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: Lucian Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Aug 222013
 
Lucian, the Purifier
Lucian, the Purifier

Lucian’s sole reason for existence is to cull all undead from the face of the world; but he intends to do so with style. With Senna in his heart and their guns in his hands Lucian doesn’t have any trouble adapting his looks to what the situation demands. Therefore, let’s see what skins this wolf wears in his quest for purification.

Hired Gun Lucian
Hired Gun Lucian Splash Art Hired Gun Lucian Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Lucian as a futuristic mercenary.
Model: New model for Lucian and his guns.
Particles: New yellow particles for his auto-attack, abilities and joke.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for his auto-attack, Piercing Light and The Culling.
Splash Art: The background tends to be a tad diffuse and despite the amount of surrounding allusions it’s heart remains empty; except for Lucian. He daringly evades an attack while ready to shoot his gun with a clear focus and intensity on his face. The detail that the background lacks is definitely present in him even if he lays in a misty blur. Regardless, dents, folds and reflections are clear as well as the effect of some raindrops. In the end, this may not feel as a completely imposing splash art but it makes for a good portrait of the Purifier.
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: Hired Gun Lucian is a skin that grounds the Purifier’s modern look into a contemporary style. The essence of his look is preserved with a long coat and guns but the appearance also becomes less fantastic and more realistic; though still flashy. The guns also change light for bullets and so become less ethereal and a bit more impactful. In general, the style manages a reasonable balance between good looks and plausibility so that the skin has a distinct yet feasible flair. In conclusion, it’s a skin that adds an appealing new flavour to Lucian. It may not redefine the Purifier but fans will find it a nice complement.

Striker Lucian
Striker Lucian Splash Art Striker Lucian Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Lucian as a forward.
Model: New model for Lucian and his guns.
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 StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: As a skin, Striker Lucian is straightforward and to the point: Lucian dressed as a football player. His guns are also modernized in looks, while maintaining the classic design, but they add nothing to the execution of the concept. Still, the clothes have an eye-catching pattern and the idea is realized. Nevertheless, the look is rather flat and doesn’t seem anything out of the ordinary. Therefore, it’s a fine skin for football fans but just that.

PROJECT: Lucian
PROJECT: Lucian Splash Art PROJECT: Lucian Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Lucian as a hi-tech gunslinger.
Model: New model for Lucian and his guns plus new glow for his guns and suit.
Particles: New particles for his abilities, auto-attack and joke.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for his abilities, auto-attack and recall plus processed voice-over.
Splash Art: The LED screen is the only evident element in the background. Zed can also be identified, mostly due to his blades, but it seems to be just one of his shadows. That aside, there’s little that can be stated for sure. At best, it’s some sort of rooftop or stage through which Lucian dashes. Speaking of whom, his detailed depiction stands in contrast to the diffuse surroundings. Sadly, the problems don’t stop there.
On the one hand, the surfaces on Lucian’s suit are detailed and coloured with great attention to detail. The light sources are reasonable, even if a little flat, and the few raindrops that can be noticed help the depiction along the good lighting. On the other hand, his limbs appear too stretched to the point that his body seems too small for them. On top of that the same happens to his coattails and, as if that wasn’t enough, the legs appear blurry, especially the left one, just like the coattails and hair.
Therefore, we find an evidently flawed piece that has a rather good conception and quality in certain areas but that disappoints in many others. In the end, one can get an idea of Lucian’s look so it’s a serviceable piece but also one with wasted potential.
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: Where other skins leave the ambiguity of how deep technology has reached into the human PROJECT: Lucian is clearer. The artificial left arm is eloquent enough while the helmet keeps a veil of mystery. In this regard, the cyborg adaptation is well done: Lucian not only uses technology but also completes himself with it. The rest isn’t as interesting even if it’s reasonable. It looks just like practical clothes but they follow the general style. The feet do look artificial though which adds to the ambiguity.
The particles have an interesting linear design with rigid geometrical forms to create bolts, beams, blasts and dashes. Each ability manages to look different but the strict design makes them a bit homogeneous. Unfortunately, The Culling isn’t as impressive as one would expect. In fact, it seems like it blatantly reuses Lightslinger’s effects. The sound supplements the particles well but while they are effective they also aren’t striking. The same homogeneity that affects the particles is noticeable here too. To finish it off we add a fancy recall and a processed voice-over and we reach the extent of features offered by the skin.
With that in mind, it doesn’t seem like there’re sufficient elements to justify its high price. The model is interesting while the particles and sounds present the technology but there’s nothing else to move the skin from the 975 RP feel it has. Not even the ultimate seems special enough considering the work visible in the other abilities. This doesn’t make PROJECT: Lucian a bad skin but it doesn’t let it shine with the light it can have. Therefore, if you like the cyborg Purifier then look for a sale.

