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League of Legends: Alistar Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Jan 312013
 
Alistar, the Minotaur
Alistar, the Minotaur

Alistar, the Minotaur may be a classic tank yet he’s quite versatile when the time comes to choose an outfit. From the Far West to Hell, Alistar has multiple and interesting faces. If you are in the mood to trample over your enemies but unsure about which style to choose, pulverize your doubts with Alistar’s skins’ review.

Black Alistar
Black Alistar Splash Art Black Alistar Model
Category: Exclusive (Digital Edition Pre-order)
Price: Not Applicable
Concept: Alistar as a black minotaur.
Model: Minor model changes for Alistar.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This piece is a simple re-colour of Alistar’s original splash art. As such it suffers from the same issues: non-existent background, rough lines, mute colours and an overall sketchy quality. It does give an idea of Alistar’s look but better is to be expected.
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Conclusion: Black Alistar is as simple skin but it does provide a different and fitting look. The black and bronze colour scheme is nice and manages a different look. Aside from the horns, it’s essentially Alistar with black fur so it delivers on its promise. On the whole, it’s hardly a bad extra for a pre-order but isn’t something to worry about missing out on.

Golden Alistar
Golden Alistar Splash Art Golden Alistar Model
Category: Regular
Price: 390 RP
Concept: Alistar with golden fur.
Model: Moderate model changes for Alistar.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This piece has interesting shading but not the best lines to accompany it. The background gives the barest hint of a cave possible so Alistar is all there is to be seen. His fur is rather well done and even the scars are covered by nearby strands; a good touch. However, the proportions of the body aren’t well done and recognizable muscle structures, like the abdomen, look weird. It’s a piece that serves as a spotlight, to an extent, but suffers from evident problems.
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Conclusion: At a glance it might seem that Golden Alistar is just another re-colour. However, there are model changes, not significant but noticeable, that aim at a different aesthetic. The skin has an air of royalty thanks to the reinterpretation of restraining devices as lavish decorations. The white hair also give Alistar a degree of elder wisdom that is rather fitting.
Considering its low price, Golden Alistar provides enough. Add to that the distinct look and how well it all comes together and it’s quite a good option for fans of the Minotaur.

Matador Alistar
Matador Alistar Splash Art Matador Alistar Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Alistar ironically dressed as a torero.
Model: Moderate model changes for Alistar.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The piece shows a plaza de toros cheering on the torero, Alistar, probably after finishing the corrida. For some reason, the whole of the background looks foggy and even major elements like the ground or the structures are barely visible. Alistar is adequately depicted from the waist up as his lower body matches the background’s quality. The traje de luces looks alright and so does Alistar but there are obvious problems. The clothes, fur and horns look flat and messily painted: not only is the shading murky but the delineation is imprecise and off-putting. Overall, a disappointing splash art with a lacklustre background and a barely passable portrayal.
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Conclusion: Matador Alistar is a letdown, because it neither completely dresses Alistar as a torero nor does the skin capture their elegance and grace. In fact, the skin just suits the minotaur in chaquetilla and taleguilla and calls it a day. Absent are all other elements including the classic montera as well as the distinct white socks and black zapatillas. Truth be told, with some textures the missing shirt, tie and perhaps socks could’ve been added so as to provide a more complete look; though the montera should’ve been added. Regardless, Matador Alistar is a skin that wants to provide a concept but instead suggests it. Unless tauromaquia or Alistar are your passion, this skin doesn’t offer much; especially considering how much it asks for.

Longhorn Alistar
Longhorn Alistar Splash Art Longhorn Alistar Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Alistar dressed as a cowboy.
Model: Moderate model changes for Alistar.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: With cartoony shapes but thick, saturated colours this piece catches the eye yet doesn’t set its sights too high. The background only amounts to a heavy sky, an arid desert and the modest entrance to a ranch. The sunlight is attractive but isn’t used much. Alistar contrasts the setting with his detailed depiction. The proportions are more humanoid than in his actual self but the portrayal benefits from the attention to detail. Still, the artistic license means that he looks more complex than he does in-game. The clothes are complicated with all manner of decorations, surface textures are done in a sketchy way and the flames or energy over him is puzzling. The saturated colours are also tiring and make everything look waxy; to the point that his breath appears like cotton.
Regardless, the result catches the eye and serves as a spotlight. Albeit, it’s a very imprecise one that may give an idea of his look that is more elaborate than the modest simplicity of the three-dimensional model.
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Conclusion: Longhorn Alistar is an interesting irony that actually manages to fulfil its premise quite well. The cowboy outfit is well done and suitably adapted to Alistar’s huge frame. Although, the trousers may be sagging a little and the revolvers seems too small for his hands. Still, the result is satisfying which added to the low price make a rather good skin for fans of Alistar or ingenious concepts.

