Warning: "continue" targeting switch is equivalent to "break". Did you mean to use "continue 2"? in /home/strateg1/public_html/blog/wp-content/themes/suffusion/functions/media.php on line 666

Warning: "continue" targeting switch is equivalent to "break". Did you mean to use "continue 2"? in /home/strateg1/public_html/blog/wp-content/themes/suffusion/functions/media.php on line 671

Warning: "continue" targeting switch is equivalent to "break". Did you mean to use "continue 2"? in /home/strateg1/public_html/blog/wp-content/themes/suffusion/functions/media.php on line 684

Warning: "continue" targeting switch is equivalent to "break". Did you mean to use "continue 2"? in /home/strateg1/public_html/blog/wp-content/themes/suffusion/functions/media.php on line 689

Warning: "continue" targeting switch is equivalent to "break". Did you mean to use "continue 2"? in /home/strateg1/public_html/blog/wp-content/themes/suffusion/functions/media.php on line 694
League of Legends: Gragas Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Jan 292013
 
Gragas, the Rabble Rouser
Gragas, the Rabble Rouser

Gragas, the Rabble Rouser demonstrates his love of liquor all the time; whether it’s fitting or not. This can cause some impractical barrel-hugging but also allows some classic portrayals of drinking culture. When the time comes to have a drink with style, let the barrel roll with this skins’ review.

Scuba Gragas
Scuba Gragas Splash Art Scuba Gragas Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Gragas dressed as a scuba diver.
Model: Moderate model changes for Gragas.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The background is just a bit of water and bubbles with an encroaching darkness coming from the left; or just empty space. There’s also, for some reason, a spatula in the middle of the piece still it all feels rather empty and oppressive. Gragas only displays his front body as he swiftly swims while tightly hugging his beloved barrel. The depiction is passable: the colours are correct the elements reasonable but hardly appealing; even the reflections aren’t convincing. To be fair, the background is mostly absent and the portrayal barely allows a good look at Gragas. In essence, an inadequate splash art that doesn’t have enough quality to even be useful.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: At first glance, Scuba Gragas looks almost like a full re-model. However, closer inspection shows that it’s a re-texture with some added scuba gear. The wetsuit looks alright but it’s questionable who would like to follow Gragas contour in such tight clothing. The diving mask is well done but the decompression meter looks like a simple watch. Besides, the scuba set shows a rather modern design but seems precariously strapped to his belly; as if Gragas wasn’t fat enough. It’s not just the unusual position of the scuba set but also that such an important device should be tightly and securely strapped. On top of that, the swim fins look like a flat surface with a single strap each; plus they make for rather uncomfortable footwear on the ground. The fact that his long beard and hair aren’t tied so as not to obstruct seems like a minor complaint. Add to all this that Gragas insists on carrying his barrel around and we end with one mess of a look. In conclusion, Scuba Gragas is a skin that doesn’t seem to provide anything substantial. It’s neither humorous nor realistic or even appealing despite its peculiarities.

Hillbilly Gragas
Hillbilly Gragas Splash Art Hillbilly Gragas Model
Category: Regular
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Gragas as an inhabitant of a rural, montainous area.
Model: Minor model changes for Gragas.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: A suitably pastoral setting with a horse-drawn horse to a side and trees everywhere else. Simple setup but appropriate. There’s a subtle sketchy feel that feels like a rough style used to give a rustic air to the background; which is a good touch. Regardless, leaves may be too smoky and the horses’ bodies too enlarged in certain areas which tips the scales to the wrong side of the balance between roughness and sketchiness.
Gragas separates himself from the general style to the point that he seems superimposed on the piece; there’s even a distinct outline around him. Lines are particularly precise but colours strike as too saturated with a slight diffuse style that contrast the, assumedly, clear depiction intended. There’s also the fact that while elements are clear they tend to lack volume and often seem flat; like the details on the beard or clothes. The casket to a side, despite its sharpness, looks like a draft that suits neither character nor background.
All things considered, this is a piece that, at its best, offers a plausible depiction of Gragas in his Hillbilly style with an air of the rustic feel of the countryside. Sadly, at its worse it can reveal the attributes of a draft with a roughness that disappoints; especially given the potential existing in the style of the setting. In general, it’s an effective splash art but one that would benefit from extra polish to bring its best features to light.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Hillbilly Gragas is as crude a depiction as it could probably be. The worn and dirty clothes added to the unkempt, rough look are not only unappealing but also questionable. Truth be told, there isn’t much humour in this skin so it simply furthers a negative stereotype. That probably wasn’t the skin’s objective as it could be amusing to some. Regardless, it’s a skin that doesn’t seem to do much of anything right.

