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League of Legends: Illaoi Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Nov 242015
 
Illaoi, the Kraken Priestess
Illaoi, the Kraken Priestess

Do you have the spirit to follow your destiny? Life is a gift so don’t squander it by following falsehoods. If you want to change then battle for your life, don’t let your dreams slip you by, grab them with all your strength and don’t let anything stand in your way. If you are here then you seek the guidance of Illaoi, the Kraken Priestess and she’ll gladly oblige. Be warned, if you are expecting a gentle pat in the back you are sorely wrong. If you want to learn the brutal truth and swim to shore then be welcome.

Void Bringer Illaoi
Void Bringer Illaoi Splash Art Void Bringer Illaoi Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Illaoi as a priestess of the Void.
Model: New model for Illaoi and her idol. New glow for her idol.
Particles: New particles for her abilities, auto-attack, recall and death.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for her abilities, auto-attack and recall plus processed voice-over.
Splash Art: With regards to setting there’s only some creepy looking rocks with a quasi-organic feel but most of the background is a heavy, cloudy sky. The strange formations are interesting but they aren’t expanded upon and only seem decorative. There’re some ethereal tentacles with an alien look but that aside, there’s only Illaoi to see.
In that regard, Ilaoi manages to save the piece. Her portrayal is powerful and meaningful. The pose appears dynamic but also makes her right arm cover part of her body and her legs are too bent to appreciate her look as a whole. Nonetheless, it’s not difficult to get a general idea of her clothes but only general. While there’s ample detail in the visible textures the pose hides much of it. Her skin has a complex texture that on close examination displays patterns of marks or scars. Her tentacle hair echoes her ethereal weapons effectively and the idol on her hand ties it all together. The idol is essentially a xenomorph’s head which is a good reference to have. The mysterious eye on her forehead could be decoration or part of her altered physiognomy which, along her fangs and stern visage, make her a monumental adversary.
On the whole, this is a piece that has potential to be quite interesting but that doesn’t go far from a good portrayal. The setting has some elements that could’ve been more developed but it ends up being only a frame for Illaoi. Ultimately, it’s an effective presentation card for her Void Bringer approach.
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 marine aesthetic offered by Void Bringer Illaoi may not be immediately recognizable as part of the Void but the eloquent physiognomy effectively clarifies that fact. The tentacles as hair and the skin colour are the most salient features but the armour also has a shell design that fits the theme. The eye on her forehead looks like decoration and doesn’t have the significance it does in the splash art. The idol appears like a living creature with tentacles occasionally protruding from it as a shell to a delicate but deadly organism. However, the identical hues used have the dual effect of making it seem part of her body but also different enough that it stands as strange to her being. The xenomorph head design is largely lost in-game due to the position it’s handled; which is a pity. Still, the appearance stands on its own quite well as something alien yet familiar in reasonable measure.
The particles mostly follow Illaoi’s aspect and adapt the multitude of tentacles with a more alien style as well as distinct glows and even arcs of magical power. It all seems similar to the classic style but with a deviating style which leaves the aquatic feel behind and adopts a darkly magical angle. The sounds don’t seem particularly notorious and while there’s a difference they simply support the visuals. The new recall is a good display of Void power that gives more relevance to her mysterious idol. The processed voice-over helps cement the Void theme but as the classic quotes remain there are evident mismatches.
In the end, Void Bringer Illaoi is an interesting skin that draws from the Kraken Priestess’ lore adding a more sinister twist to it. The result isn’t as sinister as expected yet doesn’t feel like a re-colour either. It’s a skin that presents an interesting idea but doesn’t develop it as much as it can so it can feel superficial; especially at its price. For that reason, it may be better to get it on sale.

