This Lunar Revel comes with a good assortment of fireworks, warriors and a touch of jade to welcome the year of the water snake. A group of champions has joined the festivities in full and their styles reflect as much of the holiday as it does of them. Light a fuse and enjoy the spectacle with the aid of this skins’ review.
Category: | Regular |
Price: | 975 RP |
Concept: | Annie as a pyrotechnics expert and Tibbers as her pack panda. |
Model: | New model for Annie and Tibbers. |
Particles: | New particles for Disintigrate, Incinerate, Molten Shield, Summon Tibbers and auto-attack. |
Animations: | New recall animation. |
Sounds: | New recall sounds. |
Splash Art: | The background of this piece is missing so there is no setting to speak of. Tibber’s hulking frame fills enough space so that the piece doesn’t seem empty but it’s hardly enough of a replacement. Still, he’s rather well depicted: his fur and stitches look fantastic and the shading is excellent. Then, it’s a pity that his lower body is so blurry. While it does allow the focus to be centred on Annie it seems unnecessary; she should grab attention by herself and she does. Annie looks great: soft, shiny hair, folded clothes and a choice of colours that makes her look believable; it’s a great portrayal. The fire on her hands doesn’t look convincing, it’s too subdued, and the trousers are a bit diffuse but it’s a subtle complain. On the whole, it’s an amazing portrayal of Annie and Tibbers but as a splash art it feels like it needs something more. |
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Conclusion: | Panda Tibbers is a skin with a unique and attractive identity. Annie’s dress is nice but sober and her hair is tied with buns that cleverly resemble bear or panda ears. The particles are modified to give a fireworks feel but they still look like flames; just more stylized, solid and with more smoke. Colourful fireworks would’ve definitely been more interesting to watch but in this case the flames remain yellow. The recall is a really good touch to the point that one can wonder why Classic Annie didn’t receive it instead. The point is that it feels very natural for Annie as she could be hugging any kind of bear so it doesn’t seem really related to the theme. Maybe if she lit some fireworks it would seem more distinct. Conversely, Tibbers receives a fantastic new model that exposes the fireworks theme really well and perfectly displays a panda. All things considered, Panda Annie is a skin with a good concept and execution but while the additions are fine they seem like they could’ve exposed the theme much better. There sure is enough panda in the skin but the fireworks feel lacking. |
Category: | Regular |
Price: | 975 RP |
Concept: | Cassiopeia lavishly dressed and adorned with jade. |
Model: | New model for Cassiopeia and new textures for her death. |
Particles: | New particles for her abilities. |
Animations: | New animations for recall and the headpiece’s snakes. |
Sounds: | New recall sounds. |
Splash Art: | The background seems like some kind of dome with an inexplicable chunk of wood burning in the middle; considering the quality of the depiction it’s just a guess. The setting is reasonable but it feels dead, underdeveloped and the wood whimsical. Cassiopeia is nicely depicted with great shading and an imposing yet appealing pose. As she raises in front of the viewer her scaly skin and elegant, though minimal, clothes reveal their elegance. Her lower body seems a little too dark but in general is a rather good portrayal of Cassiopeia. Overall, it’s a splash art that gives a very good impression but that fails to absorb the viewer with a deep setting. |
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Conclusion: | Jade Fang Cassiopeia is a skin that finally goes an extra step to deliver a new feel for Cassiopeia; the year of the snake didn’t disappoint her. The concept is nothing groundbreaking but the implementation certainly makes up for it. Firstly, the new model gives her a more human look and reinforces her snake qualities with finely designed adornments. The result is a pleasing mix that merges and exposes both her alluring and ophidian sides. On top of that, she receives new particles for her abilities that match her jade colour scheme and look less vicious but really intense. Additionally, the jade tone used for her stone body and that of her enemies is a very nice touch that adds depth to the theme. In the end, Jade Fang Cassiopeia is a skin that takes a humble concept and extensively develops it. The result is definitely attractive and enhances Cassiopeia’s charms in every way; recommended. |
