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League of Legends: Nidalee Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Jan 242013
 
Nidalee, the Bestial Huntress
Nidalee, the Bestial Huntress

Nidalee, the Bestial Huntress is a champion with a dual theme: both her human and cougar forms are stylized in different ways depending on the selected skin. This duality is often satisfyingly exploited but sometimes simply ignored. When hunting for the right outfit, there’s no need to prowl through the bushes; just pounce at her skins’ review.

Snow Bunny Nidalee
Snow Bunny Nidalee Splash Art Snow Bunny Nidalee Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Nidalee with a snow based theme.
Model: New textures for Nidalee and cougar form.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: With a background that barely suggests a setting one is left to guess that Nidalee dramatically poses as a blizzard hits the woods. The feline image behind her is a good idea that isn’t well integrated as a reference. Besides, her pose is evidently forced despite being eye-catching. The shading is quite good, though, as Nidalee looks quite believable. However, her body appears a bit too meek for a warrior of the wilds. The result is certainly a mixed bag. There are some good elements that make the piece interesting but they have to combat the background and artistic licence.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Human: pale skin plus light coloured hair, clothes and javelins are the result of this re-texture. The effect isn’t bad but it isn’t anything striking either.

Cougar: a re-texture as well but while human Nidalee looks Nordic the cougar doesn’t really pass for a snow leopard; even without the mane.

Overall, not a bad re-texture for its price but it could’ve had a nicer northern aesthetic.

Leopard Nidalee
Leopard Nidalee Splash Art Leopard Nidalee Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Nidalee wearing leopard fur and cougar form as a leopard.
Model: New textures for Nidalee and cougar form.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: More than a jungle, the setting seems to be a mountainous area; which actually suits a leopard. The shadow against the rock is a great touch to reference Nidalee’s dual nature. Nevertheless, the background does feel a bit empty. Nidalee seems to be running but her stance doesn’t look natural. In fact, there are some problems with the perspective used that seem to flatten her figure into the plane. When we add the dull colours and sketchy fur we are left with a portrayal that fails to be exciting. All in all, it’s a splash art that gives a good look of her human form but that doesn’t make the most of its ideas.
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: Human: while Nidalee’s skin and hair colours receive lighter tones the true star is the spotted leopard fur that makes her clothes. The difference may seem minor but it provides an elegant and classy style that fits Nidalee quite well.

Cougar: not only does her feline persona get a spotted fur but also peculiar bands on the legs and tail. To be fair, the mane is removed as well as the oversized tusks and the tail end is thinner which makes for a reasonable leopard look.

All in all, Leopard Nidalee is a very nice re-texture that may not seem to offer much but what little it does it sure does very well.

French Maid Nidalee
French Maid Nidalee Splash Art French Maid Nidalee Model
Category: Regular
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Nidalee as a classic French maid and cougar form as a spoiled house cat.
Model: Moderate model changes for Nidalee, new model for her javelin and minor model changes for cougar form.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This piece looks like just another re-colour of Classic Nidalee’s splash art. The minimal background just hints at a manor or castle to the right, maybe among mountains. Still, one look at Nidalee shows that the portrayal is completely inadequate: her current look has little in common with the depiction. Therefore, it’s a piece that not only disappoints but is also useless to spotlight Nidalee’s look.
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: Human: being a clear clothes fetish, French Maid Nidalee manages to be suggestive without being ridiculous. The uniform is enticing but correct and avoids high heels for a higher dose of realism. The javelin-duster is a bit rough but the general idea is well presented.

Cougar: aside from a new bib and fur colour the cougar form remains practically identical. The lack of tusks plus new colour isn’t enough to display a domestic cat; or other kinds of feline. The look is unclear but the distinct colour scheme gives it an identity.

On the whole, French Maid Nidalee is a good skin but it feels more like a cheap fetish than an elaborate reference; even without high heels. Conversely, considering its price it’s a rather good option; as long as you don’t mind the obvious fetish.

