealing and modern execution. It’s not at the level of the splash but it does more than most skins.

A cheaper but still recommended skin is Wild Card Shaco. With an aristocratic style the Demon Jester becomes an elegant but still maniacal member of the court. From the clothes to the daggers and even Jack in the Box: everything remains classy and attractive. It’s certainly a fine option for fans of Shaco.

Royal Shaco is a simple but attractive skin with a modest price. The colour palette does a great job at defining a different look for the Demon Jester. It relies heavily on Classic Shaco but manages to stand out as something different and appealing. As something cheap but nice this is the best option.

Equally good alternatives are Asylum and Workshop Shaco: the three have unique aspects and work well in both concept and execution; despite their classic particles. However, their price is a bit too high for being, essentially, re-models.

Lastly, Mad Hatter Shaco isn’t a bad option either; especially for Alice in Wonderland fans. Unfortunately, its concept asks for a cleaner implementation that it has received. The classic lines are too obvious and don’t let the theme bloom. It’s a good skin at a low price but underdeveloped.

  34 Responses to “League of Legends: Shaco Skins’ Review”

  1. theres masked shaco now

  2. I follow you constantly. This kind of hope that you continue to the shares. good luck…..

  3. Is there a particle effect on masked shaco where his deceive makes blue smoke and not red?

  4. Shaco’s getting a texture update will you update all the reviews? sadly masked shaco isn’t receiving one 🙁

    • If there’re significant differences we’ll certainly do. Masked Shaco is probably too new to need an update, the textures may already be at the quality of the update.

      • I agree with that but masked shaco’s mask is horrible, nothing like the splashart and I really expected riot to fix that in his texture update.

        • You make a good point. The texture update could’ve helped bridge the gap between the model and the splash art. It seems like it’d be a wasted opportunity.

  5. Hey Zero, what is your opinion on the skins that are on the PBE eight now and would you recommend getting any of them over the already-existing skins (ex. : recommend Wild Card Shaco over Masked, or Star Guardian Lux over Steal Legion etc.)

    • Star Guardian Lux is looking rather good and could be the long awaited magical skin that Lux has needed for so long. With Lux there have been too many military skins one after the other so Star Guardian could be an attractive alternative that develops her magical side.

      The 750 RP re-models look alright but most of the champions have better alternatives. In some cases they could be a good option if you like the theme. However the difference between 750 RP and 975 RP isn’t that huge; especially during a sale. Therefore, unless you specifically like the theme it might be better to spend a bit more and, where applicable, get a much better realized skin.

  6. Wild Card Shaco 5 stars???

    • Perhaps not that many stars but it doesn’t seem like it would be a bad skin at all. We’ll try to have a review ready as soon as possible.

  7. That wild card shaco review would make my night

  8. hey i got masked shaco from a hextech box do u think it worth to spend the essence for it ??

    • It’s currently the most recent and elaborate skin that the Jester has. If you like Shaco then it’s the skin we recommend provided you like the concept; as far as execution it’s the most advanced. If you prefer some of the other skin concepts then it could be worth getting something else. Do keep in mind that if you reroll you can get something worse rather than better. So, consider how much you are willing to risk for the chance of getting something better.

  9. Which Shaco skin do you think would look the scariest for the enemy team.
    I don’t want a shaco skin because it looks cool, I want a skin to make the enemy scared and paranoid 🙂

    • That’s the spirit. Make them fear the big smile.

      With that in mind, probaly Wild Card Shaco probably has the scariest face with that big grin under that big nose. Masked Shaco has a creepy mask and Asylum has the apparel of a escaped lunatic; the straitjacket. Workshop has the cold precision of a machine which suits rather well his ruthless style. Royal has an eye-catching buffoon style that makes Shaco easy to notice but not really scary. It would be more a way of making clear that you have appeared and something nasty will happen. Mad Hatter references madness which implies his lethality. Finally, Nutcracko can be a bit creepy as a toy but not actually that scary.

