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League of Legends: Nautilus Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Jan 152013
 
Nautilus, the Titan of the Depths
Nautilus, the Titan of the Depths

Nautilus, the Titan of the Depths honours his name with his proportions and massive suits. Whether underwater, underground or in the emptiness of space the titan remains an imposing figure but, what about style? Plunge into the vast unknown and discover it with this review.

Abyssal Nautilus
Abyssal Nautilus Splash Art Abyssal Nautilus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Nautilus wearing an engraved and antique atmospheric diving suit.
Model: New model for Nautlius and his anchor.
Particles: New particles for Titan’s Wrath’s damage over time.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The background is rather dark and empty but the bottom of the sea has some bones and rocks that provide a bit of a setting. Contrary to the drab surroundings, Nautilus is nicely depicted with interesting shading and good use of light and a functional pose. The surface of his armour is particularly well done as it not only reflects the light but also has a rough texture that is logical and attractive. Overall, a nice portrayal accompanied by a lacklustre background that works despite its flaws.
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: Abyssal Nautilus’ model is quite well done with a distinctly antique style reinforced by the engraved decoration. Besides, the textures give the suit a fitting worn aspect. The design is rather reasonable but if one is to take a closer look there seems to be a useless tube on the left on the tank. Furthermore, the helmet top looks impractical just as the needless periscope. Even the sad eyes may be questionable and the turned-off lights let down. Regardless, Abyssal Nautilus is a nice though greatly stylized homage to atmospheric diving suits.

Subterranean Nautilus
Subterranean Nautilus Splash Art Subterranean Nautilus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Nautilus as a mining drill wielding robot.
Model: New model for Nautilus and his anchor.
Particles: New particles for Titan’s Wrath shield and damage over time.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: Theoretically there is much background but most of it is simple rock or, in other words, filled with a few strokes of the brush. In spite of this, the setting is clear and the rampage unambiguous. Nautilus depiction offers a pose that is both appealing and useful to show his suit. Regardless, the shading is quite murky and doesn’t do justice to his complex suit. All in all, it gives an idea of Nautilus’ look but it isn’t a very good splash art.
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: Subterranean Nautilus is a peculiar skin in both concept and execution. The mech excavator wielding an anchor-drill is quite a fantastic premise but it manages to appeal. Unfortunately, the preposterous idea asks for an execution that doesn’t take reality much in consideration. This results in a model that feels too subdued to be exciting and too unreal to be feasible. Another facet is the forced coexistence of the mining and underwater themes. While the water particles can be attributed to hydraulics it doesn’t mesh really well. All things considered, Subterranean Nautilus is an implausible fantasy but interesting nonetheless.

AstroNautilus
AstroNautilus Splash Art AstroNautilus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Nautilus as an astronaut.
Model: New model for Nautilus and his anchor.
Particles: New particles for his abilities.
Animations: New low gravity walking and running animations plus solar visor for Titan’s Wrath.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The background is nothing impressive but reasonably fitting: the moon, a space station and Astronaut Teemo. The diffuse depiction of the background doesn’t pass for distance fade as well as it should but is understandable. Nautilus’ portrayal fares better with complex shading that shows shadows on the many folds of his suit. At times the shadows can look like dirt but in general is a good depiction. On the whole, it’s a good splash art that provides an interesting display of a couple of intrepid astronauts.
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: AstroNautilus is a skin that is designed with a practical and realistic style that allows it to shine. The logical design coupled with the detailed presentation allows the suit, and even the anchor, to appeal via a smooth outline and great textures. While there’s an expected level of fiction in the design the skin finely doses it; particularly notable in its subtle cute side. Additionally, the particles and animations further the theme and add much appreciated layers of visual complexity. In the end, AstroNautilus doesn’t stun with flashy visuals and bright effects; instead, it slowly but surely appeals with its sensible but fascinating style. AstroNautilus may look unconvincing at first but it constantly reassures you that it was the right choice.