Resistance Illaoi
Resistance Illaoi Splash Art Resistance Illaoi Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Illaoi as a cyborg robot hunter.
Model: New model for Illaoi and her idol. New glow for her idol.
Particles: New particles for her abilities, auto-attack, joke and recall.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for her abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Splash Art: Robots of epic proportions all around and metallic tentacles that rise and rip through metal. The resistance is fighting and one has gotten her trophy. The background is fuzzy, full of shapes which resemble machines but little’s concrete. In fact, it’s difficult to get the picture that Illaoi has just ripped a robot’s head with her cybernetic arm. That stated, the scene becomes relevant but being so chaotic it downplays the importance of such a momentous occasion.
Illaoi’s portrayal is interesting. She shows power and fierce determination to her cause. However, her look isn’t as consistent as her convictions. The cyborg arm looks great with its complex design shining to an almost photo-realistic display. The robot head above doesn’t look damaged and is barely affected even though it’s just been ripped from the body. Though it looks simple on the outside, internally the red light is detailed giving some depth to her new idol. Illaoi’s clothes look believable but her skin and hair look sketchy. Her face is alright but the expression looks fake as if she were in a performance and not in the real moment. Her legs are largely omitted but what’s seen looks like a draft just like her left arm under the light.
All in all, this is a splash art that captures an important moment for Illaoi in the resistance against the Battlecast machines. However, it does so in a rather convoluted and unclear way. Her portrayal has good characteristics but also sketchy areas which diminish the impact of the moment. Fortunately, the scene stays in the mind despite the many obstacles in the way.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Although Resistance Illaoi comes from a future where science has made machines a threat of their own she doesn’t communicate that fact very clearly. Her clothing and armour does have a modern design but it’s still plates of metal used to protect her. Even the mechanical right arm could be considered armoured instead of a full prosthetic. Added to the goggles and tattoo she looks more like a mechanic or perhaps an off-duty solider from a mechanical, retro sci-fi film. She certainly doesn’t resemble, with her stylish visuals, a resistance fighter or someone at the forefront of a rebellion against machines. Maybe the robot head in her hand tips the scales a bit towards the mechanic servicing a malfunctioning robot. In any case, while she could be part of a resistance the model doesn’t present any specifics about it. Another change with the model is the new tentacles. In general, they look like made of gelatine with some candy decorations. In terms of lethality, there could be something to them if they lash out or are toxic. However, there’s no weight and solidity to their design. Without doubt, they don’t look like sturdy, mechanical appendages as Battlecast Vel’koz’s.
Particles are just bursts of flames, explosions that seem to be produced by the robot head without any regard for the intended mechanical style of the skin. The only exception is Test of Spirit which employs a distorted hologram of the enemy champion borrowed straight from the PROJECT line of skins. It’s good looking but given the approach of the skin it’s too hi-tech to fit in well. The ultimate, Leap of Faith, is particularly disappointing. To a point, it feels like a powered up version of Harsh Lesson. There’s more fire, which means more power but there’s nothing unique about it.
Sounds support the flames with the appropriate aural feedback. Attacks against Test of Spirit’s hologram and its initial pull produce a soft electric burst that communicates the unstable, distorted feel. However, it’s the only case where the sounds add personality to the visuals. The rest of abilities, ultimate included, have sounds which end up feeling dull, too similar and without a proper identity. The metal clanks of the auto-attacks are alright; though there’s some visible fire to them.
The new recall animation gives an additional, perhaps preposterous but practical, use to the robot head: that of a jetpack. It’s strange, though, to see her revving the head up as if it were a chainsaw but the mechanical, retro feel of the skin accepts it.
Overall, Resistance Illaoi doesn’t really present the rebel against machines fantasy it intends to. She looks too stylised in her casual, sci-fi clothing. The in-game model doesn’t communicate the dire, dystopic future that the splash art hints at. The worst sin is that there’s no mechanical personality to tentacles and abilities; perhaps a holographic sub-theme would’ve helped. The metal power that seems to be a theme is, in practice, ignored for straightforward flames. This leaves the skin’s personality diluted, ambiguous and weak.