Heartseeker Lucian
Heartseeker Lucian Splash Art Heartseeker Lucian Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Lucian as a heart charmer.
Model: New model for Lucian and his guns plus new glow for his guns. New table and chairs for his recall.
Particles: New particles for his abilities, auto-attack, recall and joke.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for his abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Splash Art: A blur of background leaves only a surreal setting. An unusual car, photographers and some sort of peculiar, perhaps automated, servants surround their gallant master. With the blue mist covering the background the setting is more an insinuation then a proper statement. Sadly, that doesn’t stop there.
Lucian’s lower body is also immersed in the blue mist so only his upper half is clearly visible. Lines and colours are clean and detailed. Textures are convincing like the satin-like fabric of the jacket, for the most part, though is lips look strangely rough. Sadly, there’s also a diffuse touch that makes some sense around the bright glints of the gold jewellery but not so much on napkin or the entire outline of Lucian’s entire body. Perhaps there’s a strong, blue light shining on him but it certainly isn’t doing him or the whole scene any favours. The pose doesn’t help in getting a good idea of Lucian’s look. On top of that, the daring stance contradicts his indifferent visage.
When all is added together, the few good features the splash art has become a moot point against the cavalcade of problems that overwhelm the piece. In few words, as a suggestion of Lucian’s look it works but this is a splash art with problems covering the bare basics.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: A lean ponytail and a fine suit are only the beginning for a man that knows what allure really means. As preposterous as that sounds Heartseeker Lucian doesn’t disappoint in that regard. While never as ridiculous as Heartseeker Varus this is a skin that asks for a real effort to unearth its appeal. The model is simple with a conventional suit with hearts on the arms that is surely elegant and a ponytail that is evidently charming: the choice of the suave man. If things don’t sound interesting so far be warned that it only gets worse. The pistols become heart-based toys which makes one wonder what a grown up is doing with them.
The particles show that the tendency towards cheesy is unavoidable. The pistols shoot colourful hearts which are accompanied by trails of petals when dashing. Whether it’s the auto-attacks or any of the abilities hearts of different colours or falling petals are to be seen. Have a second to recover, enough. Sounds use a xylophonic tune for Piercing Light and cheery twinkling for Relentless Pursuit or soft explosions for the rest; auto-attacks and ultimate included. This paints a desolate picture where homogeneity is triumphant and The Culling struggles to stand out as more than a repeated auto-attack. As the final insult after the deep wound: the recall has the charmer ready for a romantic dinner; if anyone still has the stomach.
The result, sadly, isn’t as humorous as one would hope. In spite of the disdain that the concept may attract the truth is that Heartseeker Lucian is a quite conventional and simplistic in its approach to the point where everything seems similar and nothing stands out. Its worst sin is that there’s no defining feature that speaks out for the skin’s identity. Thus, it becomes a skin without a personality that can be summarised with a shallow smirk. With things being the way they are, it becomes a skin that has little to offer.