Pharaoh Nidalee
Pharaoh Nidalee Splash Art Pharaoh Nidalee Model
Category: Regular
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Nidalee as an Egyptian warrior and cougar form as a regal Siamese cat.
Model: Moderate model changes for Nidalee, new model for her javelin and major model changes for cougar form.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This piece dares to show more than Nidalee’s look but isn’t very effective. The background is quite dull with a monotonous palette and just hints of rocks. The pyramid and sphinx are just a silhouette and the general aesthetic feels rather boring. Nidalee is depicted along her cougar form, useful for a spotlight, but the Siamese cat looks too big for a normal human. Furthermore, the portrayal isn’t very attractive due to a style that is a little comical and too imprecise. For instance, Nidalee’s arms are too short plus her legs too long and thick; especially in comparison with her thighs. Furthermore, the javelin’s perspective is too exaggerated and most of her cougar form isn’t clearly displayed. Actually, the general aspect is rather unappealing, sketchy and unfaithful to her in-game look. To sum up, a disappointing piece that passes for a portrayal but isn’t actually attractive.
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 StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Human: Pharaoh Nidalee sure looks regal but her clothes aren’t exactly Pharaonic as far as historical accuracy is concerned. Regardless, the film-inspired look is appealing and delivers the theme quite well; except for the metal leg warmers. To say that they are ridiculous is a thorough understatement. Leaving that behind, the spear matches the design of her decorations and rounds a rather reasonable model.

Cougar: a gold adorned Siamese cat is a great choice for Nidalee’s cougar form. In spite of the huge size of the cat, the fur and decorations are really well done. Besides, they match her human jewellery which is a nice touch. The intense, empty, blue eyes draw attention, but look unnatural, and the makeup at the sides seems whimsical but appropriate. Still, it looks good despite the base being almost identical to the Bewitching cat.

On the whole, Pharaoh Nidalee is a skin with obvious issues despite the low price. It’s able to tolerate the leave particles of the classic incarnation but its problems eventually pile up. If you are able to ignore the multiple but minor flaws then Pharaoh Nidalee is a nice skin for fans of Egyptian culture. It’s hardly perfect but for its price it offers more than enough.

Bewitching Nidalee
Bewitching Nidalee Splash Art Bewitching Nidalee Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Nidalee styled as a witch and cougar form as a costumed black cat.
Model: Major model changes for Nidalee, new model for her javelin and major model changes for cougar form.
Particles: New bat particles for: Prowl, Javelin Toss, Bushwhack, Aspect of the Cougar and Pounce.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This piece has an interesting composition but not a good execution. Nidalee flying before the Moon with her broom is simply a classic. Unfortunately, the background is limited to display just a night sky with several bat outlines. Nidalee appears riding her magical broom, with a fitting but dull effect, along her cougar form. The black cat isn’t entirely visible but manages to give an idea of the look. Besides, its huge size is somewhat concealed but still noticeable. Nidalee’s depiction is alright: she looks good but the shading is a bit dull. On top of that, she has a rough aspect that doesn’t suit her witch persona. Moreover, her expression feels empty, her skin devoid of life and her hands hardly delicate. To sum up, a splash art that serves as a portrayal due to its nice composition but that suffers from a disappointing execution.
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: Human: as a witch Nidalee wears reasonable clothes with an obvious modern style. The nice hat and broom-javelin deliver the theme quite well. Besides, the corset-like dress doesn’t look bad but seems more aimed at enticing rather than displaying a witch; just like the high-heeled boots. Unfortunately, some parts of her model feel strange: her body seems quite thick despite wearing a corset. Furthermore, the boots’ shape seem to unnaturally force the shape of her feet which added to the crooked heels make for clearly uncomfortable footwear; hardly the choice for a battlefield.

Cougar: a black cat should be the best friend of any witch and Nidalee is no exception. While the hat and bands may be a bit of a stretch the look matches her human form which seems reasonable; especially as pets are sometimes made to wear costumes as well. Moreover, the collar feather added to the hat feather correspond to the two feathers in human Nidalee’s hat; a definitely nice touch. Due to the nice and clever execution the, almost, Siamese body can be forgiven; but it’s obvious that Bewitching and Pharaoh share the same basic model.

In conclusion, the real issue with Bewitching Nidalee is the peculiar, not to say unrefined, shape of her human body; in fact, it seems like a step backwards from the previous model. The particles try to make up for the flaws but if you have a keen eye you will have to cope with them; as well as the remaining leaves in Primal Surge. It’s definitely a good skin but to reach excellence it certainly needs more polish.

