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League of Legends: Base Chroma Packs’ Review – StrategyZero
Aug 252016
 
Blitzcrank Steel Chroma Pack
Base Chroma Packs Review

Base chroma packs offer different colours for each champion’s classic skin. As re-colours, what matters the most is if they offer a different look to the classic one and if it is pleasing to the eye. It’s also worth considering if a skin employs colours in a way that highlights characteristics of a champion that are appealing. With all that in mind, let’s see which chroma packs are worth getting.

Bard Bloom

 Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Marigold / Ivy / Sage
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 Marigold chroma seems a bit darker in style with more use of red. That gives a subtle sinister feel to the mask, clothes and meeps. There’s still an evident similarity to the classic colours though. Red aside, there’s a brighter beard and clothes but the star is the red.
The Ivy chroma also shows a similarity to the classic colours. The dark mask shows good contrast with the bright eyes and mouth. The clothes also have a pleasing variety thanks to the contrast between hues and the meeps also stand out. What makes this chroma special is the contrast of tones.
Finally, the Sage chroma relies on blue tones to easily stand apart from the classic style. However, that also means that the yellow glow of the flute doesn’t fit. Additionally, there’s too much reliance on similar, muted tones so the look can feel washed out. What sets this chroma apart is the distinct blue tones though.
Overall, this is a pack that offers a nice feature per chroma yet the rest isn’t noteworthy. The main colours aren’t always the stars and the supporting ones tend to rely on the classic look. Thus, this is only a passable pack.

Blitzcrank Steel

Blitzcrank Steel Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Molten / Cobalt / Gunmetal
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: The Molten chroma is quite straightforward. It turns Blitzcrank into a red golem with yellow highlights. The contrast of colours works well and makes him stand out. The tones are a bit too dark but the result is pleasing to the eye.
The Cobalt chroma is just as direct: a main blue colour with yellow highlights. For that reason it works similarly but there isn’t as much contrast as the blue is lighter. Therefore, the result isn’t as attractive.
The Gunmetal chroma is the one that truly makes the pack: a steel golem. The grey shades with black highlights make for a fantastic industrial look that surely makes it the star of the pack.
All in all, this is an uneven pack with something good, passable and great; respectively. No chroma is really bad but the Gunmetal is the most appealing while the Molten has its charm. The Cobalt one isn’t bad but doesn’t work as well as the others.

Caitlyn Rebel

Caitlyn Rebel Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Blue / Brown / Pink
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: The Blue chroma strikes as a washed out, less colourful version of Caitlyn’s classic look. The main colours are similar but weaker and less intense. What stands out is the blue rifle because the rest is a bit dull.
The Brown chroma has a nice contrast between the darker and lighter colours; mostly with her skin. The new colours stay in the red-green spectrum but manage to offer a nice look despite green being underused. The dark rifle which matches her clothes is a good touch. It feels like a brown-clad version of Classic.
The Pink chroma looks like a weak light-coloured version. Because of the similarity of the hues and the quietness of the look it makes Caitlyn seem older but not in an exciting way. For a quiet version of Caitlyn it can pass but it can seem monotonous.
Overall, the only chroma that is worth checking is the Brown one. The Blue is too similar to Classic and the Pink too dull. The contrast offered by the Brown one allows it to be an interesting option.

Cassiopeia Curse

Cassiopeia Curse Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Night / Dusk / Day
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: The Night chroma has a nice balance of dark and lighter tones. The pale skin contrasts the dark scales and the bronze decorations stay in the middle offering a good array of hues. The regal yet vampiric appearance gives a more sinister yet fitting look for Cassiopeia which makes this chroma quite appealing.
The Dusk chroma has good variety of colour but the tanned skin doesn’t contrast in intensity with the scales but in hue. The dark metallic decorations offer some contrast while the blue clothing matches the scales. This makes the skin consistent and appealing but not particularly exciting despite the distinct use of blue.
The Day chroma relies on various shades of brown scales that alternate lightness and dark clothing that also offers lighter highlights. The soft transitions of tone over the mildly pale skin offer a nice contrast which makes Cassiopeia look darker without being sinister. The equilibrium between shades give and harmony of different browns which is a great characteristic of the chroma.
Overall, this is a rather good pack. The Dusk chroma isn’t as attractive as the others but it does have a distinct look thanks the use of blue. The Night chroma is excellent with its sinister personality and the darker aesthetic of the Day chroma also makes it stand out. They have a nice balance and transition of colours, respectively, making these two chromas great choices for Cassiopeia fans.