High Noon Lucian
High Noon Lucian Splash Art High Noon Lucian Model
Category: Legendary
Price: 1820 RP
Concept: Lucian as a supernatural gunslinger in the Wild West.
Model: New model for Lucian and his guns plus new glow for his left arm and coattails. Major model changes for Relentless Pursuit and The Culling.
Particles: New particles for his abilities, auto-attack, emotes, high-speed run, death, respawn and recall.
Animations: New animations for his abilities, auto-attack, critical hits, standing idle, walk, high-speed run, emotes, death, respawn and recall.
Sounds: New sounds for his abilities, auto-attack, emotes, high-speed run, death, respawn and recall. New voice-over with new quotes when buying items, specific interactions with certain champions, starting the game and killing enemies.
Splash Art: There isn’t much background to speak about. We have the iconic batwing doors which suggest a saloon that has seen better times; holes in the old planks speak of a shooting but the place seems to already be barely standing. Outside, there’s light and dust or a windstorm or something else because it’s all a blur. The wanted posters are too vague to say much. Add a touch of darkness emanating from Lucian and that’s the entire context we have: Lucian enters a dilapidated place.
Lucian’s portrayal follows the rough look of the background with muddy colours, lack of contrast between elements and dull surfaces. At times Lucian looks sketchy; his trousers are a good example. The coat is more interesting but his shirt appears rather flat and his hair looks like fluff so that he’s rather unevenly depicted. The bits of hellish fire are more interesting than the reflections on the golden decorations of his right gun. However, they appear against an arm and gun that go from rough to draft-like. At least the apparition of Lucian, half demon and half marshal, is interesting in communicating his nature. The face, half and half, can be a bit deceiving when compared with the fully human face in-game, though.
All added together, this is a piece that stretches the roughness to the point that sometimes it’s flat out sketchy. The idea of a grim and gritty Wild West tainted by infernal forces welcomes the choice but the roughness is so intense it loses its meaning and becomes distracting. The background is serviceable at best and bland in practice. Lucian’s portrayal tells about his nature but that’s all it does so it’s more about covering basics that giving significance. This all makes the splash art acceptable yet a legendary skin surely deserves better.
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: High Noon Lucian is a skin that adds a demonic pact on top of a Wild West theme. The mix is interesting but it seems like each part has a specific area of the skin covered instead of the ideas integrating across the whole. The model is mostly a cartoony Old West sheriff. The burning coattails seem unusually subtle given the hellish left arm yet it all can often go unnoticed given that the model, at large, lacks a strong infernal feel. The golden gun is stylish as only a cartoon would allow. The demonic gun actually seems more believable though its fire highlights appear weak.
Particles are surprisingly simple. For the most part the classic design is followed with some little touches to give the idea of flaming shots and stylised arrows. They can feel like a re-colour that turns everything yellow against dark tones and while the contrast allows them to stand out they don’t feel satisfying enough for a legendary skin; especially the ultimate shots. The trails of darkness added to Relentless Pursuit and The Culling are more interesting but brief and sometimes difficult to notice. At least, the demon form used in those abilities makes them feel special.
Sounds seem muffled but shots still sound as such with a rather familiar Far West feel; especially auto-attacks. Another sound that stands out is the flaming shots of The Culling along the metallic echo and mad laugh; very nice touches to make the ultimate special. Other abilities stand in between shots and metal clanks which is rather unfitting. The voice-over has some nice quotes but also follows the expected references too many times.
Animations are a mixed bag. For example the walk animation is very similar to the classic one and seems mostly adapted to his new look. Auto-attacks and critical hits, on the other hand have an appealing Wild West swagger which can be considered cartoony but it’s quite suitable. In terms of abilities, only Relentless Pursuit and The Culling are standouts; mainly the transformation but the new animations also help. Emotes are good but nothing special and the high speed run seems simplistic: Lucian just flies. The new recall fits the cartoony approach but is mostly all about the demonic influence.
Overall, High Noon Lucian has a concept that goes a step beyond the Old West fantasy which is to its benefit. The problem is that the adaptation seems to play it quite safe. There’s a clear Wild West sheriff identity and then there’s a touch of demonic influence in shots, abilities and a trio of transformations. However, the integration of both aspects isn’t fluid. They are apart in different areas so that auto-attacks stand out with their Old West style and The Culling stands out with its infernal display but there’s no halfway point for both extremes to meet. The skin is still quite appealing but the highlights are specific and few. There’s a pervading classic base that doesn’t let each theme develop fully so as to reveal more and, hopefully, mesh together better. For this reason, High Noon Lucian is a good skin but, for a legendary, it could’ve delved deeper into its concept’s core.