      In conclusion, we’d say that for a scary face: Wild Card; for a creepy mask: Masked and for the clothing of a madman: Asylum. There’s the added option of turning him into a cold killing machine with Workshop but as a legacy skin it’s necessary to wait until the Legacy Vault opens. The others can inspire some fear but aren’t as direct as these skins. Each has its personality, it depends on what you prefer.

  10. I have both Asylum Shaco and Vizier Malzahar, which one do you recommend for me to get?

    • If you want particles along a good model then Masked Shado is the only one that can deliver. If a nice model is enough then any of the other skins are interesting. Some are cheaper than others and some show their age but there’s still much to like in them. As always we recommend a sale.

  11. Hey there Zero, I’ve been a big fans since I discovered this blog 3 years ago. I always check out your reviews before getting a skin (thats how much I trusted your opinion) 😀

    Anyway, would you recommend Mad Hatter Shaco? I don’t really play Shaco much but I would like to have at least 1 skin for each Champion lol.

    Its gonna be on sale this February, I like that Mad Hatter has a different look for Shaco and I think it has the look and value (price). So would you recommend it? If not, which Shaco skin would u recommend then? I need you to be honest with the recommendation XD.

    Thanks in forward

    • Glad that you find the reviews useful.

      Mad Hatter Shaco is a good skin provided you don’t expect more than it can deliver. That is, it’s a cheap skin with evident reliance on the classic model. The result is interesting and serves as a good homage to Alice in Wonderland but it’s not a skin that is going to dazzle you.

      Technically, Mad Hatter is more elaborate than Royal; which is only a re-texture. Regardless, the former seems more subdued while the latter is more eye-catching because of the colours. Between the two, Mad Hatter carries more meaning and has more changes to offer. It can be a matter of taste given how nice the Royal colour scheme is. Still, neither skin is a bad choice.

      If you are willing to pay a bit more then Wild Card is a rather good re-model. There are other nice re-models like Workshop or Asylum but they ask for an additional expense. If you want a skin that goes beyond the model then Masked is the only one. It’s a good skin with some nice animation touches to support the style. Unfortunately, it shares the same subdued style with Mad Hatter which prevents the skins from looking as appealing as they can be.

      In any case, there aren’t really bad skins for the Demon Jester. The key is to get a skin that you like and to pay a reasonable price for what you can get.

  12. Shaco, last line in the second paragraph of the conclusion is misspelled.

    P.S. Nutcracko is a superior skin due to the fact that it instills fear into the hearts of your enemies.

    • Thanks for the correction.

      You make a valid point about Nutcracko, we may have to re-evaluate our whole view of the Demon Jester. To the Batcave!

  13. A few Shaco skins have been reworked; any chance for an update?

    Big Shaco fan here and I really miss the old Nutcracko splash. Something off about the way he holds the sabers in the new one. Plus the old splash has a darker atmosphere where he’s camouflaged ready to gank an unknowing victim.

    Also a huge fan of the red daggers on Wildcard.

    Thanks for the reviews man. I always check here before getting skins. Cheers.

    • Not at all, glad that you find them useful.

      We checked and didn’t notice any significant changes. There’re some gameplay touches but didn’t see anything that different. Is there something in particular that you think should be added or updated in the reviews? We’ll give it a look and make changes if necessary. Thanks.

      New splash arts aren’t always better. They may have better technical quality but also miss the personality, identity or style of the champion or skin. A dark feel for Shaco makes perfect sense but sometimes splash arts are more concerned in catching the eye than capturing the spirit of champion or skin.

  14. will you be doing updated splash art reviews for the splash arts that got changed to the chinese ones

  15. Hey…could you update the pictures? i noticed that some of them are old versions.

    • We have many spalsh arts to update as we have to update their respective reviews. We apologise and we’ll try to update when we are able.

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