Warden Nautilus
Warden Nautilus Splash Art Warden Nautilus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Nautilus as an armoured enforcer of the Law.
Model: New model for Nautilus and his anchor.
Particles: New particles for Titan’s Wrath.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: To say that there is a background is a bit of a stretch because except for some shining sky and fog to fill the empty spaces there’s really no setting.
Nautilus is in charge of taking most of the space with his enormous frame. His portrayal is detailed and colourful but only around the central area. On the borders he seems to dissolve on a mist and only his upper body is actually visible. In fact, the particles around him give the idea that he’s underwater but also that he’s partly filling the background.
Sivir’s depiction is even clearer and stands out from the picture. The lines and shading are sharp and the metal glows and reflects the light in an attractive and believable way. The only problems are that her face seems muddy and that her boomerang looks too small. Also the mist around her tends to occlude her left side and the hair seems unrealistically white; even more than in the three-dimensional model.
All things considered, this is a simple portrayal of two champions. As a shared piece compromises need to be made but in this case it all appears simplistic and empty.
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: Wearing a heavy suit of armour and wielding an anchor that looks like a very stylized war hammer Warden Nautilus intends to make the Titan an imposing behemoth. The armour surely looks sturdy and the helmet has an air of mystery in the faceplate. However, the immoderate ornamentation burdens the visuals with too many elements. The dull colours and plain design prevent the armour from really accomplishing a royal style so it looks degraded, convoluted and impractical. This doesn’t fit the theme well as Nautilus isn’t really becoming the spirit of a Warden returning from beyond but a large and powerful enforcer instead. The anchor suffers from similar problems though the idea of approximating a real weapon is welcome and in this case the design is attractive.
Therefore, Warden Nautilus can feel imposing but also fantastical and unbelievable. The armour and anchor surely carry some weight but the overloaded aesthetic is distracting and too concerned with form over function. This makes Nautilus appear less threatening than the heavy armour could suggest. It’s still a good option for the Titan of the Depths but it’s not a convincing proposition.

Worldbreaker Nautilus
Worldbreaker Nautilus Splash Art Worldbreaker Nautilus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Nautilus as a heavily armoured Aztec warrior.
Model: New model for Nautilus and his anchor. New glow for Nautilus and shield for Titan’s Wrath.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: A heavy sky with a dim Sun can do little to aid the poor sailors that see themselves before titans of inconceivable might. Waves crash, ships break, despair assails and only doom is certain for the few remaining boats. All in all, it’s an interesting setting for the apparition of these two colossal figures.
Speaking of which, Nautilus sees his lower body omitted with arms and anchor blurred but his chest and head eclipse the skies with the magnitude of his size. The immensity is well communicated though the effect of his large frame over the sunlight isn’t reflected on his armour. The plates are evenly lit and even show highlights at the top despite the Sun being behind him. His colour palette also seems rather limited and similar to the skies. Still the sense of unimaginable proportions and sinister appearance make the portrayal appealing.
Trundle clashes with the rest of the piece due to his intense blue colour. It seems to come out of nowhere yet the disruption makes sense and the lighting is very well done. The lower body is, again, fully ignored and the back looks too dim; though it could be because of his friend’s presence before the Sun. His body emits its own light with a bright right arm, arm and horns. The malevolent visage is eloquent like the consequences of a simple splash of his hand on the seas. His headdress and club look quite dim, and the latter also diffuse, though there’s enough detail to get an idea of their look. The headdress also has some timid but appealing reflections. The dripping water from his club, left arm and horns is a good touch but, unfortunately, looks sketchy.
All things considered, this is a piece with a wonderful setting that is taken advantage of; for the most part. The portrayals of both Nautilus and Trundle are uneven with large portions of their body showing inferior quality to others. Also their enormous bodies don’t cast the shadows one would expect when they stand before the Sun. It’s not that the effect isn’t noticeable but that it simply isn’t present; which is a wasted opportunity to add to the scale of the event. Regardless, this is an interesting spotlight of a couple of massive Worldbreakers.
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: Although Aztec warriors didn’t wear as much armour the notorious eagle and jaguar knights would dress up as the respective animals. For that reason, given Nautilus physiognomy, it’s understandable that his whole body would be decorated with regal ornamentation that resembles an Aztec Sun Stone. The stylised decoration on the back of the head also has a passing resemblance to feathers which references eagle knights in a small way. The new anchor has a clearer Aztec design with a crowned face that isn’t unlike the one found in the middle of the Sun Stone.
A diving suit feel is still present in the general design. Besides, most of the body plates are simple and undecorated even if they attempt to look akin to gold. The legs are particularly similar to what a cartoony diving suit of the antique kind would look like. The peculiar, ghostly appearance of the hands also doesn’t match any particular characteristic of the skin; sans the feathers-like helmet and ominous eyes on empty darkness. Nevertheless, there isn’t a clear supernatural aspect overall.
In the end, it’s a fine re-model with a temperate Aztec air on it. The model isn’t bad but also doesn’t embrace its theme in full. That doesn’t prevent it from looking good but the rough areas are notorious.