Conclusion

For a release skin Void Bringer Illaoi is a bit unusual in that it reinterprets her core from a darker angle. The idea is quite good as Elder Gods inspire the Void. The problem is that the theme isn’t as developed as it deserves and feels superficial. In terms of looks it’s quite good but the Void idea isn’t captured by the skin in all its forms. Fans of the Void will find it acceptable and Illaoi followers a valid diversion but, in any case, not really a great option so a sale is advised.

Even though Resistance Illaoi attempts something interesting it lands far from its target. The skin never accomplishes the mechanical feel it suggests instead ending as a sci-fi character without a unifying theme. There are hints of potential but without being exploited. The skin simply lacks a well defined personality and seems to fill in the gaps with derivative elements. The result is a disappointment.

  27 Responses to “League of Legends: Illaoi Skins’ Review”

  1. Should i buy the illaoi release pack… A skin plus a new champion at a cheap (not so) bundle or should i just buy illaoi and hopefully buy another skin of hers (should she have one).

    • Depends how much you like Illaoi and her Void Bringer style. If you really want to save money then getting Illaoi with IP helps a lot. Sure, it’s a lot of IP but it saves quite a bit of RP. After all, the release bundles only give you a 25% discount on both champion and skin: 975 RP champion + 975 RP skin; until the 30th.

      As with any other champion, she will eventually get another skin but there’s no telling when. There are very old champions with only a few skins and Bard is already getting another for Snowdown so it’s too variable for predictions.

      What you should be sure about is that you don’t regret your purchase. Do you like Illaoi enough to play her a lot or do you have other favourite champions? Do you like the Void Bringer appearance to use it a lot or do you prefer Classic? Would a possible future skin be preferred to Void Bringer if it were sci-fi, fantasy or modern?

      With that in mind, you should make sure that you enjoy your purchase and that it ends up as a valuable addition. The bottom line is that if you don’t think that you’ll use both champion and skin enough to justify the expense you may better save the RP and spend on something else. Perhaps a future sale would be a better way of getting the skin; if you are patient it’ll come.

  2. I feel like im starting to see a pattern of the release skins being underwhelming in comparison to the default skin. I do like Void bringer Illoai, don’t get me wrong. But I just prefer the default skin so much more which Is a shame because there’s no other options and i’m unfortunately a self confessed champion snob and I don’t really like playing a champion without a skin. Obviously thats my own problem but Its a shame that they went with a void theme and not a unique theme, my ideal release skin was probably Dino Gnar, just because its so fun and different, whereas void isnt a new concept for a skin and the fire’esque theme for Kindred wasnt very new or fresh. now Im just rambling, but it would be nice if they could’ve given her a more creative skin, same goes for Kindred. Unique concepts excite me a lot more than existing themes.

    • Release skins have been hit and miss since they were reduced to one; from the previous two. There’s been some that have taken advantage of the extra resources available but others leave you wondering where did it all go wrong.

      Original concept are interesting but there are familiar ones, like the Void, that, here’s they key, well executed can be a great option for a skin. The idea of tentacles from the Void is good but it ends up being superficial for Illaoi. With some cynism it’s a change of colour.

      Perhaps if the skin tried to be more oceanic, drawing from the Cthulhu mythos, instead of extra-planar and magical it would’ve worked better. The Void is certainly inspired by Lovecraft but it seems like it just takes a pinch of it and then doesn’t know what it really is. The point being, that first we have to know what exactly the Void is to make a skin based on it interesting. If not, there’s nothing concrete to focus on.

    • I agree with you kench got good one. Sandstorm Ekko and Katarina, kindreds and wildfire zyra… seems to be a patern. Heard Jhin mayba debonair or gentleman skin so thats i hope a rumor.

      • Apparently Jhin’s release skin is High Noon. We’ll see how they make it. It could fit him well, as he’s armed with a firearm. A reused concept can be good if well done and can be implemented in an original way. The problem is when it’s all familiar and the skin seems to merely go through the motions.

  3. Can we get a ward skins review?

    • We don’t see too much complexity on ward skins so that hasn’t been a priority. It’s something that we have in mind though.