Unchained Alistar
Unchained Alistar Splash Art Unchained Alistar Model
Category: Promotional
Price: Free for subscribers of Riot’s Youtube Channel
Concept: Alistar as a freed minotaur with elaborate horns.
Model: New for Alistar.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: For a setting there seems to be a mountainous area amidst a snow storm but it’s mostly suggested rather than shown. What obviously catches the eye is Alistar’s broad physique. The stance seems a little too exaggerated but it serves its purpose. The lines are correct and so is the shading. Actually, it would be a rather good depiction if it weren’t for the glaring mismatch of elements between the splash art and the in-game model. A quick comparison reveals differences: antlers plus bronze bands, belt and loincloth are replaced, in-game, by horns and metal. Overall, it gives a general idea but the differences are so obvious that it ends as a misleading splash art.
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Conclusion: Unchained Alistar is a nice skin that provides a more fantastic minotaur aspect. The elaborate horns, stern visage and spiked bands tell of a certain readiness for battle; which is quite eye-catching. In fact, only the neck chain seems to hint at any sort of captivity; which is puzzling keeping the skin’s name in mind. The skin can feel a bit monochromatic with, maybe, too much of the same blue hue. On top of that, the splash art gives a notion of the skin that the model doesn’t match well. All things considered, it’s a nice skin and its, practically, null price make it an option with no real reason to avoid.

Infernal Alistar
Infernal Alistar Splash Art Infernal Alistar Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Alistar as a devilish minotaur.
Model: New model for Alistar.
Particles: New particles for Pulverize.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: Mountains, a darkened sky and some fire are the background that is available. It hardly works as a setting so it actually becomes a filler of space. Alistar is shown paying attention to his left while his armour is bathed in some kind of light; inexplicably due to the covered sky. In spite of that, the lighting looks good and the shading is great; as well as the outline. However, Alistar’s left arm seems unfittingly thin and his lower body disappointingly blurry. All in all, it’s a rather good splash art that is set back by its not so subtle flaws.
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Conclusion: Infernal Alistar takes the tortured minotaur and turns him into an armoured behemoth of destruction. The armour is quite well designed so as to maximize protection without hindering the movement of Alitar’s massive body. Moreover, the hellish theme is clearly implemented but without exaggerations. In general, it’s a skin with a good theme and a solid execution so while it needs a little more to excel it remains a great choice.

Sweeper Alistar
Sweeper Alistar Splash Art Sweeper Alistar Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Alistar as a defender.
Model: New model for Alistar.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The splash art, shared by all of the new football skins, is a bit of a mess. The background is unnecessarily diffuse, as if the depth of field effect was a way of working less. It gives the idea of a pitch but looks blurry. The champions stand to the right as a sapling-football blurrily rolls on the right. Their portrayal has sharp colours but the proportions don’t convince: some champions seem too small and others too large. Besides, they don’t state anything else besides their presence. It’s as basic a depiction as possible and that makes the piece lack a meaning. In the end, it’s a splash art with no personality that impresses with its crisp colouring but when you look closer you find little.
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Conclusion: To an extent Sweeper Alistar is just a minotaur dressed in football clothing but there’s more to take into account. The new model also refines Alistar’s body and incorporates a more believable bovine aspect. This makes him look strong and resilient which is echoed by the streamlined yet ample horns as well as the tidy and fashionable hairstyle. On top of that, Alistar’s protective activities have much in common with a football defender. It’s a pity then to find that his hunched back is too exaggerated but the skin manages to compensate with its attractive look. In conclusion, Sweeper Alistar is mostly a football-based skin but also a powerful aesthetic for this minotaur.