Santa Gragas
Santa Gragas Splash Art Santa Gragas Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Gragas dressed as Santa Claus.
Model: Moderate model changes for Gragas and new model for his cask.
Particles: New particles for Barrel Roll, Drunken Rage and Explosive Cask.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: At first glance the piece may seem comical but that passes soon. Gragas as a, let’s say, enticing-wannabe, Santa isn’t as funny or interesting as a splash art needs. Besides, the background is mostly a few brush strokes that barely hint at a Christmas Tree and a sofa. Gragas depiction is passable as the uneven colours and lines show great detail for his face and barely display his lower body. Overall, a piece that shows lack of polish in both concept and execution.
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: In an effort to adapt Gragas into Santa Claus some compromises had to be made; which were concealed with a veil of humour. For instance, the disproportionally small suit allows for the belly and arms to be exposed, clearly showing that Gragas doesn’t fit the role well. The humour may try to excuse Gragas drinking from his presents’ bag and throwing explosive barrel decorations. However, it feels as it simply made the implementation easier. Still, the result isn’t terrible but it certainly lacks polish. If you don’t mind a rough looking Santa then it’s a skin that you may like but you’ll have to overlook its hard edges.

Gragas Esq.
Gragas Esq. Splash Art Gragas Esq. Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Gragas as a dignified fancier of good liquor.
Model: Major model changes for Gragas, new model for his cask and smoke for his cigar.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: New broken glass sounds for Barrel Roll and Explosive Cask.
Splash Art: A dimly lit room may be a good choice to relax along a good glass of liquor. However, in this case it’s just an excuse to leave one third of the piece empty. What is shown is rather basic: a not very tidy bookshelf, a picture of the esquire and a bi-dimensional table to hold a huge bottle. It comes as no surprise then that Gragas depiction doesn’t enjoy pristine quality. Regardless, the lines are well done and the shading is effective at depicting folds. On the whole, it’s an adequate splash art but the theme might’ve benefitted from a sharper portrayal.
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: Gragas Esq. provides an air of distinction that suits Gragas quite well. The suit is elegant, the hair and beard tidy and the clock fitting; even the giant bottle makes sense with its apt message. However, Gragas constant belching is kept intact which makes the elegance all show and no substance. All in all, it’s a nice skin for Gragas but it’s in direct conflict with his classic manners.

Vandal Gragas
Vandal Gragas Splash Art Vandal Gragas Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Gragas dressed as a biker gang member.
Model: New model for Gragas and his cask.
Particles: New particles for Barrel Roll, Drunken Rage and Explosive Cask.
Animations: New cask pumping animation when standing idle.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: A blurry background may want to show a sense of distance, a fog or a difference in lighting conditions. Sometimes, blurriness is simply a way of working less. This background just shows the silhouettes of a couple busy patrons and places a minimal floor to stand. Gragas obviously takes centre stage, along with his barrel, but the depiction of either has issues. Gragas looks sketchy and even blurry in places. The barrel has a convincing metal surface but the beer looks solid like jelly. All things considered, it’s a disappointing splash art with a good set up but a lacking implementation.
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: Gangs aren’t known for their subtlety and this perfectly suits Gragas classic style. Joining the Vandals hasn’t only given Gragas a more traditional aspect, thanks to the clothes, but it also has made him lose some weight. The result is actually refreshing and adds an alternative view of Gragas drinking: partying and messing around with friends. To sum up, it’s a skin that provides distinct changes to Gragas and they do work well. If you like Gragas or the gang style then Vandal Gragas is the skin for you.