Headhunter Nidalee
Headhunter Nidalee Splash Art Headhunter Nidalee Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Nidalee as a futuristic hunter and cougar form as an alien predator.
Model: New model for Nidalee, her javelin, traps and cougar form plus new glow for her javelin.
Particles: New particles for Prowl, Javelin Toss, Takedown, Bushwhack, Pounce, Primal Surge, Swipe and Aspect of the Cougar.
Animations: New recall for her human and cougar forms.
Sounds: New sounds for her abilities.
Splash Art: The background seems rather empty and even simple in comparison with the spectacular portrayal. The grass blades are displayed as a disappointing mass below Nidalee and as passable brush strokes elsewhere. In addition to this, there’s nothing else on display: only grass to stand on and some green hues to surround it. Fortunately, Nidalee’s portrayal is astounding. The pose is very interesting as it elicits the natural sensuality, agility and lethality of a feline; reinforced by the cougar aura around her. The outline is precise and the shading impeccable but there’re imperfections: the javelin and loincloth are a bit diffuse plus her boots seem drab. All in all, it’s an impressive portrayal that suffers from its inconsequential but noticeable issues and letdown of a background.
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 StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Headhunter Nidalee embodies the futuristic huntress theme that relies on advanced equipment and its skilful use. This concept is a rather good fit for Nidalee thus the obvious Predator tones sure are welcome references.

Human: one can wonder whether more practical and less revealing armour would have been a better choice. In fact, the open armour and high heels water down the deadly huntress feel as they don’t pass for ornate tribal features. Still, the equipment is very well done, thanks to the good design plus adequate use of particles and sounds. The result is definitely attractive with an evident clash of sensuality and lethality present. While the conflict is interesting it doesn’t equate to the superior primal yet sapient Predator feel.

Cougar: Nidalee’s alter ego makes the cute emotes difficult to swallow with its impressive alien predator aesthetic. The lean, sleek but strong body structure exemplifies its effectiveness as a prey-stalker. Moreover, the alien features are appealing and mostly stay away from exaggerations. Therefore, the cougar has a familiar feel despite being a fantastical creation.
Besides, the armour coupled with the abilities hint at technological aid, as well as sentience; which isn’t far-fetched due to the creature’s nature. The dreadlocks seem a little whimsical but as they tie with Nidalee’s human hairstyle they make sense.

In general, Headhunter Nidalee is a great skin that successfully re-interprets her as a futuristic alien-huntress. The human form could use a more tribal and less revealing look but the cougar form makes up for it with its raw, natural charm; though hardly cute it’s fascinating. If you’re looking for a skin that adds a nice dose of sci-fi while keeping Nidalee’s natural feel then this is the skin you need.

Warring Kingdoms Nidalee
Warring Kingdoms Nidalee Splash Art Warring Kingdoms Nidalee Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Nidalee as a lavishly dressed spear-woman and cougar form as an armoured white panther.
Model: New model for Nidalee, her javelin, traps and cougar form.
Particles: New particles for Prowl, Javelin Toss, Takedown, Bushwhack, Pounce, Primal Surge, Swipe and Aspect of the Cougar.
Animations: New recall for her human and cougar forms.
Sounds: New sounds for her recalls. New sound when on the Hunt.
Splash Art: The first thing that might strike the viewer is that the contrast between Nidalee and the background is abrupt. It may intend to give the sense of a great distance but it also makes the setting quite foggy. Thus, the buildings are obscured and lack detail just like the fireworks. Around Nidalee things are a bit clearer but, strangely, not much. The feline statue, which reflects her dual nature, is clear like the border of the roof. However, between both her forms a peculiar mist is present.
At least, Nidalee is nicely depicted with great use of colour and light. Sadly, while her upper body is attractive and detailed her hand, legs and lower part of her spear lack such definition.
All things considered, incorporating her cougar form as part of the setting is a clever idea. However, the depiction is uneven with a depth of field effect that seems arbitrary. It’s a good splash art but also with issues.
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 StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: With ample decorations and elaborate designs Warring Kingdoms Nidalee certainly looks like an imperial guard. Either as a human or a feline the regal air is clear; even if the stylization is firm.

Human: both practical and classy, Nidalee’s dress is attractive and well adorned with an attractive red and gold pattern. Besides the inevitable cleavage, the rich hairpin and exquisite javelin make clear that Nidalee gets first class equipment in all respects. Thus, it’s surprising that her somewhat baggy trousers and long shoes are so dull. There’s some decoration but it’s difficult to notice and the baggy feature doesn’t fit the intended elegance.

Cougar: this time Nidalee becomes a white panther but not just that. This feline is protected with engraved plates and also decorated in gold. The inexplicable mane is also finely styled with gold. The black highlights add depth to the fur and make the appearance more believable. The cartoony paws with black ever-extended claws certainly don’t help but that’s also the classic base’s fault.