Darius Forge

Darius Forge Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Copper / Bronze / Black Iron
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: The Copper chroma looks identical to Classic except for showing copper-tinted metal. The effect isn’t bad but it’s quite subtle and doesn’t make a significant difference with the usual Darius look.
The Bronze chroma gives the metal a bronze look and also changes the colour of his clothes. However, as only the armour is bronze and not the axe the result doesn’t stand out much; again.
The Black Iron chroma looks different enough thanks to the contrast of dark metal against bronze. Also, the dark main colour suits Darius aggressiveness while staying interesting thanks to the bronze highlights. It’s a fitting and adequate change of look.
To sum up, both the Copper and Bronze chromas are too timid in their use of colour to stand apart from the classic look. They are different but only shyly. The Black Iron chroma deserves to be considered as it has a suitably dark appearance with a bit of bronze to add the aristocratic aspect necessary. For fans of Darius this chroma is worth considering.

Fizz Scorch

Fizz Scorch Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Red / Orange / Black
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: This is a trio of quite straightforward but distinct looking chromas. The Red chroma doesn’t look particularly aquatic but stands out due to the strong tone. The Orange one looks more akin to a sea creature and the bright colour is rather eye-catching. The Black chroma has a dark look that reminds or muddy waters. It not only is fitting but also manages to be a cheaper alternative to Void Fizz. The distinct and suitable colour makes this chroma rather attractive.
Overall, this is a set of good chromas. There’s nothing noteworthy but they are all quite good. The Red and Yellow are quite direct but the Black one has a fitting and gloomy feel that gives Fizz a more dangerous look without detracting from his playful personality.

Garen Noble

Garen Noble Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Garnet / Plum / Ivory
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: The Garnet chroma looks washed out in spite of the use of some intense red. The appearance is noticeably different from Classic Garen but it can also look dull.
The Plum chroma seems like a redistribution of colours of Classic. It mainly relies on the same tones but applies them to different elements. As something different but familiar it has some appeal.
The Ivory chroma is similar to Classic Garen but with less intensity. It manages not to look washed out as there’s contrast between the blue and bronze. Also the light blue tones stand out against the darker blues. It still seems rather familiar but offers something different.
On the whole, this trio of chromas are too similar to the Classic appearance of Garen. They are too conservative in their tones and application to stand out and even seem to lack ambition. There’s nothing remarkable in either of them but manage to accomplish the minimum: they offer different colours.

Lucian Prime

LucianPrime Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Red / Yellow / Blue
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: This is a particularly straightforward but, more importantly, limited set of chromas. Only the trench-coat exhibits a noticeable change so the final effect lacks significance.
The Red chroma suits Lucian but also looks too similar in colour to the rest of his clothes. The guns have a pale-blue tone that makes them attractive but the rest seems too dull looking.
The Yellow chroma seems to scream its tone out. It stands out from the other dark clothes too much and doesn’t match anything else. It seems a whimsical even if eye-catching choice. The blue highlight and dark leather bindings of the guns make them appealing but the intense yellow can stand in the way.
The Blue chroma suits Lucian but the lighter shades are a bit too bright for the otherwise dark tones he prefers to wear. The dark coattails match well enough the general look, though. The guns mainly retain their look but with darker tones which make them look good but almost identical to Classic.
All things considered, this is a rather disappointing chroma pack whom only those that specifically like a colour will find of any use. The chromas are too focused on the trench-coat and also don’t do any effort to combine the chosen colour with the rest of unaltered dark clothing. The guns do get a few nice tones but it’s too little to justify the flaws otherwise present.