Oktoberfest Gragas
Oktoberfest Gragas Splash Art Oktoberfest Gragas Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Gragas dressed in Bavarian clothes to celebrate die Wiesn.
Model: New model for Gragas and his cask.
Particles: New particles for Barrel Roll, Drunken Rage and Explosive Cask.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New music for his recall.
Splash Art: A classic bar full of patrons making a toast sure is a suitable setting. Moreover, the whole of the piece exhibits a consistent level of quality; though the windows barely display the outside world. Gragas is greatly depicted in all his beer loving splendour: the colours and lines are well done, the stance appropriate and he is part of the whole scene. While the depiction isn’t astounding and a few problems with perspective arise there’s nothing major to detract from the portrayal. In the end, the piece works thanks to the good work applied to the composition and painting. If this isn’t one of League of Legends best splash arts, then it isn’t far behind.
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: In spite of not being, strictly, a humorous skin Oktoberfest Gragas manages to display the Rabble Rouser under a merry light. The refined proportions and characteristic clothing keep Gragas classic theme but adapt it in an appealing way; without ending like a caricature. His manners haven’t improved but are understandable at the evident drinking passion. If we add the new particles, to better reflect the drink of choice, and the fantastic recall then we can conclude that it’s an excellent skin with a picturesque and appealing theme.

Superfan Gragas
Superfan Gragas Splash Art Superfan Gragas Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Gragas as a devoted football fanatic.
Model: New model for Gragas and his cask.
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.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: A priori the idea of a football fanatic is good so as to add some variety to the theme; instead of simply having a bunch of players. Unfortunately, the implementation centres on the uglier side of a fan: that of untidiness and alcoholism. Even though with a nice dose of humour that could be appealing the skin instead shows it in its raw state. There’s a degree of stylization, like the haircut, and the model is polished. Regardless, the result is unattractive and rough. Ultimately, it’s not a terrible skin as it is technically correct and the concept is good. Sadly, the execution doesn’t produce an engaging or even charismatic appearance.

Fnatic Gragas
Fnatic Gragas Splash Art Fnatic Gragas Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Gragas wearing a training suit and carrying a large cup.
Model: New model for Gragas and his cask.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: New sound for Drunken Rage’s attack.
Splash Art: With some effort, the background could represent the illuminated entrance from which the glorious team emerges. Unfortunately, it’s all so blurry and lacking in detail that it’s only a guess. The champions escape from the diffuse surroundings with effort. Their stances make it all feel quite dramatic but also somewhat exaggerated. In fact, it seems to unexpectedly evoke a poster from the eighties with all the nostalgia and excesses that implies. Moving onto the champions themselves, none make a convincing display of their classic personality. There are hints here and there but, for the most part, they seem to be out of character. Ultimately, this splash art accomplishes its basic premise of providing a dazzling display of the champions but in a confusing and chaotic way.
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: A training suit does a lot to make Gragas look more civilized. The new trophy-based cask still manages to appear less primitive even though it still is a vessel for liquor. Therefore, Fnatic Gragas adapts the classic Rabble Rouser to a modern age while adding some restrain. This means the skin has an identity but also that it’s far from unique as many of his skins have similar aims but are more elaborate. In the end, it’s a skin with a casual modern style for Gragas that stands apart from others but not by much.

Gragas Caskbreaker
Gragas Caskbreaker Splash Art Gragas Caskbreaker Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Gragas as a traveller.
Model: New model for Gragas and his cask.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: A group of friends make a campfire and share a quiet time on their travels. A lake enchants the view with its moonlight reflection and only cartoony soil makes it company with regards to setting. It’s simple for a background but works. The stars of the piece are the merry men that follow the soil’s cartoony depiction.
There’s a knight petting his poro which draws the attention of the bowman; perhaps. That doesn’t distract the knight from having a firm grasp on his cup but the one responsible for the pouring of spirits can’t take his eyes from the wonders at the fingertips of the wizard. Even though there’s a clear disconnection between some of the champions, Varus and Ryze seem to be on their own more than part of the group, there’s interaction between most of them. This links them together and also allow a view that goes round them covering their activities. The portrayals differ in quality with Braum and Varus having more elaborate shading than Gragas and Ryze who appear to economize on details despite being part of the central scene. Additionally, it’s difficult to get a good look at the two champions closer to us and legs tend to look sketchy as well as some gear and Varus’ right hand. The cartoony feel pervades the whole piece, mostly, and where it doesn’t fit feels out of place as if borrowed from a better piece.
In the end, the composition of this splash art is great. Simple but effective, it gathers all the champions and allows a rather good look at them all. There are problems with how close some are and how uneven the depictions are. Besides, the setting feels too simplistic and even neglected around them. Overall, it’s a splash art that does a good job at offering a group view of the champions despite some annoying flaws.
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: The general idea that Gragas Caskbreaker gives is that of a monk with a liking for strong drinks. The tonsure, love of spirits and rotund shape remind of the most common depiction of Friar Tuck; from a certain band of Merry Men. The symbol of the tunic reminds of the Solari, the engraved metal collar supports the monastic idea and the gear suggests that he may a travelling or even expelled monk; much like Tuck. This provides the skin with an air of familiarity as well as some foundation for a role that fits Gragas only to a point. The jovial gourmand aspect makes sense but the diligence required by a monastic order seems a bit too much for the Rabble Rouser; though it could explain his travel equipment.
Nevertheless, there’s a message being said but it’s just not very clear despite being appealing and suitable to an extent. Gragas Caskbreaker is a good re-model that may try to be a bit too different in its chosen fantasy to the traditional ideas it draws from. As a different style for the Rabble Rouser is an alright choice yet nothing extraordinaire.