In both her forms, Nidalee accomplishes an elegant and royal aspect that, with some flaws, is appealing and distinct. The flower particles intend to add to the style. They are a classier choice than mere leaves for a royal guard but, colour scheme aside, they have little in common with her look.
The Hunt indicators aren’t modified though. Other skins tend to modify indicators but Nidalee seems to not have joined that club yet. The sounds are a bit different but they struggle to add to the skin. Some are clear, like the new on the Hunt sound, while others are difficult to tell apart from the classic ones; like her cougar form abilities.
In conclusion, Warring Kingdoms Nidalee is a skin with an elegant style that feels satisfying. It has its ups and downs but the outcome is quite good. If you are looking for a classy look for Nidalee then Warring Kingdoms is the best option.

Challenger Nidalee
Challenger Nidalee Splash Art Challenger Nidalee Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Nidalee as an armoured, fantasy warrior and cougar form as her feline, armoured counterpart.
Model: New model for Nidalee, her javelin, traps and cougar form.
Particles: New particles for her abilities and auto-attack.
Animations: New recall for her human and cougar forms.
Sounds: New sounds for her abilities, auto-attack and recalls.
Splash Art: Lights, smoke and an, assumedly, holographic cougar set the scene for the apparition of Nidalee. The setting makes sense but is as barebones as it could be. There isn’t much to see and Nidalee aside, in any of her forms, the context has to be guessed at. She could be making a grand apparition at an event but little is shown about it.
Nidalee’s depiction is acceptable. The colour palette is quite restricted so while the shading can be quite good the result is more homogeneous than it should. The pose doesn’t help give a complete view of her new outfit but a bit can be guessed. It also isn’t a pose that makes much sense in the setting, of which there’s little to base her position, and doesn’t strike as dynamic but it does allow a good view at her cleavage; of course.
Her javelin catches the eye with its design but the armour, despite following the same style ends up buried in the smoke most of the time. The result is attractive but one has to make an effort to notice all that the splash art has to offer.
In the end, it’s a piece that struggles to get its message across. It has good ideas backing it and there are things to like but the result is a letdown. It serves as a spotlight for Nidalee but it doesn’t make it easy for either her or the viewer.
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 StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: The general feel given by Challenger Nidalee is that of a fantastic yet futuristic huntress with an ample degree of stylization. This makes it feel familiar as it moves near Headhunter but still different as it skews any grimness in exchange for a colourful design that puts form well before function.

Human: as a human huntress her armour is flamboyant. It remains minimally practical: there’re from whimsical claw-styled boots to a generous amount of cleavage. Sure, Nidalee looks great but also lifted from a cartoon. Her javelin also stands out with its iconic design that is shared by her tiara and echoed by the Hunt indicator. Another aspect that catches the eye is her beautiful hair which makes for a good contrast with the darker shades of her outfit. All in all, if we throw realism out of the window, her looks are developed to impress.

Cougar: her feline counterpart also sports armour and, in fact, is more protected than her human form. There’s a tiara to echo the design and also decoration at both ends of the tail. The body armour is, for the most part, acceptable yet the heavy decoration promptly indicates that the general approach hasn’t changed and that feasibility may be a coincidence. The white mane also reflects Nidalee’s hair but it seems a bit brief considering the profuse human display. Regardless, in the looks department, it’s another side of Nidalee that works well.

The skin doesn’t stop with the model changes: all of her abilities receive new particles in the same reddish style of her armour. Even Prowl and Hunt, the two sides of her passive, get new visuals as well as her auto-attack. The strict arrangement of the abilities can get monotonous as the colour is always the same and the composition rather rigid. However, there’s a perceivable consistency between them that despite failing to impress makes each ability seem successfully adapted. The sound department is devoid of significant additions and the same can be said about the animation area. There’s a couple of new recalls that play a bit with her confidence as a huntress; in both forms. They are fitting but fail to significantly enhance the fantastic huntress feel that is so clearly exposed elsewhere.
In the end, Challenger Nidalee is a visual tour de force with regards to consistency. Each facet of the design is spread between her human and cougar forms, her javelin and also followed by the abilities’ visuals. The adherence to a well defined design can tire due to the vibrant red that is used and overused all over the skin. In spite of this, it’s a skin that goes an extra step in its development to make it as special as the occasion it represents warrants. Because of such dedication, fans of the Bestial Huntress will find Challenger a recommended skin.