Conclusion

Nautilus is a large fellow with a deep liking for suits; anchors too. From his selection of thematic outfits AstroNautilus is without doubt the best. It may not be a skin that sweeps you off your feet with grand visuals but it surely is a skin that slowly reveals its complexity and conquers you with its appeal.

Abyssal, Subterranean and Warden Nautilus are interesting alternatives with unique themes. However, their executions tend to be a bit too fantastic even though they offer attractive concepts. They still stand as cheaper options but the lower cost means less captivating products.

With mild Aztec references and some weak supernatural allusions, Worldbreaker Nautilus is a fine re-model with some nice references. The result isn’t as evocative of its theme as it should and it certainly isn’t convincing. Still, for what it does do it’s an acceptable option.

  38 Responses to “League of Legends: Nautilus Skins’ Review”

  1. Pardon me, but doesn’t the subterranean skin have new particles for his W shield? Theyre smaller and yellow unlike the normal W particles.

  2. just a single question…
    do you have any predictions for upcoming skins on sale?

    • You may find this thread by Coreporeal useful.

      Considering that the current sale includes Scorched Earth Xerath, then Soul Reaver Draven, Full Metal Jayce, and Foxfire Ahri should get discounted soon. However it’s also possible that skins like Infernal Alistar and Muay Thai Lee Sin go on sale as well with the former skins offered in between.

  3. Thank you 😀
    Astronautilus it is!

  4. AstroNautilus is the best! Got it and Pool Party Ziggs upon release!

  5. Great review, as I expected – AstroNautilus is the best. Keep the good work up!

  6. Love the detail with Astronautilus. Titan’s Wrath even has constellations.

  7. Subterranean Nautilus’s concept section should say “a mining drill wielding robot” instead of just “mining drill wielding robot”.

  8. Are you going to make one on Warden naut?

  9. Warden Nautilus’ overall design greatly reminds me of the Eidolon Alexander from Final Fantasy (8, 13, etc.). Some people mock the blue tuft atop his helmet, but that plays into the knight aspect so I personally like its inclusion.

    It would have been really cool to see some Arclight-esque holy effects to play on that similarity to Alexander, but for 750 I can take what I see haha

    I would have bought “Arclight Nautilus” immediately <3

    • You are very right, we did notice something familiar about that design. Certainly at 750 RP chances are we wouldn’t see much special effects we sometimes they add one or two; they could’ve. It would’ve helped the skin stand out more but perhaps they are reserving it all for an actual Arclight.

      • Don’t tease me with the possibility haha 😛

        On a side note, but off-topic: keep up the good work! I really like what you’re doin’ here 🙂

  10. Just out of curiosity,which skin was released first, AustroNautilius or Astronaut Teemo? Or were they released at the same time?

    • Sorry for the late answer.

      Astronaut Teemo was released much earlier. In fact, it used to be a legendary skin but its price has been reduced and goes on sale regularly; as regular as can be expected at least. The skin shows its age but beign a former legendary it offers more than other skins from the time would’ve. It currently is a good option but so is AstroNautilus.

  11. Do you have an idea of when will AstroNautilus be on sale again?

    • It seems that AstroNautilus was last discounted on December 2014 so it’s long overdue for a sale. It should come in the near future but it’s not scheduled to go on sale this January. Regardless, it’s more than about time it gets a sale so the wait shouldn’t be long; in theory.

  12. Hi I wnat to buy a skin for nautilus and I have 763 rp and I got subterranean skin on my lunar revel shop at 60% off. Should I buy subterranean or warden, or try to wait for astronautilus/abyssal to come on sales?