Marauder Alistar
Marauder Alistar Splash Art Marauder Alistar Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Alistar as an armoured warrior.
Model: New model Alistar.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The conception behind the splash art is actually quite good: a battle between Marauders and Wardens. In this instance we get to see the Marauders on the attack. The problem is that the monochromatic depiction of these champions is too unclear. For starters, the background essentially doesn’t exist. There are some shapes here and there that could be interpreted as rocks but of a proper setting we can only guess. The blurry presence of the Wardens is the only element that gives context to the action. The way they are displayed is understandable but they compete too much with the Marauders for attention.
The Marauders’ portrayal isn’t very good either. At a glance, it looks like Olaf is superimposed on Alistar but without much that links them. The idea is that they fight together but that isn’t conveyed. To top it off the individual displays are done with poses that occlude most of their bodies. Add to that the way in which the champions are placed in the action and we get to see little of them. Admittedly, the armours are detailed with nice reflections and multiple dents. However, such detail is only appreciated in the central area of the Marauders.
All in all, this is an ambitious splash art that fails at reaching its potential. What could be an exciting peek at a battle ends in a mess of blue tones that doesn’t show much and wastes too much space.
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Conclusion: As a hulking minotaur the armour displayed by Marauder Alistar reinforces his impactful presence. The arms incorporate small shields on the vambraces and the helmet goes as far as to cover his horns. Without a doubt, Alistar becomes impenetrable and a force to be respected. The legs look serviceable and the fur merely decorative but they add up to define a clear minotaur silhouette. To a point, it reminds of his Infernal skin but with more emphasis on metal and protection and no supernatural vein.
What surprises by its plain and simple look is his back. While it’s probable that Alistar would face most danger in front of him the armour is bare, thin and brief. It doesn’t follow the general style and instead appears as an oversight that is certainly noticeable due to Alistar’s hunched frame.
All things considered, Marauder Alistar is a nice skin with an imposing armour design that supplements his great strength. It’s a real pity that the skin is so evidently uneven with a back that seems painted on a single plane. Because of this, Marauder Alistar can impress but also let down depending on how you look at him.

SKT T1 Alistar
SKT T1 Alistar Splash Art SKT T1 Alistar Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Alistar dressed in a flashy, contemporary way.
Model: New model for Alistar.
Particles: New particles for Headbutt, Unbreakable Will and recall.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New recall sounds.
Splash Art: In terms of background, we can guess that the few flashes and lights around the champions intend to reflect an arena where they have proved their skill and ended triumphant. That’s all guesswork because there’s nothing concrete to reveal it. Although there’s little room for a setting, what is available is mostly filled with empty colours.
The rest is the shared display of the six champions. Colours are saturated but the excellent use of lighting allows for a contrast that makes the depiction full of detail, in places. There are simple surfaces, especially on the outskirts of the piece so it’s the champions on the centre that tend to receive the best work. It’s enough to compare how much of each champion is displayed and occluded to find the areas in-between where details are lacking.
Kalista manages to insinuate herself quite clearly while enjoying some great use of light. The highlights on the golden speak and the transparent ones on her back also catch the eye; better than the sketchy jacket. Alistar appears a bit simple in the large surface of his body but the head is sharply depicted. Metal and hair are nicely shown but cloth disappoints. Ryze stands in centre stage and is the only one whom more than posing is also displaying his magical might. Still, his face can seem cartoony and his legs foggy. Much more pronounced is that effect on Azir. In spite of the daring pose his back is mostly and empty shadow so there isn’t much to see. Only his outline and most salient features are noticeable. Elise seems to be web-slinging into action but the intense lights dull the colours of her body. Still, the evident contrasts manage to make her face clear. Renekton is the one whom struggles the most to catch a share of space. His face looks good though it’s not as vibrant as other areas of the piece. His body, is submerged in a blur that conceals what isn’t visible but also what is; like his arms. The blade is surprisingly hidden in darkness, which may make some sense, but is a letdown.
Overall, this is a splash art that provides an uneven distribution of space for the champions. Large ones struggle in small areas while smaller ones receive full depictions. It’s not just that, the portrayals themselves are also uneven with sharp areas against blurred ones. The composition isn’t bad at all. The daring and dynamic call to action is a classic choice that works well in any team. However, the result doesn’t take advantage of it and seldom organizes the champions in ways that make the most of their unique personalities. It shows that its an abbreviated display of champions and so the portrayal suffers for it.
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Conclusion: The glamorous colour selection and psychedelic hairstyle of SKT T1 Alistar easily stand out when taking a first glance at the skin. The style is certainly not ridiculous but has a certain vintage, space age feel that works better than the team endorsement side it can’t hide. The sunglasses coupled with headphones, large back logo under and equally large hood plus colourful gloves compete for attention. They also, define the modern, flashy fashion of the skin. Strangely, the trousers and snickers are rather reserved and the former look like simple, dark leggings. Horns become metallic and extend as part of the headphones which is unexpected as the minotaur features aren’t concealed or adapted to something more believable. At least the recall matches the feel by being just as whimsical.
What is clear is that the modern fashion sense is mixed with a flashy style that resembles the excesses of disco. That does give the skin an identity of its own but struggles to work alongside the logos and ludicrous skin and hair colours. The team endorsement asks for compromises that restrict the potential space age feel of the skin which makes it feel too extravagant. The space age side is appealing but the STK design restricts it too much so that it ends up closer to an ad than a fashion statement.