Super Galaxy Nidalee
Super Galaxy Nidalee Splash Art Super Galaxy Nidalee Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Nidalee as a robot-transforming huntress.
Model: New model for Nidalee, her javelin, traps and cougar form.
Particles: New particles for her abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Animations: New recall animations for each form.
Sounds: New sounds for her abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Splash Art: There isn’t much that can be clearly seen in the background. There are some figures on the right, Super Galaxy companions apparently and something before Nidalee, some sort of enemy perhaps. Then there’s only a partial depiction of her cougar form. As the mecha in question, contrary to its importance, only a small part is visible. Of the design, little is clear and while a very rough idea can be gathered it’s disappointing that such an important facet is neglected.
Nidalee’s portrayal is clearer with a dynamic and dashing pose. This gives Nidalee an easy way to capture the eye but she’s unable to hold attention for long. The problem, mainly, is that the pose hides too much of her body. Only parts of her clothing can be seen. Light effects are nice and the clothes do look quite sharp so it’s strange to find her face and hair less vivid and, in comparison, a bit sketchy. The thrown javelin also looks chaotic as the idea of a drill can be gathered but not the general design of her weapon of choice.
All in all, it’s clear that in the pursuit of style and drama this splash art sacrificed clarity but, too much of it. The lack of a significant context does the piece no favours so that we are left with, essentially, partial portrayals that pose a hint at what Nidalee is all about in her Super Galaxy style but just a little bit.
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 Super Galaxy Nidalee could aim to place her as a mecha pilot it’s more exact to see her as a huntress that transforms into a feline robot. There’s no real reference to piloting and the cougar form doesn’t have the scale to fill the boots of an actual mecha. Fortunately, this works to the skin’s advantage as the hi-tech huntress role fits Nidalee well; a futuristic extension of her classic self. Whereas Headhunter is the dark, tribal, sci-fi take this is the colourful, cybernetic, hi-tech alternative.

Human: the suit that Nidalee wears is good looking and certainly stylised with armoured legs and rolled-up sleeves on a jacket over a cuirass. Halfway casual and halfway futuristic the suit has style. It’s all about style, to a point, as the javelin-drill makes the Gurren Lagann reference clear even if it stands apart from the general approach of the model.

Cougar: the cougar form is also colourful and with evident anime stylings. Also, a decorative drill on the back of the mane reiterates the Gurren Lagann reference. The thin waist gives the robot a slim and agile feel supported by the strong legs. These legs make the jumps necessary for the various abilities believable.

Particles put the drill motif stated on the javelin to the forefront with a Hunt indicator that, more than a javelin’s head, is a drill. Another worthwhile addition is the different glows with horizontal distortions, reminiscent of PROJECT particles, which give a clear futuristic feel. That’s mostly visible on the human form and when changing forms. The cougar form only employs a few slashes and glows that feel subdued, suitable and simple. In a way, that sentiment is present across all abilities: effects look good but are quite unsuitably measured for such an extroverted identity.
Sounds can also be divided between forms. The human form has a metallic feel to each ability supported by high-pitched metal scrapping that makes the old-fashioned weaponry feel hi-tech. The cougar form is mostly mechanical, metallic sounds which are quite nice to communicate the artificial nature of the cougar. However, their nature makes them seem similar and the result is rather homogeneous across skills.
There’re two recalls, one for each form. The human form is a showy display of power that hardly reflects the actual in-game skill. The cougar form is a marriage of feline behaviour in artificial form which can feel derivative. It has to be admitted that the human recall is rather eye-catching, though. The cougar recall is rather unimpressive in comparison but neither exploits the huntress identity.
Overall, Super Galaxy Nidalee is a good skin. In a way, it’s a lighter take on Headhunter with more colour and anime style. While the skin aims at being flashy it ends up being rather measured with no real excesses of effects which makes it unexpectedly restrained. If one is expecting great displays of hi-tech ingenuity then the skin simply doesn’t deliver. In its measured way, it’s quite appealing but it lacks the raw appeal of a much more spirited interpretation.

Conclusion

Nidalee may have a dual identity but her skins seldom exploit it as they should. On top of that, her visual upgrade seems to have been too centred on improving her classic look. Thus, the quality of her traditional skins hasn’t really improved much; plus some questionable choices have been made.

If we add that many of her skins aren’t available, as they are either limited or legacy, we are left with few options. Fortunately, the future has come to the rescue and Headhunter Nidalee easily rises as the recommended choice. The alien-huntress aspect is well developed and offers a novel yet familiar take on Nidalee.