Morgana Haunt

Morgana Haunt Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Ebony / Pale / Toxic
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: The Ebony chroma has a pleasing contrast of colours. The dark cloth decorated with rusted metal stands out against the pale skin; as well as the dark hair and wings. The change is simple but effective. Besides, the vampiric aesthetic suits Morgana quite well and is certainly attractive.
The Pale chroma catches the eye because of how it opposes the classic tones. The clothes have a pleasing contrast of shades of grey against bronze decorations. The greyish hair and wings give her an older look that works with the mute colour of her skin. The only problem is that the comparatively faded result isn’t that attractive to the eye.
The Toxic chroma also provides a contrast of dark greens over a pale skin. The bright green hair stands out over the dull tone of the wings’ feathers. The skirt has a nice green tone along suitably matching, pale decorations. While the result isn’t as evocative as others it’s a fine look if green is a preferred tone.
All in all, this is a good pack. The Ebony with its dark and gloomy aesthetic is the best and suits Morgana’s moody personality perfectly. The Pale can look washed out but is a good contrast to her classic darkness. The Toxic chroma is an interesting alternative that changes her preferred dark blues for greens of various kinds. This makes the look distinct while keeping the basic elements intact.

Zac Sweet

Zac Sweet Chroma Pack Image
Category: Base
Price: Pack: 585 RP / Chroma: 290 RP or 2000 BE
Chromas: Honey / Bubblegum / Orange
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: While a couple of the chromas in this pack strike as too similar they are all worthwhile. They are evidently simple with, essentially, a new colour for the whole of Zac but the different tones for the highlights manage to add some depth.
The Honey chroma has a bright jelly appearance that suits Zac’s consistency. The bright yellow highlights are the main responsible of making the look attractive though the general tone is also pleasing to the eye.
The Bubblegum chroma gives Zac a watery look that isn’t far from Pool Party and manages to be a cheaper alternative. The darker tone makes him muddy but that helps the chroma stand apart with its own identity.
The Orange chroma is quite interesting in the way it combines both colours to make for dark highlights against a brighter body. This inversion of hues allows it to feel different to the Honey chroma as well as giving Zac a distinct tone.
In general, this is quite a good chroma pack as Zac is naturally well suited for changes of colour. On top of that, the different combinations are attractive with the Orange being the most interesting due to inverting the hues of highlights and main body. The Bubblegum is a fitting watery alternative and the Honey is a jelly-like look. Both are good alternatives even if they mainly change the colours without further ado.

Conclusion

On the whole, chromas are overpriced for what they offer. The opportunity of changing the feel of the classic appearance of a champion is good but the chromas tend to be straightforward and simple; not to say unambitious and boring at their worst. At their best, they do manage to offer a few clever twists but that’s often, or in practice always, a one of a kind chroma in a pack. For that reason it’s recommended to buy chromas individually.

The individual price of 290 RP is evidently high to make the idea of spending 585 RP for a pack look good. However, for 520 RP there are quite a lot of good skins that can offer much more than a set of chromas ever can. Even just getting a couple of good chromas already goes up to 580 RP so the expense adds up quick. There are chromas that are interesting and those are better unlocked with BE. In spite of 2000 BE not being cheap by any means, BE is a better way of customising the classic look as chromas naturally lack depth.

The individual chromas that are worth taking into account are: Blitzcrank Steel Gunmetal, Caitlyn Rebel Brown, Cassiopeia Curse Night and Day, Darius Forge Black Iron, Fizz Scorch Black, Morgana Haunt Ebony and Toxic, Zac Sweet Bubblegum and Orange.

Other chromas offer to little to be remarkable but they still can offer something; at least different colours. However, the previously listed chromas are the best because of how their use of colour conveys a distinct identity.

  17 Responses to “League of Legends: Base Chroma Packs’ Review”

  1. lucians middle chroma u called it yellow however fizzs midle chroma u called it green Also bards midle one u called it red-grey …it doesnt have any red its green. I embarassed myself asking 4 more people to see them and they agree with me, so either u were seeing something else and u distacted either u have selective chromatopsia…
    Regardles good work keep going!