Moo Cow Alistar
Moo Cow Alistar Splash Art Moo Cow Alistar Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Alistar wearing a cow costume.
Model: Major model changes for Alistar.
Particles: New particles for Pulverize, Trample, Unbreakable Will, dance and recall.
Animations: New dance and recall animation.
Sounds: New cowbell sounds for Pulverize, Trample and dance, new wood creak sounds for Unbreakable Will plus new recall sounds.
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.
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Conclusion: Joining other costume-based skins Moo Cow Alistar is a mixed bag. Aside from the cow outfit there’s nothing new in model terms; it even copies the hunch opening of Meowkai. The cow face is surely cute but the simplistic design makes the skin derivative at a glance. Underneath, there’s only Classic Alistar so nothing new to speak about.
In terms of particles it’s all a shy affair. Pulverize gets some leaves, Trample a new bell indicator and Unbreakable Will fences over grass and flowers. Everything is like Classic but with a touch different on top. Sounds follow the same patterns with the addition of cowbells and a wood creak where appropriate. What stands apart is the recall animation: it borrows Meowkai’s saplings for a milky offering; let’s hope that they aren’t adult cats. As is often the case, the saplings end up as the best part of the deal.
On the whole, this is a skin without pretentious of being anything special. At best, it’s a joke at Alistar’s bovine nature which isn’t particularly elaborate: just a costume and a cowbell. The result isn’t particularly appealing given how little effort goes into the, already, simple proposition. Still, taken for what it is, it can be a passable choice.

Hextech Alistar
Hextech Alistar Splash Art Hextech Alistar Model
Category: Promotional (forge 10 gemstones or reroll skin shards and permanents in Hextech Crafting)
Price: Not Applicable
Concept: Alistar as a magic-powered, mechanical automaton.
Model: New model for Alistar and animated gears inside his torso.
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: The place is some kind of steampunk facility where machines are built or it could be an arena for an incredible fight or a temple under attack. There’s so little shown than any guess is as good as any other. There’s someone holding up a giant crystal which could be a scientist, fighter or thief making use of the power of the crystal. Without doubt, even though there’s some hint of a setting there isn’t a proper context.
Alistar seems to be crawling as if he’s fallen or is about to recharge or he could even be in the middle of pulverising everything in sight. The stance isn’t clear about it and doesn’t allow for a good view of his appearance either. Even though his upper body is what’s mostly seen in-game this is only partially depicted. An idea of the design of the plates and the machinery behind them can be gathered. However, every surface looks dull, unpolished and worn; nothing like the actual three-dimensional representation. In fact, even the streaks of energy appear solid and lacking brilliance. In spite of this part of the complex design can be seen and some areas, like the head, neck and right arm are interesting to look at; the rest is blurry. The portrayal seems to have aimed at drama yet failed at capturing an appealing display of Alistar.
All in all, this is a puzzling splash art which seems not to know what it’s trying to do. It’s not effective at a basic display of Alistar’s look plus it also doesn’t capture a striking scene. It tries to show something but everything is so ambiguous that guesses are the only result. Truth be told, a minimal idea of Alistar’s look can be obtained but a splash art shouldn’t make it a struggle.
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Conclusion: At a glance Hextech Alistar gives a great first impression. The mechanical model is elaborate with many decorations but without feeling functional enough. It manages a certain balance between being a machine made for battle and one which also serves as an ornament. What stands out the most is the gears rotating at the centre of his torso which, albeit dim, catch the eye with its perpetual, clockwork movement. It has to be noted that the lower body, even if usually not seen as much as the upper body, is much simpler and duller in looks in comparison.
Particles employ the, by now, familiar hextech designs. Regardless, Pulverize has an impressive visual effect with its explosion of hextech links. The blue sparkles left in the air over the cracked ground make for a great display of power. With other abilities the effect diminishes. Trample appears like simpler, more measured versions of mini-Pulverizes; which makes sense but looks weak. Headbutt barely shows some new trails and sparkles which makes the ability feel empty. Triumphant Roar with its re-coloured gems to indicate a heal is quite eye-catching. That’s quite a nice change but it’s strange to find Unbreakable Will looking so simplistic: the barriers around Alistar are simply different; that’s it.
New sounds employ metal clanks with an eerie echo which adds the magical quota to what otherwise could feel like simple machinery. In this case, it’s Pulverize with its cymbal sounds which seems weak unlike other abilities. Trample seems to add shard sounds for a really strange effect that seems out of place. Unbreakable Will merely has a disappointing howl that neither feels magical nor special.
The new recall sees Alistar charging up in which is a fitting and interesting action. The particles also make the recall visually attractive so it becomes a good support for the theme.
The result is that Hextech Alistar isn’t able to keep up the initial impression. It strikes as a skin that goes above and beyond with its style but that ends up being uneven. Several rough spots make abilities feel weaker than they should; even if others are effective. The skin is appealing nonetheless, but isn’t the fantastic proposition it presents itself as. Therefore, it may not be worth as great an effort in crafting as one would initially expect. It’s good, very good perhaps, but not something to lose sleep over due to its availability.