Another skin to note is Warring Kingdoms Nidalee. Her elegant style in both her forms added to the flower particles make her quite classy. It’s not a perfect skin as the uneven sounds attest but it has an attractive feel that is also worth recommending.

Also recommended despite moving into legacy terrain we have Challenger Nidalee. The skin’s consistent visuals can be tiresome due to the rigid design but the stylized aesthetic is attractive in both forms. In spite of some overlap with Headhunter, Challenger Nidalee can be recommended for fans of the Bestial Huntress

It can be said that Super Galaxy Nidalee is the third skin to be related to Headhunter; as a colourful, anime take on the hi-tech huntress. Such an approach is interesting but the skin is too measured and composed for the flashy displays that should be expected. It’s appealing in its way but not as it would be had it embraced its stylish concept.

The other skins have their charms but also issues. Pharaoh Nidalee is interesting with its reasonable Egyptian look and pleasing Siamese alter ego; though she’s styled in a very unbelievable way. For its price, it’s a good choice but don’t expect a perfectly satisfying product.

Additionally, French Maid Nidalee, has a nice human side but her feline counterpart is simply a letdown. Still, it’s sensibly priced so it stands as a fine alternative despite the evident fetish.

  75 Responses to “League of Legends: Nidalee Skins’ Review”

  1. Hi! I love your reviews, but French Maid Nidalee costs 520rp, not 975 πŸ™‚

  2. I love your reviews. I can’t wait to see your new review once her skin comes out πŸ™‚

    BUT —- I do love me some French Maid Nid… I speak the language so maybe that has something to do with it, but it’s just beautiful. I do wish that she was wearing high heels, I love the entire costume but flats make her look like she just shopped at Target on her way to work and it doesn’t really flow with the entire theme.

    I’m seeing a young Jennifer Love Hewitt in “Heartbreakers” (who wore high heels)

    • Thanks, glad that you like them. Let’s hope that Nidalee fans receive something impressive after the questionable quality of the visual upgrade.

      Truth be told, considering that French Maid Nidalee is a clear fetish the use of high heels would’ve been suitable and even welcome. On the one hand, the flat shoes are more believable yet the skin doesn’t really go for realism, instead it firmly stays as a fantasy.

      We should probably add it to the, already, long wish-list for her second visual upgrade.

  3. Is there a Gladiator Draven review coming up? I think it looks cool. I would’ve gotten Soul Reaver but I like Draven’s regular voice too much to make it processed haha.

  4. I really wish Riot wouldn’t use a Siamese cat in the Pharaoh Nidalee skin when there is no evidence that Siamese cats were ever Egyptian, only based on theories. It is known that they worshiped the Egyptian Mau, an ancient cat breed with close ancestry with wild cats. http://pictures-of-cats.org/wp-content/uploads/images/egyptian-mau-belly-flap-21347838.jpg

    I think this would make a much more fitting cat form for her.

    • Very interesting, indeed there doesn’t seem to be any firm evidence that links Siamese cats to Egypt. In fact, they are linked to Thailand and their former Kingdom of Siam; from where they take their name. The goddess Bast does look similar to a Siamese cat and that could’ve been the inspiration behind the skin’s choice. The fact that Siamese are more popular than Mau probably helped too.

      Regardless, seeing as Nidalee already received her visual upgrade and her skins haven’t been touched despite repeated petitions to address certain issues, chances are that what we have is all we’ll get.

  5. I love your reviews, but Pharaoh Nidalee is now 520, not 975 πŸ™‚

    • Glad that you like them and thanks for the notice. We are still hunting down the last few skins to update after the price changes so if you come across any we’ll be grateful for the heads up.

  6. Hello!
    I really like your website! It have save me a lot of times! Do you know when French Maid Nidalee will be on sales agian?
    Thank you! πŸ™‚

    • Thanks for the kind words. We don’t know exactly when French Maid Nidalee could go on sale but we could give you a very rough estimate based on previous sales.

      French Maid Nidalee was last on sale on the 3rd of May, 2013, and the previous sale was on the 3rd of December, 2011; it was discounted three times in 2011 and once in 2010. Knowing that, it will take a while for French Maid Nidalee to go on sale again, at the very least a few months. However, as it was discounted only once since 2011 and Riot aspires to make content more easily available through sales, it has better chances of being discounted again.

