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League of Legends: Legacy Legendary Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Dec 192012
 
Alien Invader Heimerdinger, Annie in Wonderland, Firefighter Tristana, Red Baron Corki and The Magnificent Twisted Fate
Legacy Legendary Skins

As part of the Legacy Skin Project 42 skins were retired from the store under the legacy label; including five legendary skins. Today they can return in huge sales that, for the first time, offer old legendary skins at a discount. These legendary skins might have suffered from the passing of time but they still retain some of their original magic. Take a look into this review and find out whether the legacy sales are able to reinvigorate these old, legendary classics.

Alien Invader Heimerdinger
Alien Invader Heimerdinger Splash Art Alien Invader Heimerdinger Model
Category: Legacy, Legendary
Price: 1820 RP
Concept: Heimerdinger as a Martian invader and his turrets as ray-guns.
Model: Major model changes for Heimerdinger plus new model for his tools and turrets.
Particles: New particles for his auto-attack.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: Diffuse and empty the background doesn’t say much. It could be said that it makes sense for a flying saucer to land in an unpopulated area. However, there’re only a few sketchy trees and some barely visible turrets to frame the ship. At least the invader in question can be clearly seen; though the fumes blur him a bit. Most of Heimerdinger is clearly depicted with good even if perhaps too oily shading. Nevertheless, the depiction catches one’s attention thanks to the intense stare. All in all, it’s a splash art with problems but that manages to display Heimerdinger in an interesting way. Sadly, his turrets are a bit forgotten.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: As a former legendary skin, Alien Invader Heimerdinger is an interesting but ultimately lacklustre skin that can’t hide its age. The problem isn’t the concept but rather the execution in comparison to the price: it shows the technical merit of times gone by. Heimerdinger certainly approximates the classic Martian aspect but only his overdeveloped brain stands out. Besides, his massive brain isn’t exactly good looking; much like his face. The turrets compensate with an appealing design but some new particles would’ve helped give them a more defined identity. All things considered, Alien Invader Heimerdinger has a nice idea behind it but an execution that isn’t up to its price.

Annie in Wonderland
Annie in Wonderland Splash Art Annie in Wonderland Model
Category: Legacy, Legendary
Price: 1820 RP
Concept: Based off Lewis Carroll’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Annie is dressed as Alice and Tibbers as the White Rabbit.
Model: New model for Annie, minor model changes for her teddy bear and major model changes for Tibbers.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The rough quality of the piece allows it to harken back to old style pictures often included in children’s books; like Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like an intentional feature when considering the individual elements. The background quickly fades to black on the left and while it displays relevant items, a hatter’s hat and tea cups, it’s rather diffuse and unclear. Annie and Tibbers are better depicted, not only are they fully visible but they also are reasonably posing. Still, the shading isn’t very good and they appear rather murky. Overall, a good representation of the source material and the in-game look of Annie and Tibbers but a disappointing splash art.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Let’s forget, for a moment, the flames that Annie wields. As far as looks go, it’s a reasonable and lean model for Annie that effectively captures the essence of Alice’s look. On the other hand, Tibbers is forcefully stuffed into a rabbit suit; which isn’t any different from Annie’s usual treatment of the bear. Tibber’s suit looks fine, with visible patches, seams and a zipper which realizes the bear costumed as the White Rabbit. Moreover, Annie’s rucksack and teddy bear are also nicely adapted to reflect the Cheshire cat and the White Rabbit, respectively. Consequently the skin, in looks alone, is quite good. However, the flames are a necessary evil that doesn’t make much sense considering the source material. Furthermore, aside from the re-models, there aren’t any further changes; which are to be expected considering its former legendary label. In conclusion, it’s an appealing re-model for Annie but not a true legendary skin in any sense. However, if you catch it on sale then it’s not a bad option for Annie’s fans.

Firefighter Tristana
Firefighter Tristana Splash Art Firefighter Tristana Model
Category: Legacy, Legendary
Price: 1820 RP
Concept: Tristana dressed as a cartoon fire-fighter.
Model: Major model changes for Tristana and her cannon Boomer.
Particles: New water effects for her abilities and auto-attack.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: New sounds for her abilities and auto-attack.
Splash Art: Big black patches seem to be a staple of Tristana’s splash arts. In this piece it serves to contrast the light coming from the fire, presumably behind Tristana. However, a background of actual flames or some sort of building ablaze would’ve added a lot to the context. Despite the simplistic background, Tristana is very well drawn with great colouring and lighting. It’s a bit strange then, that the quality of the water leaking from her cannon doesn’t match her depiction. In conclusion, a very nice portrait of Tristana that could’ve, or even should’ve, had a better frame.
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: With plain but effective changes Tristana becomes a firefighter with a penchant for explosive, high-pressure water. The classic look of hat and uniform as well as the cannon turned fog nozzle work in tandem with her yordle physique to represent a comical firefighter. However, the fire extinguisher on her back strikes as an idea that seemed funnier on paper; a tank for a breathing apparatus would’ve made more sense.
The addition of water-based particles and sounds help bring the theme to life and adds a distinct style to the skin. Unfortunately, there’s nothing else and while both particles and sounds are rather good a legendary skin is expected to go far beyond this point.
In conclusion, Firefighter Tristana is a nice skin with a disproportionate price. The cartoon firefighter style is appealing with a correct model and effective particles and sounds. However, even as a retired, legacy skin the price is a huge obstacle. If you like Firefighter Tristana then get it on sale.