Conclusion

Alistar’s skins range from the nigh uninspired to the flat-out clever. Unchained Alistar is, without doubt, a great free option and an evident recommendation. That aside, Infernal Alistar is a fantastic choice that provides a good quality product in both concept and execution. While only one ability receives new particles to justify the price is a distinct look with an entrancing personality.

Following the unstoppable juggernaut style of Infernal, Marauder Alistar is also a fine choice with less mysticism and more protection. It’s entirely based on heavy plates to reinforce his personality and strength but his back opposes this all with its simple and frail look. Still, it’s a good though flawed option for fans of the Minotaur.

Cheaper but equally nice alternatives are Sweeper Alistar and Longhorn Alistar due to clever and appealing concepts plus reasonable implementations. Additionally, Golden Alistar is the cheapest option available and the least elaborate too. Still, it’s sensibly priced and the appearance is appealing if you fancy more than just a change of colours.

Within legacy territory, Black Alistar is a passable extra but not something to worry about missing. Matador is a disappointment as it fails to capture the charm of its concept.

The team skin offering comes by the hand of SKT T1 Alistar. The space age feel of the skin is interesting but the design restrictions necessary by the adherence to the team’s colours make it more extravagant that it should be. It’s a skin with a distinct style but it exaggerates in its elements which can make it feel more advertisement than fashion choice.

Although not without some appeal Moo Cow Alistar is a simple joke without much hopes of transcending its limitations. The model is a costume with some particles and sound additions over the classic base. The recall animation tries to do something different but that’s as far as the skin goes. If that is enough then the skin suffices.

The hextech crafting exclusive Hextech Alistar is a skin with lots of initial appeal that is worn down as one gets a closer look and notices the rough spots. This makes some areas seem weak and not as developed as others; which mars the consistency of the skin. It’s a nice skin without doubt but not something so great that it’s worth going out of one’s way to get.

  50 Responses to “League of Legends: Alistar Skins’ Review”

  1. Very nice! I’ve been waiting for this review for a while, and am very pleased that Unchained Alistar got a 5! Thanks Zero!

    • Not at all, it’s a pleasure; sorry you had to wait but we try to put quality before quantity.

      Unchained Alistar is a skin with a few problems but manages to look good, which coupled with the nigh non-existent price, makes for a great option; definitely recommended.

  2. is singed review coming soon?

  3. Hey Zero, I’ve been following your reviews for a while, and I’m just wondering; is the Renekton review coming soon? I’m really anxious to see what you have to say about it 😛

    • Don’t worry, for the good of all involved Renekton is definitely coming soon. How could anyone resist his charms? Doesn’t he have a wonderful smile?

      The serrated blade on the throat is a great argument too.

  4. with the unchained Alistar skin being 5 stars surprises me, its like every other skin. only changes the skin and not the abilities. it may be free but what would you get out of it? a blue cow? the execution is good but there’s still just a mad cow under that unchained skin.