Arctic Ops Gragas
Arctic Ops Gragas Splash Art Arctic Ops Gragas Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Gragas as an armoured, snow commando.
Model: New model for Gragas and his cask.
Particles: New particles for his abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for his abilities and recall plus processed voice-over.
Splash Art: Familiar faces at the sides, the one in the middle isn’t and doesn’t even want to be. The setting isn’t welcoming nor is the situation in front of us. Speaking of setting, there’s snow and some mountains and that’s it. We can get the idea of the environment they are in but that’s all.
Gragas’ depiction focuses on impact. From the detailed surfaces to the aggressive stance there’s no doubt that action is on the air. The colours and shading are evidently sharper in the middle of the portrayal. When looking at the outer areas everything becomes simpler and even a tad sketchy. The rust on the cask is a great ouch that the in-game model could’ve very well imitated; the helmet too. The frost breath seems a bit exaggerated and the thick, perhaps too solid, gas coming from the cask is an interesting hint at the toxic contents; more that could’ve been used in-game. The perspective and stance also make sure that the lower body is omitted. The torso is partially visible and only the upmost areas are clear. Style over clarity is the approach but in this case, perhaps too much.
Overall, this is a straightforward splash art that puts form clearly before function. The sacrifices are clear and the result suffers for them. The setting is barebones but there’s some context; though only the references to other champions stand out. This makes for a splash art that has good quality yet is, ultimately, flawed.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: The idea of giving Gragas a serious skin isn’t bad, or at least one with a serious concept. In fact, the skin needn’t be necessarily dark and grim. The result would largely depend on how deep the skin goes into adapting Gragas to the new tone set by the skin and in the case of Arctic Ops Gragas we only go ankle deep; at best. The core identify of Gragas is kept intact to the point that he even drinks from what appears to be an explosive. It may speak of his resilience but when we add his drunken behaviour it has to be admitted that the skin is superficial.
The new model is quite good though. Halfway between heavy armour and diving suit the blue-based colour palette is quite homogeneous but understandable as camouflage. The new cask is a container with a freezing liquid that stands out mostly because of the homogeneity of the rest of the model.
Particles are weak, mainly shards of ice that are thrown aside whenever an explosion or charge is seen. They communicate the idea but are frail, simple and disappointing. Fortuantely, the frozen air when the cask from Barrel Roll spins on the ground or that emmanates from any explosion is a great addition to give the proper cold touch. The glowing, freezing effect of Drunken Rage is quite good too though the attack is simplistic. For an ultimate, Explosive Cask barely looks like an empowered Barrel Roll. The cask explosions end up being consistent but also practically identical so that the ultimate feels weak. The processed voice-over merely supports the mask.
Sounds are quite weak. There’re shards of ice breaking and a few extra tones here and there. This makes the aural landscape seem barren and devoid of personality. It doesn’t even provide a proper support for the ice theme.
The new recall does support the theme and model very well. It has a touch of fun but doesn’t forget to have a message to communicate. It’s weird to see the pool of water and submarine surrounded by earth but it’s a concession that has to be made. What probably shouldn’t have been done, especially as the price tier allows for new animations, is to keep Gragas drinking from his cask. If the idea is that he carries an explosive bomb or mine then he should handle it accordingly; regardless of how funny and tough drinking from it can make him look. Even if we take that idea, as it’s done, it doesn’t fit the tone of the skin or suit the concept in a sensible way. The voice-over might’ve had to be edited or modified but that’s also something that has been done at this price tier.
All added together, Arctic Ops Gragas feels like a lazy skin. It feels like something thrown out at the last moment to have something to release in the meantime; which could be the case as we wait for Valentine’s Day and Lunar Revel; considering the day of release of this skin. The concept is interesting, even if similar to Scuba, and wasted by the shallow and ineffective implementation given. With skins like this, that thinly lay the concept on top of the classic base, there’s no way to expect a result with the necessary amount of cohesion.