Conclusion

Lucian has few skins available and, while good, they leave the feeling that there’s untapped potential. The recommended skin is Hired Gun Lucian: as a release skin, it’s quite good. While it doesn’t reinterpret the Purifier it does provide a fresh take that maintains his essence. The new appearance is attractive and appropriately balances function and form. Overall, it’s a good purchase for Lucian’s fans though it may not be enough to convince those that remain incredulous.

A cheaper alternative is Striker Lucian which, for the most part, is just a football costume. The idea is well implemented but in a simple way so it feels somewhat plain. For fans of football it’s an option worth considering but for most it offers little.

As far as concepts go PROJECT: Lucian has a rather good one that is well started but left without a glowing finish. The idea is presented with good elements but not enough to justify the expense; even his ultimate lets down with reused particles. Because of this, it’s a skin that has appeal but that doesn’t deliver a sufficiently developed theme.

Even those that find the heart charmer approach of Heartseeker Lucian palatable will find little of interest in the skin. Besides the look of someone who needs a proper hobby there’s little beyond hearts, petals and a few simple sounds; the recall is just a brief joke. The skin lacks a distinctive feature that sets it apart so that there’s little appeal despite Lucian’s best effort.

The legendary option is High Noon Lucian and it’s certainly a good one. There’re appealing Old West references and a contrast with a demonic influence. However, both themes seem detached from each other and don’t fully mix in a middleground. The most interesting features of the skin are quite specific and the base seems all too noticeable. For a legendary skin, it seems like High Noon Lucian lacks depth but remains a good option, without doubt.

  36 Responses to “League of Legends: Lucian Skins’ Review”

  1. How would you rate his new skin?

    • We haven’t seen enough to make a full review but from what we did see they are obviously funny skins. This means that how much you like them depends on wether you appreciate the intended humour. Besides, the football references don’t look particularly impressive yet Lucian, or the others, don’t look bad either. We could say that they don’t seem to be terrible but if they are more than acceptable is something we have to analyse. Let’s hope we don’t get any bad surprises while reviewing.

  2. Fun fact : Striker Lucian impersonates former dutch footballer Edgar Davids, but Davids was a midfielder.

  3. Can you do a review on the new PROJECT: Lucian skin? Possibly the other PROJECT skins too, as they are already in PBE and have skin review/gameplay videos on YouTube.

    • We prefer to wait until release to have the final product. We are preparing things for the release though so, hopefully, we’ll able to have a review shortly after they are available.

  4. When will you view PROJECT: Lucian

  5. Interesting enough, according to the League of Legends wiki (I don’t own the skin myself), Project Lucian actually has several movement voice lines removed, mainly the ones which show more… emotion? I really am confused at that, it is most likely a bug.
    On another note, Project Fiora has a single new attacking line (“Let them eat swords.)” which honestly seems a bit preposterous for Fiora’s personality, but I suppose the Project skins can change that. It is worth noting, since you already noted the two new ones the Leona skin has (someone beat me to pointing them out).

    • Someone beat you to it: the shame. No one must know.

      Indeed, it seems that they added a new quote for Fiora. With regards to omitted quotes for Lucian we’ll list them too because that is a change though certainly not a plus. Until it’s fixed, if it’s a bug, we’ll add it to the review. Thanks for the information.

  6. I just wanted to add regarding project Lucian when he uses the culling he has little counters on his gun, little details are always nice !

    • It’s certainly a good touch. Sadly, they are the same used for his passive. In fact, the Culling reuses the passive particles and seems like it’s simply the same ability but extended by a few seconds. To a point, it makes sense, but an ultimate needs something else that sets it apart from the other abilities. In that regards, more should’ve been done.