      In conclusion, it’s possible that is would be on sale again in 2013 but in all probabilities, due to the small size of sales and huge amount of skins, it will be discounted again on 2014.

      Sorry we can’t provide more exact information, hope it helps.

  7. Pharaoh nidalee is actually 975rp skin

    • We just checked at the store and it says 520 RP, its price was reduced not too long ago. Could the price be different depending on region?

  8. Hi! I love your skin reviews, and with the harrowing coming up, I was wondering on your opinion on Bewitching Nidalee. I’m also kind of interested in headhunter, so I don’t know whether it’s better to get Bewitching or to wait for a sale on headhunter. I should point out, I’m not really an Alien fan, I just like sci-fi looking stuff.

    Also, I was having the same kind of ordeal between Silent Night Sona and Arcade Sona, so if you could answer that it’d be great as well.

    Thank you!

    • You should consider how much the exclusivity provided by the legacy skins matters to you. Additionally, both Headhunter Nidalee and Arcade Sona are more elaborate than Bewitching and Silent Night. There’s also the matter of concepts, the seasonal skins they have a specific charm but the others are usually always fitting. Besides, Arcade is a bit more expensive, even on sale, and Bewitching isn’t as refined as it could be.

      All in all, you should choose based on which skin you like the most; setting aside the legacy nature of the skins. You could add that as an extra if you find it relevant. Another important point to consider is that Headhunter and Arcade can go on sale and cost half of their usual price.

      In the end, none of the mentioned skins are actually bad, despite some being a bit better than others, so your personal preference should be the deciding factor.

  9. I have to disagree with the commentary on Headhunter Nidalee’s attire. You say it’s too revealing, yet it fits perfectly with the theme it was going for, ie. a female predator.

    A simple image search (with safe search on for the squeamish) reveals that female Yautja (Predators) have quite revealing outfits.

    The heels, however, I will agree with you on.

    • We understand you point of view but one thing is revealing and another is lightly armoured. If an agile champion like Nidalee prefers light armour it’s understandable. However, we question the need for exposed cleavage in Headhunter. At least, if it were a skin dedicated to sex appeal it would fit in. In this case, it’s the contrary: Nidalee needs to look deadly and powerful not sexy.

  10. Are you sure about that new crit animation in Headhunter? I’ve checked the model animations and they seem about the same.

    • We checked and it is, indeed, the same animation. We must’ve left it from the time that skins incorporated new critical hit animations which where later added to the classic skin, as far as we know. Thanks for the correction.

  11. Hey zero. i love your reviews its helping alot before i buy something.
    the Pharaoh Nidalee is in sale for 260 rp at turkey server. what do you think shall i buy?
    thanks!

    • If you like the Egyptian aesthetic then it’s a fine option. Pharaoh isn’t as elaborate as Headhunter but, considering the price, it offers enough.

  12. Seeing that there’s a splash art update that will be here temporarily for probably a long while, will you redo the Chinese filler splash arts for the updated skins?

    • Yes we will but it’ll take a while as thirty-three splash arts were updated. We plan to update them little by little so as to do things well.

  13. Can you update the review of Nidalee’s Snow Bunny and Leopard Skin please? It’s almost two months and the review here is still the old one.

    • We are sorry for the time it’s taken to update the splash arts’ reviews. We have been rather busy and prefered to prioritize new reviews instead of splash arts; which aren’t as essential to review a skin though they are important too.

      We intend to update everything and we offer no excuses: we should’ve found a way to make time for it. We haven’t forgotten about the splash arts and we’ll try to update the reviews as soon as we can. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

  14. Hey Zero, would like to ask, what does the snow bunny lack to make it a 2 star skin? It seems pretty nice to me imo…

    • The main issue with Snow Bunny Nidalee is that it’s just a re-colour that doesn’t embody the icy style suggested by the name. Additionally, there are alternatives like Pharaoh or French Maid that provide noticeable model changes and make a better job at implementing their concept.

      As a re-colour Snow Bunny Nidalee is alright. However, in comparison with the other choices Nidalee has at the same price it struggles to compete.

  15. Hey Zero it’s me again (perhaps I should rename myself to “That girl who buys a lot of skins”), anyway.

    So I bought Bewitching Nidalee during the Harrowing because I like witches and bats and the splash art’s pretty. Pharaoh Nidalee will soon be on sale and I’m considering buying it because I like the sleek look it provides plus I like Ancient Egypt. Problem is I like Headhunter as well (though the cougar form not so much) and it’s more elaborate than Pharaoh. I don’t play Nidalee enough to have 3 skins for her. I plan on having all Sona skins because I love Sona and I constantly play her but Nidalee is not worth me having 3 skins for her. Thing is I don’t like HH that much but the complexity it provides is somewhat tempting.