Conclusion

Gragas’ core concept is drinking and, one way of another, it ends up reflected or adapted in all of his skins. Therefore, Oktoberfest Gragas is the recommended option as it seems to expose some of the best aspects of drinking culture. With iconic clothes and new beer particles the skin presents the cordial side of a drinker.

Additionally, Vandal Gragas is also a good option as it suits Gragas manners and habits quite well. It tries to be edgier but the style isn’t out of place. It may not be a groundbreaking skin but it’s one with a distinct theme and a fine implementation.

The jovial, travelling friar presented by Gragas Caskbreaker is an interesting choice. There’s a certain reliance on the Robin Hood legend and what it does to differentiate himself muddies the waters. The gourmand aspect works as well as the amiable personality so it’s a skin that has something to offer even if it doesn’t amaze.

Not so great is Gragas Esq.: a good looking skin that is at odds with Gragas classic demeanour. It sure adds elegance and distinction but in looks alone, nothing else. If you are looking for distintion then the skin delivers but only superficially.

Superfan Gragas goes one step further away from proper manners with its lack of elegance and reliance on crude features. It may be a skin that draws from the least welcomed aspects of a football fan and that does it no favours.

Arctic Ops Gragas is a superficial skin that exposes the theme as thinly as it could be done. Changes are weak and fail at adding up to a cohesive whole. The concept is good and there’s a good base to work from but the execution wastes it all.

Finally, Hillbilly Gragas is a stereotypical skin that some people may find funny. Nevertheless, it is neither comical nor thoughtful in its approach. Considering what it offers, it might be a choice with a niche audience.

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

  1. Oktoberfest Gragas no animations? He has a recall animation with music. It’s pretty much what MADE me buy the skin 😀

  2. thanks for the review,
    just in time for me to buy vandal gragas too 🙂

  3. gragas esq. when his barrel explodes it has a different sound than usual. it sounds like glass exploding.

    • Oh and smoke comes out of his cig.

      • Thanks for the notice, we’ll give it another look.

        • Np, btw the glass shattering happens on both the barrel roll and his ult

          • That’s useful to know to check more specifically, thanks.

          • anytime, i love your website btw, i use it before i buy any skin. i just bought goth annie b/c i read how to here. even though i wanted franken annie but i can’t get that, but none the less. ur website is awesome!

          • Thanks for the kind words, we are glad you find it useful.

            FrankenTibbers Annie is nice but it would’ve been fantastic if her flames were changed to electricity. A stretch, probably, but striking nonetheless. However, she keeps her classic flames so Goth Annie has a more consistent air.

            Ultimately, Annie has a lot of great skins so despite FrankenTibbers being unavailable there are many good options. In particular, Goth Annie is effective at providing a darker air to the Dark Child.

  4. Just to point out, the spatula in the Scuba Gragas splash might have something to do with Urf; it doesn’t make the splash any better though.

    • That’s a strong posibility but all alone it appears as an alien element disconnected from the action. If it were somewhat plausible it could be understood but, as it is, it makes little sense.

  5. Hey,nice reviews! I’ve always wondered,what is Vandal Gragas drinking.Is it just beer? Or is it motorcycle fuel or something? It would make sense xD

    • In theory it’s beer as the cask-pump would make it bubble or something of the sort. Knowing Gragas and also adding his Vandal style nothing should be discarded. For the moment, let’s keep it as healthy as possible and say its beer as there’s always time to drink the rest; he’ll make sure of that, cheers.

  6. “Hillbilly Gragas furthers a negative stereotype” – inb4 Zero is actually a Hillbilly xD. For me, the Oktoberfest or the Esq. Skins are the best, with an honourable mention to Santa Gragas.

    • Agreed, Oktoberfest and Esq. manage to keep the liquor theme with some class. We do think that Santa Gragas is a bit rough but it’s passable. On the other hand, Hillbilly is just not the best way to approach the concept. The skin could’ve chosen a different angle instead of merely concentrating on negative stuff. We don’t like people that think themselves smart by bashing others around here.