    • Consider that you are getting a full re-model that enhances the bestial might of Alistar, thanks to the mane and horns, for nothing. The essence of Alistar isn’t changed in the least but his visuals are appealing. As it looks good and is also free there’s little fault to find unless you don’t like Alistar.

  5. Dear zero,

    with that logic shouldn’t the leprechaun veigar skin be a 5 star skin too? or the ice Toboggan corki skin be 5 stars? there both remodels and are both great skins both improving there looks and there appeal. even though leprechaun veigar even changed some of his abilities it didn’t help in the appeal? then why did this skin with no changes except to his body is better then a skin that changes looks and abilities? there’s little fault to find unless you don’t like veigar/corki.

    -Joe-

    • The difference is the price. In the case of Leprechaun Veigar you’d be paying 520 RP and in that of Ice Toboggan Corki, 1820 RP. Unchained Alistar is a free skin and one with noticeable changes however those mentioned skins ask for an expense and so they have to be worth how much is spent. The more that has to be spent the more we’ll ask from a skin. Therefore, we can forgive a minor flaw in a free skin but we simply can’t ignore major problems on a skin as expensive as 1820 RP.

  6. Will you review alistar when the VU comes out?

    • We’ll surely reassess his skins. Even though the visual upgrade mostly seems like a layer of polish we’ll check to see what’s changed.

  7. Are you going to do a new review? After the VU comes out

    • We’ll give another look at the reviews and modify accordingly. From what we’ve seen it’s mostly a layer of polish. However, if there are significant changes then will review the skins again.

  8. Madator Alistar is actually a reference to Ferdinand the Bull, and how he would prefer to smell flowers than participate in bull fights, so I actually think the concept is pretty clever, but the skin could be done better.

    • Which isn’t a bad reference at all if only, as you mention, the skin did a better job at recreating the look of an actual torero; for instance. Still, it’s good to know so thanks for the information.

  9. When will the updated reviews for his VU come out?

    • Soon, as there seem to be further changes added in this patch we decided to wait a bit. In particular, Infernal Alistar is supposed to have the new particles on Pulverize back. We’ll update as soon as possible. Sorry for the wait.

  10. Any reasons why Infernal Alistar went from 4 stars to 3 stars after the VU?

    • Because the visual upgrade improved all the other, older skins and now Infernal Alistar doesn’t stand out as much in technical terms. It’s still a rather good skin but nowadays we expect more than a fine model and a new colour for a single ability at 975 RP; if the skin had a lower price the rating would be different.

  11. Hey Zero, thanks for you work.
    anything new after Janna visual upgrade ?

    • Not at all.

      Nothing really new for Janna, it was just a refinement of the textures so we didn’t notice anything different. If we find that something relevant was added we’ll update the review. However, texture updates tend to be just a layer of polish.

  12. I love your reviews! Just a quick reminder, marauder alistar? 🙂 just came out along with other marauder and warden skins. hoping for an update.

    • Glad that you like them.

      We are working on it along the other Marauder and Warden skins. We’ll try to have the reviews ready today.

  13. Alistar unchained still available?

    • According to where the link on the review leads us it is. If you want it you just need to subscribe to their Youtube channel and it’s all yours.

  14. Does you know how to get Unchained Alistar? It looks like a great skin but the link doesn’t work after subscribing to the YouTube channel :l Nice reviews tho!

    • Do*

    • Glad that you like the reviews.

      On Riot’s Free Swag support page it only says about subscribing to the Youtube channel; as well as Facebook and Twitter. However, there isn’t much information about the way of redeeming any of the skins; except Riot Tristana.

      Even the alternative EUW link given for Youtube redemption is dead. We’d suggest writing a ticket to support and asking them. We don’t see how they can know which social media account corresponds to which player on LoL without being specifically told. There seems to be a step that is lost from the process. If it’s not somehow automated by some unseen magic, which would be something to investigate futher, then there’s missing information. Sorry we can’t be of more help.

    • if you send them a ticket with a pic of you subbing and the ticket sayin Unchained Alistar, you get it.

  15. I am sad because of missing out on Black Alistar, since I believe the colors compliment him strongly (though that may be just me being biased here). Nevertheless, I agree with finding Golden an amazing alternative, given the low price and the subtle allusions (mythical-or biblical-golden lamb, maybe even the golden being that Leona found on Targon following her ascent – the skin precedes that, and there is no connection whatsoever, but I love it still 😀 ) Between Infernal and Marauder, I find Infernal to be of lower quality not because of the idea, which is evidently superior, but for the bulky, rough-edged armor on the model. That is because of its age, though. Waiting for the day our favorite minotaur gets a skin that goes beyond model changes and minimal particles!