Category: | Regular |
Price: | 975 RP |
Concept: | Corki piloting a copter inspired by the dragon dance and equipped with fireworks. |
Model: | New model for Corki and his copter. |
Particles: | New particles for his abilities, auto-attack and critical hits. |
Animations: | New laugh and recall animations. |
Sounds: | New fireworks sounds for his abilities and recall. |
Splash Art: | The background is too diffuse but still manages to display the celebration in all its splendour. The city, or town, feels rather empty due to the perspective yet the setting is well presented. Corki and his copter are very nicely depicted with ample use of lighting and great shading. The copter shows dents and scratches proper of use and there’s good use of blurriness on the missile to the left. The copter seems a little too short and small to carry Corki and certain parts are too dark and empty in comparison with others. Regardless, it’s very good portrayal backed by a fitting background so it feels like a nice piece, overall. |
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Conclusion: | As far as the model goes Dragonwing Corki seems like a good but unimpressive skin. Corki is fittingly dressed and the copter has an appealing but brief dragon design but nothing else really catches the eye. That all changes once he gets to the action: his particles are an amazing spectacle. Not only are the bright sparks and stylized explosions attractive but the sounds perfectly complete the picture. Thus, the skin attracts thanks to a fantastic amount of visual flare. On the whole, Dragonwing Corki is an incredible skin that catches the eye and doesn’t let go. Unless you deem fireworks an ill substitute for missiles and bullets this is a skin that you shouldn’t miss. |
Category: | Regular |
Price: | 1350 RP |
Concept: | Jarvan IV in the image of LΓΌ Bu from the Three Kingdoms period. |
Model: | New model for Jarvan IV and his lance. |
Particles: | New particles for Dragon Strike, Golden Aegis, Demacian Standard and Cataclysm. |
Animations: | New running animation during Golden Aegis. |
Sounds: | New quote for Cataclysm and new sounds for Demacian Standard and Cataclysm. |
Splash Art: | The background shows a volcano and some sky but nothing more. As a setting it feels incomplete and as a background just a simple border. The horse walking on fire is a good way of attracting attention. Besides, its fiery eyes and lustrous fur make an awesome frame for Jarvan IV. The prince wears shining and polished armour with a complex design; though dents are still visible. The expression may be too stern and the imposing portrayal unbefitting of him but they sure convey the theme well. All in all, it’s an impressive portrayal that needs a bit more of a setting to excel. |
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Conclusion: | Warring Kingdoms Jarvan IV is a very interesting skin that supplements the Romance of the Three Kingdoms Theme with volcanic effects. The armour seems a little too flamboyant considering the prince’s usual taste but it surely is eye-catching. The same can be said about the lance yet it remains functional and deadly. Besides, these elements together certainly give an intensity and aggressiveness that isn’t unbefitting of Jarvan. In addition to this, the new particles and sound add more impact to his attacks and so make him look more lethal; especially Cataclysm, which looks exceptional. In the end, it’s a skin that manages to give visual strength to Jarvan’s rather tame nature. While it may be too flashy at times it’s certainly a skin that suits, and even improves aspects, so no Jarvan fan will go wrong with it. It’s a pity then that the price is so high. The skin has an attractive and defined feel but it’s hardly on par with a legendary offering; though the price is. In the end, only dedicated Jarvan IV fans or collectors may find the price acceptable. |
Category: | Regular |
Price: | 1350 RP |
Concept: | Xin Zhao in the image of Zhao Yun from the Three Kingdoms period. |
Model: | New model for Xin Zhao and his spear plus new lightning particle for the spear’s blade. |
Particles: | New particles for Three Talon Strike, Battle Cry, Audacious Charge and Crescent Sweep. |
Animations: | New beginning of match animation. |
Sounds: | No new sounds. |