Red Baron Corki
Red Baron Corki Splash Art Red Baron Corki Model
Category: Legacy, Legendary
Price: 1820 RP
Concept: Corki flying a biplane-inspired copter as a tribute to Manfred von Richthofen.
Model: New textures for Corki and moderate model changes for his copter.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The deliberate small selection of colours manages to give the setting a more dramatic effect. However, it also makes it simpler. There’s enough smoke and water, both tinted by explosions, but there isn’t enough that shows where it all comes from. The idea seems to be some major battle in the skies but a lone plane seems insufficient to dye the whole scenery. The fact that the background doesn’t show anything concrete makes it feels like filler; even though the feel of something bigger is present.
The quality of Corki’s portrayal, along his unmissable copter is rather rustic and even sketchy. The colours are rough which give a gritty feel to the copter. That’s used to great effect on the metallic surface of the copter and missiles: which show paint severely scratched as if they’ve seen their good share of battle already. The bursts appear surrounded by tangles of fuzz which is less convincing. Corki’s waxy colours appear transplanted from a different piece; like the flying cases. These colours give the impression of a draft or the composition of two pieces of evidently different quality.
All added together makes the splash art seem rather bare and basic. The water looks nice, like a painted photography, but the sky, like Corki, appear significantly inferior. The copter and the missiles have a nice gritty feel but that isn’t echoed by anything else on the piece; as if they are on their own. The result is a splash art of mixed quality that is only acceptable as a basic spotlight.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: In theory, Red Baron Corki is a fitting and interesting concept for an ace aviator. Moreover, in practice the skin doesn’t look that bad in spite of the huge re-use of assets from the base model. The propellers on the front gun are nice while the design effectively recreates the feel of a biplane; though the Red Baron preferred a triplane. Regardless, it’s a skin that, while nice, had no place at such a high price point and still feels lacklustre at a discount. The idea is good but the changes so minimal that it’s simply unable to fill the legendary or even regular label. It could be said that Red Baron Corki reflects the quality of times gone by, but even at half its former price it doesn’t provide enough to justify a purchase; especially considering the current level of quality.

The Magnificent Twisted Fate
The Magnificent Twisted Fate Splash Art The Magnificent Twisted Fate Model
Category: Legacy, Legendary
Price: 1820 RP
Concept: Twisted Fate dressed as a stage magician.
Model: Major model changes for Twisted Fate.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: Blue web-like effects and sparks adorn this portrayal of Twisted Fate as the background is missing without notice. There are also a few cards flying with some interesting drawings but they don’t appear as they do in-game. Twisted Fate’s depiction is rather good though the cape covers all his body, preventing a clear vision of his clothes. Additionally, the cape helps make the look resemble the in-game version, as many details aren’t visible; still, it’s obvious it’s based in its previous incarnation. Overall, a disappointing piece undeserving of representing a legendary skin.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Practically a re-model, the Magnificent Twisted Fate is a victim of the evolution of League of Legends. What once would’ve been a formidable new model is now a product unbefitting of its legendary label. However, the sale changes things and it becomes a much more reasonable product. In fact, it provides a good look that accomplishes the style of a classic illusionist and, while more is usually expected nowadays, is quite well designed. In conclusion, thanks to the new price The Magnificent Twisted Fate becomes an elegant and appealing skin that would suit both Twisted Fate and illusionism fans.

Conclusion

These legendary skins have been retired for obvious reasons: their quality is no longer up to par with current standards. Still, if we consider that they usually can be bought for half their original price, it’s another story. Both Annie in Wonderland and The Magnificent Twisted Fate become attractive re-models with a reasonable price. They still don’t match the current level of regular skins, yet they aren’t bad products at all.

Firefighter Tristana isn’t a full re-model but isn’t far from one and the look is quite appealing nonetheless. The new water added to her abilities and auto-attack, in both particles and sounds, adds a lot of personality to the skin. Unfortunately, while the implementation is quite good it’s a far cry from what is expected from a legendary skin. Because of its charm it’s an option to get on sale but at full price it’s a particularly bitter pill to swallow, regardless of the amount of fresh water.

Something similar can be said about Alien Invader Heimerdinger. In spite of the charming turrets the most notorious highlight is his oversized brain and it isn’t precisely appealing or convincing. Surely, the turrets are attractive but there’re no other additions to consider. Therefore, it’s a skin that may appeal to dedicated Heimerdinger fans but only while on sale, at full price it’s doesn’t even bear consideration.

Finally, whatever you do just stay away, really far away, from Red Baron Corki. It’s simply so minor of a re-model that is still unacceptable even at a 50% discount. Unless Manfred von Richthofen or Corki are really dear to your heart, it’s just not worth it.

  6 Responses to “League of Legends: Legacy Legendary Skins’ Review”

  1. How does Alien Heimer fit the new Heimer setup? The turrets shoot beams! Sometimes.

    • It’s not a bad extra but it’s just that: a secondary effect of the re-work. It’s a welcome addition but it doesn’t change Alien Invader Heimerdinger that much.

  2. Could you please update Firefighter Tristana’s review (Along with other Tristana skins)? When Tristana’s update changed all the skins, I personally found Firefighter to be one of the better ones.

    • That’s something we are devoting some time to but not as much as we’d like due to DJ Sona hijacking the waves and our attention. We’ll try to update Tristana’s review as soon as possible.

      Firefighter Tristana has certainly improved though it’s still not up to par with recent legendary skins. Regardless, if caught on sale it seems like a rather nice skin.

  3. tristana have a 2 legendary skin WTF

    • It’s an old legendary that offers equal value to a 975 RP skin. Consider that Firefighter Tristana retains its legendary price of 1820 RP, which is roughly double the price of what it offers, we think that it’s overpriced despite its charm.

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