    • Also morganas right chroma isnt brown-red , brown green maybe yes but not red

    • We used an online tool to help identify colour but perhaps it wasn’t as precise as we hoped or we didn’t use it properly; the latter is more probable. We’ll fix the colours then.

      • Fizz is Red, Yellow, Dark (idk if i would call it purple.). Definitely not Green.

        • We have updated all the chroma reviews with the store names for the chromas and further delving into colour indentification tools to name every hue as it should be. Hopefully the reviews are more accurate now.

  2. Thank your for these reviews, keep up the good work.

  3. You’re aware that the vast majority of these reviews contain errors? You’re listing and naming colour combinations or just colours alone that aren’t present. One such example is the Fizz one where you’ve stated that its red, green and purple when its quite apparent that they’re red yellow and blue.

    Not going to go through all of them but also the Zac one is ridiculous. Cyan-Orange and Aqua-Magenta? Where are you seeing these colours?

    • We used a tool to help identify the colours as the chromas didn’t have names; perhaps we didn’t use it well. We’ll try to fix them. We welcome all help in improving the reviews and fixing any errors. However, please take into account that we aren’t flawless and mistakes are unavoidable. If you want to help make better reviews we appreciate all corrections you may have.

      However, telling us that we make ridiculous mistakes and that we are seeing colours that aren’t there doesn’t really improve the reviews. While we can understand your desire for spotless reviews please do see our side. Keeping everything up to date and writing the reviews takes time and effort. Please, don’t look down on it. We do these reviews to help people make informed and better purchases. Even with errors we see value in the reviews. We hope they help you but if they don’t and you aren’t able to cooperate in fixing errors we understand; but don’t take it out on us.

  4. Great reviews on these chromas, I wouldn’t personally buy them but I suppose I could get one on these ip sales.
    So I don’t really want a skin for morgana as I usually hesitate to play her but an ip chroma would be quite nice. I don’t usually chose stand out skins as a category but I would like people i’m playing with/against to at least…acknowledge my chroma? I like the black one but if doesn’t really stand out in any way. The grey one seems quite nice and the I like the green one for the ’emerald’ style (I think it has)
    Overall, which chroma on morgana do you think stands out the most?

    • Glad that you like the reviews. The idea was to give a guide for the chromas now that they can be acquired with IP; albeit only temporarily. With regards to Morgana’s chromas we like the ones that make the most contrast between clothes and skin. That is the bluish and reddish ones, the ones on the sides of the image; we’ll have to rename them as we have made mistakes with the colours. The grey one is good but does seem a bit washed out. It gives an older feel, which is an interesting feature, but doesn’t have the impact that the contrast of dark against light colours has.

      If you don’t like the darker one then the reddish one is a nice change that leaves blue out yet keeps the dark aesthetic. We think that the almost vampiric look of the dark bluish chroma works quite well for Morgana. That aside, the reddish one has distinct colours and is rather eye-catching; especially if you like red.

  5. Chromas do have names: http://leagueoflegends.wikia.com/wiki/Chroma
    e.g. the red Bard chroma is called “Marigold”

    • We’re looking at them in the store right now. Before they were unpacked we didn’t have a way of identifying them so we tried our best to give them some sort of label.

  6. I just got high noon yasuo :D, I swear I saw something on these newer chromas you made like a review?
    Correct me if i’m mistaken but i’m half-sure that I remember something about zed’s pink chroma being like “washed out” or something?

    • High Noon Yasuo isn’t a bad skin. We made some brief comments about the new chromas. With regard to Shockblade Zed’s chromas we expressed that we prefer the ones with more colours and with some contrast of tones. Still, there are a few that are somewhat similar and so one could feel like a washed out version of another. We’ll have to make a proper review to go into details but in this case the classic prime colours work the best.

  7. I just noticed how the option of buying some of the chromas with ip doesn’t seem to be available anymore or am i mistaken?

    • IP sales happen only twice per year. Chromas are normally available for RP and there seem to be a few packs that haven’t the option to buy the chromas individually.

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