  7. I acquired Oktoberfest Gragas in a mystery gift recently and was really excited about it, especially after reading your review here. However, after playing a few games with it, i’m somewhat underwhelmed.The model isn’t remarkable and the effects are easy to miss. Even the concept seems a bit unexciting to me. Sure the splash art and recall are top notch, but I don’t see much else to justify the 5 star rating. I really want to love this skin. Please help.

    • Let’s start by saying that Gragas was born for Oktoberfest. If he ever were to attend he would definitely feel at home. Bavarian clothes for an Oktoberfest patron is spot on and so Gragas’ model works flawlessly. The beer for his abilities is made out of all new particles and is not just a re-colour of the classic liquor. Notice the difference with Vandal Gragas who has the particles re-coloured instead of made anew. Of course there are evident similarities, Drunken Rage looks only re-coloured for Oktoberfest but both Barrel Roll and Explosive Cask are different.

      At 975 RP, Oktoberfest Gragas does a pretty good job at presenting its theme. Surely, it’s not a revolutionary skin but it’s well done. Nowadays, perhaps five stars seem excessive as skins can offer so much more at 975 RP; the review was published when released, long ago. Regardless, Gragas may not have any better option and so, at least, we think that the skin deserves four stars. The fifth star can come due to its charm and sensible as well as appealing concept and that can be a bit subjective. Still, we think that Oktoberfest Gragas is a great skin. Maybe not as excellent as it once was but quite a good option.

      • That’s actually very enlightening. I think i’ll go give him another shot. Thanks for answering all my comments so actively also. I really appreciate all the time that has gone into this site.

        • Not at all, we are glad to help. Oktoberfest Gragas may not have changes that are as impressive as other skins at first sight. However, there’s a good concept and a fine execution. Considering what Gragas has available it’s certainly one of his best skins; at least.

          As new skins are released the technical features improve and so old skins tend to lag behind. Sometimes it’s difficult to decide when skins have improved enough that old skins with certain features aren’t as good as they used to be. A re-model at 975 RP isn’t what it used to be.

          However, when a skin is good it always has something worthwhile to offer besides technical merits. We think that Oktoberfest Gragas, star more or less, is a really good skin for the Rabble Rouser.

  8. What do you think of Caskbreaker Gragas ?

    • Seems like an alright re-model but nothing out of the ordinary. The affable angle is a good choice but it doesn’t go beyond a change of clothes.

  9. Hmm, not sure if vandal or oktoberfest, i like them both.
    Too bad that gragas has two one star skins 🙁

    • Gragas has some skins that are better forgotten.

      With regards to Vandal and Oktoberfest both are quite good but it really depends on what you like the most from the Rabble Rouser. Vandal is a more aggressive look while Oktoberfest is more affable. Both are rather modern but Vandal may stand out more as the clothing doesn’t have a traditional feel. There are also differences in the particles but the main feature is the concept.

      Take into account that Vandal is a legacy skin and it’s sale was yesterday. Oktoberfest was discounted on August so it’ll take a while to reach a sale again but it’ll do so; eventually.

  10. Caskbreaker Gragas has a direct reference to the Sunlight Order from the dark souls series http://darksouls.wikidot.com/warrior-of-sunlight visible here

    • It could be. It also looks awfully similar to the Solari insignia. Truth be told, the skin isn’t trying much in establishing its lore and relevance. It’s content with presenting the suggestion of belonging to an order and that’s as far as it wants to go. The LoLWiki says the skin is inspired by Solaire of Astora. We don’t know for sure but, being the presentation somewhat generic, we didn’t want to go into specifics. We’ll keep it in mind though, thanks.

  11. Oktoberfest > Arctic Ops

  12. Got all Gragas skins, and gotta say that Oktoberfest is the most fun to use (Gragas OTP) Vandal is my second go to skin, but caskbreaker and hillbilly are his worst ones…. Scuba is more meme value skin… As it dosent bring anything good… Would put Oktoberfest and Vandal at same ranking tho, as they bring around the same quality with totally different paths that suits him.

    • We mostly agree with you. Oktoberfest Gragas is a skin that takes the good of an alcoholic culture and presents it in an appealing and a bit comical way. Vandal is also good but it’s approach is less comical and more aggressive. It works well but we find that the sum of all parts favours Oktoberfest more than it does Vandal. Regardless, both are great skin and we could be splitting hairs here.

      With regards to the rest, we do agree: they are not up to the level that a good Gragas skin can reach.

Leave a Reply to Getty Cancel reply

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

(required)

(required)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.