    • If you want to absolute best Nautilus skins then nothing beats AstroNautilus; until now. Both Subterranean and Warden are good, the former rather interesting, but AstroNautilus goes a step further with new particles and animations. You’d be paying a bit more for it yet we think it’s worth it.

      If you like Subterranean and would get the skin eventually then a 60% discount may be something not to ignore. However, if you just want one skin for the Titan then waiting for a sale on AstroNautilus would be ideal; provided you like what the skin has to offer.

      • Do you think astronautilus will come on sale any time son?

        • It was last discounted on the beginning of April of 2015 so a future sale is highly probable. The expandes sales should help prevent skins for reaching a full year without a discount so AstroNautilus should be near the end of the queue. Of course, this is all speculation as you never know with sales.

  13. So with this new hextech crafting thing I got abyssal nautilus In my second chest opening. Technically im getting it for free as im not really losing like RP or anything. Yet astronautilus is on sale next month. I like astro better but I would save RP where I can. Which one would be worth the buy?(Though if astro was a clear standout choice then I would buy).

    • There’s no doubt that AstroNautilus is the Titan’s best skin. It’s also expensive and owning Abyssal you have to consider if you are going to use AstroNautilus and relegate Abyssal. Abyssal is rather nice as a re-model it just doesn’t offer enough for its price. AstroNautilus goes further in the adaptation but can also be taken for a joke skin. It depends then how much you like each theme too. Abyssal is a vintage interpretation of the Titan while AstroNautilus takes him from the deep seas to space. As far as implementation goes AstroNautilus doesn’t disappoint but the high price is always a concern.

  14. not really relating towards nautilus completely, but im just curious: what skin, splash and ingame, is the best representation of what you look for in a skin? or rather, 1 of each.

    you guys look VERY carefully at every aspect of a skin so im curious as to what of leagues skins you loved

    • You can find the best skins, all five star rated ones, at the Skin List by ordering by rating. From a quick look at that, Program Lissandra, Atlantean Syndra, Headhunter Catilyn and Nidalee are great skins with quite satisfying implementations that realise their concept quite well. There’s also Thresh skins as well and also cheaper ones like Royal Guard Fiora and Chosen Master Yi. It’s not always a matter of having lots of special effects, sometimes a good model and perhaps a few extras can embody the idea behind the skin.

      With regards to splash arts we prefer those that use both setting and portrayal in conjuction to tell something besides showing the look of the champion. You can search the site for ‘best splash arts in League of Legends’ or look on Google for the best splash arts as such: ‘strategyzero.com best splash arts in League of Legends’. They are too many to mention but as you can imagine we do like Sewn Chaos Orianna’s splash and skin quite a bit. Others worth mentioning from the first results of the search are Blacksmith Poppy, Headmistress Fiora and with a little extra work PROJECT: Zed and Firecracker Jinx; just to finish the setting. In each case, you are see the personality of the champion not just their new look.

      Of couse, our standards keep going up as prices and technical resources advance. It’s very well possible that a skin or splash that used to be great nowadays would be quite good but not so great. We try to update skins and splash arts as much as we can but don’t be surprised if you find some inconsistencies as skins, splash arts and reviews evolve over time.

  15. Just want to point out, Abyssal Nautilus is actually a really solid reference to Warhammer 40K – the suit’s ornamentation and chest plate, along with the placement of the eyes, give the obvious appearance of a Chaos Space Marine of the Black Legion chapter.

    • There’s no doubt that the decoration has similarities. However, the subaquatic theme is clear enough to separate it from space sci-fi. We could say that it’s a possible inspiration but we see more of the antique diving suit than the space marine in Abyssal Nautilus.

  16. I got a question, which would you prefer,world breaker nautilus or guardian of the sands rammus???by the way I like your articles,keep up the good work

    • Glad that you like the reviews.

      It’s a close call between Worldbreaker Nautilus and Guardian of the Sands Rammus. For the price tier each belongs to are alright but we expected a little extra touch in the former and something interesting in the latter. In fact, they are straightforward re-models with only a tiny bit added to keep everything consistent. If forced to choose, Guardian of the Sands Rammus looks more interesting. However, if we were to choose a Rammus skin it would be Full Metal; for Nautilus Astro is a great choice.

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