    I love how you do not let personal preference cloud your reviews! Looking forward to see how much of an improvement, if any, the chinese Longhorn splash-art is!

    And I’m sorry for my English.

    • Also, if I may, I find it a bit incomplete that the conclusion does not include Black and Matador Alistar. While one is no longer available and the other is flat-out bad, they are still out there and they deserve a small line mentioning their existence.

    • Thanks for the kind words, we do try to be as objective as possible; though that’s an ideal more than something that can be actually achieved. Don’t worry about your English it’s very good, actually.

      There’s always the possibility that Black Alistar could, at some point, be included in some special event or promotion. Nothing that can generate profit should be discarded; considering how things are nowadays. The visual upgrade did improve the old re-textures quite a bit so that Black and Golden are quite interesting. A pity that can’t be said about Matador though they had the chance to improve it.

      Many skins show their age and limitations of their time; Infernal being an example. At least prices should be adjusted to better reflect what each skin offers within nowadays expectations.

      The new Longhorn splash art is better in some areas but worse in others. It’s not what we’d say a complete improvement and actually, as with many other splash changes, feels like a mixed bag.

      With regards to the conclusion, we used not to mention legacy skins because once retired it was very rare to see them back. Nowadays, they return much more often so there’re a few things we have to update. Thanks for the notice, we’ll add a mention of the skins.

  16. Hey!!
    you’ve mixed up the links of toy renekton and moo cow alistar.
    was stuck for a good 5 minutes while i was trying to get to alistar’s page lol

  17. Hi! Firstly, thanks for the reviews, they’re really helpful!

    Secondly, I have a question. I’ve got Striker Alistar on 70% discount (225 RP) from My Shop. Do you think it’s worth it, compared to various other Alistar skins?

    Also, which Alistar skin you consider the best at the moment?

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

      Alistar doesn’t have particularly elaborate skins as most of them are re-models with a few adding some extra touches; like Moo Cow. For a re-model Striker Alistar is good and 225 RP for it is a tempting price. Perhaps Infernal Alistar is the most interesting and better realised skin but it’s another re-model with little else added. Truth be told, if you like the idea of Alistar playing football then Striker at a 70% discount is hardly a bad option.

  18. What do you think about Moo Cow Alistar chromas?

    • The changes to the costumes, including the eyes, are a good touch but the rest seems somewhat straightforward. Besides some different decoration there’s only a new colour for the costume or fur. As chromas, they could offer more but they are alright. It’s a good start but they could, perhaps also should, stand out more.

  19. Moo cow Alistar is personally my favorite skin. I’ve been googling around and it seems the majority of Alistar players like this skin the most too. I’m genuinely curious to why it wasn’t given 4 stars.

    • We can see the appeal in Moo Cow Alistar we just aren’t impressed by the additions to consider it a great skin. Our problem is that the adaptation is superficial so the skin ends up relying too much on the classic persona. It’s not a bad skin, anyway, but not great either.

  20. I’m excited to see your review of hextech alistar- it’s not often that a support gets a well-done hextech skin, so I look forward to it!

    • We haven’t seen much of the skin but let’s hope that it’s really good. We agree that support could get some help; in many ways.

  21. Why does it say on the unchained alistar skin subscricbe to the riot channel but i cant find thatc channel

    • We don’t know what happened to the promotion page. There’s a support article that lists how to get the skin in several servers but not on NA. Perhaps you should ask support for the exact information.

      It used to be available by subscribing to the League of Legends Youtube Channel and then getting the unlock on the linked page.

      • Hey there Zero,

        I wonder why in this skin review, Hextech Alistar got a 3* and over the skin list, It’s got like 2*.

        And also, if this was lifted, why is 3* since i feel like the model of that skin is quite bland and so does the particle. Do you feel like is worth to get it by saving gemstone or just get it instantly through event loots.

        • We made a mistake, the review is correct. We’ll update the skin list when we can.

          With respect to Hextech Alistar. The skin has its charm but it’s not so good so as to make an effort to make. The main problem is how uneven the impact of abilities becomes. Whether you should go all out to get it depends on how much you like the skin. Still, be careful with hextech crafting as its random nature can become a problem.

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