Splash Art: | This piece’s only background is a distant hurricane on the left. The sudden stop of the horse adds dynamism but hardly compensates for the empty setting. The whole of the piece is presented in motion and that is reflected in both Xin Zhao and his horse. The gusts of wind displayed to reinforce the movement seem redundant and annoying, as they occlude the portrayal, but are tolerable. At least, the equine looks incredible and echoes Xin Zhao’s expression; also nicely depicted. In fact, Xin Zhao’s impeccable armour shines and the clothes twist, like the horse’s neck, to face the viewer; a nice touch that adds immersion to the piece. All things considered, it’s a splash art that readily catches attention and gathers interest on the subject but ends up being just a really good portrayal while it could’ve been much more. |
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Conclusion: | Warring Kingdoms Xin Zhao is a fantastic skin in more than one way. The armour is lavishly designed but doesn’t cover much of his body or look very sturdy. The clothes are rather simple but the dragon pattern on the chest breaks the monotony. The spear looks practical and is nicely designed so as to match Xin Zhao’s style. Overall, the look isn’t great but it does a good job at representing a stylized warrior. Fortunately, the wind, lightning and tornado particles are a great addition that adds a welcome layer of fantasy. Not only are the particles eye-catching but they give Xin Zhao a distinct identity. Therefore, he certainly looks and feels fantastic but in an appealing way. All in all, it’s a rather good skin for Xin Zhao fans and if you’d like an dazzling fantasy fighter then this is a good choice. |
Conclusion
These Lunar Revel skins are quite a good set, in general, but there are some peculiarities. For instance, Warring Kingdoms skins are curiously named after the seven warring states that fought for supremacy between the Spring and Autumn period and the victory of Qin; instead of the Three Kingdoms period.
In addition to this, their price is higher than the other skins even though they don’t feel as spectacular as one would expect. That doesn’t imply that they are bad products but the higher price does reduce their appeal. There’s little doubt that they offer interesting concepts and appropriate executions but for the price they could do more.
In fact, Jarvan mostly shines during Cataclysm and while Xin Zhao offers very nice visuals they are all there is. Therefore, the recommended purchases are Panda Annie, Jade Fang Cassiopeia and Dragonwing Corki. They all show a level of quality that is certainly satisfying at a reasonable price.
It’s true that in all cases there are things that could’ve been better: Annie’s flames look too solid, Cassiopeia’s poison doesn’t seem as toxic, Corki’s fireworks seem inoffensive, Jarvan looks too flamboyant and Xin Zhao too fantastic. In the end, they are all subtle complaints. On the whole, they are a fine group of skins with a unique identity. If you like any of these champions or would like to join the Lunar Revel spirit then these skins would be a good starting point.
Thanks for the review! I was already 99% about getting Jarvan IV’s skin and now all my doubts are gone π
Could you review Galio? I want to see what you have to say about his skins.
Thanks again.
Glad that you found the review useful.
Galio bumped in the order, expect a resolute review soon.
Great Reviews! Corki doesnt have many good choices, so will definitely be picking up his new one!
Any chance you could review Anivia? She is my very favorite and has a pretty good selection of skins!
We’ll bump her in the order; the age of the cryophoenix must come.
Thanks for the review π Just to be accurate, Dragonwing Corki has also a new recall animation π
No problem and thanks for the correction; typing gaffe.
I’m confused, on this page the J4 and Xin skins are rated as 5 stars but on the champions’ pages the skins both have 3 stars.
Sorry, you have every right to be confused as we forgot to update the review with the new prices. We’ll do so immediately and we apologize again for the confusion.
Hello Zero can these skins go on sale?
Yes they can and they eventually will just like the previous set of Lunar Revel skins; discounted during January of 2013. It shouldn’t take too long but as sales are difficult to predict we can’t be more specific.
Thanks for replying my comment but i dont understand what you mean (not a native speaker). Do you mean this skins will go on sale on nexts year lunar event or they will go on sale like any skin? thanks for answering!
Yes they will go on sale. They are considered normal skins and can be discounted at any time; in theory.
Okay thanks for answering!
Not at all.