  7. Do you think Hired gun Lucian is worth it now that he is on sale?

    • Hired Gun is surely more interesting than Striker but not as elaborate or expensive as PROJECT. We think Hired Gun is reasonably good for its price while PROJECT needs a bit more to justify its price. If you like Hired Gun the sale is the best time to get it. Unless you plan on eventually getting PROJECT, better on sale too, and leave Hired Gun behind we think that it would be a good choice for Lucian.

  8. Have you considered doing chroma pack reviews also?

    • We have it in the to-do list. We’re still trying to see how to tackle chroma packs for paid skins. However, as far as classic skins chroma packs are concerned we have to find the time to do them; sans adjusting a few things for the review. They’re something we haven’t forgotten.

  9. I was wondering why riot has ignored yorick for so long, they haven’t released any teasers, or anything to hint at his rework, sadly yorick will continue on as a unhealthy champion ?

    • It’s probably the same as with Dominion. The champion is unbalanced so he doesn’t get played. That means that working on the champion would affect few players so he isn’t updated. That leaves him further unbalanced, as patches mount up, which makes less people play him and so it goes.

      It’s a vicious circle that forgets that if you do improve the champion, game mode or skin then you can broaden the market and increase the interest on the product. However, as the change never starts the circle is never broken and the costs mount up. This is particularly relevant in the fact that the game is a whole so if a part of it is flawed then it will affect the general perception and feel of the game.

  10. What do you think is more better? The hired gun lucian or the project one?

    • It’s a close call as both fill similar roles: the moder or futuristic gunslinger. Hired Gun is more reasonable with regards to what it offers. The problem with PROJECT: Lucian is that it has the potential to be much more interesting and attractive but it doesn’t make the most of it. The execution is conservative and doesn’t go an extra step to be really special.

      Conceptually, PROJECT is much more interesting but the execution isn’t that far off from a skin at 975 RP. Hired Gun evidently is a simpler option but it delivers roughly the same amount of features. However, the concept is more straightforward though still fitting. Overall, Hired Gun seems like the better purchase but it lacks the brimming potential of PROJECT.

  11. are u going to review the new heartseeker lucian skin?

  12. Thanks so much for the reviews!
    I already have PROJECT Lucian and I’m probably gonna get Hired Gun in the near future, however I noticed a typo… you said football funs. Thanks again Zero!?

  13. Can you please rate High Noon Lucian as the new 1820 RP skin?

  14. Zero, have you scored a 5 star in 2018 yet?

    Not saying you should grade on a curve and intentionally aim that a skin gets that score, but it does seem to be a long while since I last read a 5 star review on this site.

    • Don’t think there’s been a five star skin this year and it surely has been a while. There was a four star skin sort of recently if memory serves. From the look of things, skins aren’t being developed trying to make the most out of the concepts. Even the concept don’t always seem to be a good fit for the champion. We can only hope things will get better but skins aren’t what they used to be; for the worse.

  15. Hello Zero, I was wondering if you will ever do reviews on classic skins or even chroma reviews? Personally, I prefer using Classic Lucian than any of his skins, but what are your thoughts?

    • There are many Classic skins which are sensible alternatives to paid skins. Sometimes it’s because th Classic skin is really well done and sometimes because skins are lacklustre but the point remains. We have throught about reviewing Classic skins but we need a frame of reference which, for skins, is the Classic version.

      We could analyse how well the Classic skin communicates the champion’s theme and perhaps how well the effects look but to reach a rating we might end up comparing Classic skins to each others. In that case, newer and updated champions will naturally have an advantage due to the more advanced technology. It’s not a bad idea but given how basic a Classic skin is, you can’t play a champion without it, we wonder how much use there would be in a review.

      • So would you recommend I buy a Lucian skin or stick with the classic skin? I have the Lucian Prime chromas.

        • The Prime chromas should add some variety so that the classic skin doesn’t get boring soon. We would only recommend a skin if you do like any of the skins. Lucian doesn’t have that great skins but Hired Gun is rather well done if you don’t expect something revolutionary.

          Regardless, unless you specifically like Hired Gun there’s no reason to buy it just for the sake of it.

Leave a Reply to Zero 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.