      • I have heard a lot of people asking about the ward review. You could analyze theme, casting animation, death animation, aesthetic, and champions the skin pairs well with 🙂

  4. Keep it going Zero. I love this website, and its the one I go on most. (Its also the only LoL fanbase website that isnt blocked by OpenDMS xD. This tells me all the news that is happening in LoL. Keep up the awesome stuff!

    • Thanks for the kind words, we’ll certainly keep working hard.

      It’s good to know that the site doesn’t have any trouble with OpenDNS’ filters. We take seriously the fact of keeping things safe. Everything should be straightfoward and simple to browse and we prefer to shy away from any funny stuff or unnecessary complexity. It has its consequences but it also prevents any suprises for everyone involved.

      If anything isn’t working or there’s some strange behaviour don’t hesitate to contact us.

  5. Can you do Vi skins review pls ?!

  6. Its so weird how it looks like velkoz is on her head in the skin

    • Don’t look to close at these weird skins or you’ll end up seeing all kinds of strange stuff. Remember that knowledge spawns madness and ignorance is a bliss. Let the Void and its peculiar denizens do their thing but take care not to venture into the real abyss. Never forget that when you look into the abyss, the abyss looks into you.

      Ph’nglui mglw’nafh Cthulhu R’lyeh wgah’nagl fhtagn.

  7. Hey Zero! I tweeted at you about this idea and idk if you saw it but could you do a section on here for ward skins? It doesnt seem like much and i know you have a lot of skins to manage. Like the cast animation and death animation and aesthetics. Thanks! 🙂 let me know if you coul do it.

    • We are aware of interest on ward skins. We think that they are simple enough to watch a video and get a complete idea of what they offer. That can’t be said about a skin and it’s difficult to show every nuance. Regardless, we have it in the To-do list, when we are able we’ll try to have at least an overview of the ward skins.

  8. Are you guys reviewing Jhin any time soon?

  9. In all honesty. I look at this skin from the enemy viewpoint. If you become a vessel (sry if wrong spelled) on default skin the map looks for you like whater. And the sounds make you feel like you are actualy deep down in the sea and the water is pressing on your body. But with that skin she just seems…idk…if you become a void vessel you basically walk through purple clouds…its…not so cool imao :/

    • So yes that’s what I mean it just dosnt feel as mighty and powerful as illaoi usually is. If you ever fight a real illaoi and then a void illaoi you’ll see the difference between both. One makes you feel really bad and the other one feels like…well I would make a drug reference here but I’ll keep that for me…ye.

    • Having a rigid colour scheme for a scheme has advantages but also disadvantages. The strong colour of Void Illaoi’s tentacles doesn’t have the same eerie feel that the more watery styled classic tentacles do. Each has their own preferences but the Void angle doesn’t seem to have been that well adapted to Illaoi. We agree that the skin could’ve been much better realised.

  10. Hello there! I see Illaoi is getting a new skin but its based on the fans voting for the skin, which skin concept do you think fits with Illaoi the most: Battlecast, Adventurer or Deep Space?

    • From the concept art we see Battlecast seems interesting but will need to be well developed. The mechanical tentacles should feel artificial and not simply look different. Adventurer seems a bit lighthearted but is also charming. It can also feel straightforward as it fits the classic design well on the surface. Deep Space sounds like it could offer something novel but the look is a bit superficial. Tentacles are dark and creepy but Illaoi looks almost unaffected.

      Somethin that doesn’t seem well developed in any of the skin is the idol she carries. The head of a robot, an ancient stone or a sort of helmet she doesn’t actually wear; if it’s something less relevant to the suit then it’d be even less sensible. The transformation of the tentacles is all right and the new clothing too. However, the idol should be better developed to make a reasonable and significant contribution to the skin’s identity. As they are they seem to be merely trying to adapt to each concept instead of adding to it.

  11. Resistance Illaoi review plss

    • We’ll have a review as soon as it’s released. We haven’t been able to find an official release announcement so the skin may be available soon.

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