    So I guess I’m asking you to convince me Pharaoh is better than Headhunter.

    P.S. Sorry for the long and at times possibly incoherent comment.

    • Hi, perhaps we should make a group of people that buy a lot of skins; it will surely have quite a few members.

      We understand your problem but it might be a matter of quantity over quality. That is, Headhunter has more changes but Pharaoh seems more appealing. In that case, we think you should get the one you like the most. It doesn’t matter if Headhunter has more changes but then you don’t enjoy the skin much.

      Besides, consider that while Pharaoh is more modest it’s also cheaper and, on sale, the price is quite reasonable. If you like Egypt and the stylized aspect of Pharaoh Nidalee seems attractive then you should buy it.

      In the end, you can eventually get Headhunter when it goes on sale if you change your mind. After all, if you get them on sale you would be reducing you expenses by half and Pharaoh on sale isn’t that expensive anyway. If you do like Pharaoh but aren’t sure about Headhunter there isn’t much reason to pass on a skin that you actually like because another could be better.

      Pharaoh is a great skin because it has a reasonable price and a charming even if stylized Egyptian style. Headhunter is more elaborate but also more expensive and you actually don’t sound like you like it that much. Headhunter could be a skin to consider if you start playing Nidalee a lot, as it has more changes, and you actually like its sci-fi theme. Pharaoh is a skin you know you like and that is going on sale for a low price. In the end, it’s better to get less of what you like than a lot of something you don’t really like.

      • Hmm, yes you explanation makes sense and seems reasonable. Thank you for you help!

        I have immense respect for you and what you do. You’re really helpful.

        • Not at all, thanks for the kind words. Please keep in mind that it’s merely our point of view and you may disagree.

          From what you’ve told us we get the impression that you prefer Pharaoh but are unsure if, ultimately, Headhunter could be better. Pharaoh is a lower risk investment than most skins because of the sale price. Besides, if Headhunter eventually convinces you then it might be worth the expense when it does so.

          In the end, if you don’t really like Headhunter much but you do like Pharaoh then there isn’t much reason to skip Pharaoh Nidalee for something that might happen. If things change then we have to adapt to the new circumstances. For that reason is good to consider things with foresight but we shouldn’t ignore the present facts either.

  16. Hi Zero, do you think that the head hunter nidalee skin would be on sale any time soon? Thanks in advance.

    • Headhunter Nidalee was last on sale on June so, in theory, it could take a while to return. It’s difficult to predict nowadays because there are skins that haven’t seen a discount in over a year and others that get two sales on the same year; beginning and end.

      A prediction merely based on speculation would be that in a few months it could be discounted. However, there are no certainties so with sales the most important asset is patience.

  17. Hey zero can you pls do a review on the warring kingdom nidalee? also which nidalee skin would you pick whether between a warring kingdom or headhunter?

    • Once it’s released we’ll have a review ready. The question between Warring Kingdoms and Headhunter is a good one. We’ll have to see if Warring Kingdoms is legacy and which features it finally offers. It does seem like a rather nice skin but we’ll have to wait for the final product.

  18. Just wanted to say thanks man you’re reviews are awesome! Also, now with the Warring Kingdoms Nidalee skin, do you recommend that skin or the headhunter? And is the Warring Kingdoms skin limited or forever on sale?

    • As far as we know, from a support page found by searching, the Lunar Revel 2015 skins are not legacy and so will stay in the store. That being said, both Headhunter and Warring Kingdoms are skins that offer a lot. The concepts are radically different so whether you prefer sci-fi or martial arts is a matter of preference.

      Ideally, a fan of Nidalee could wait for a sale on each skin and grab her two best options for half their price; assuming both are appealing. In general, both are great skins that can appeal to fans of each theme and of Nidalee.

  19. Hey Zero, Nidalee’s splash art was updated for some of her skins. Would be cool if you could take a look at those.

    • It will take a while as we have hundreds of updated splash arts waiting to be updated and re-reviewed; it was a massive update. The idea is to update everything but it will be a progressive update so patience will be necessary. Our apologies for the time it will take.

  20. Are you going to update this cuz the splashes have been changed.

    • We are updating everything but there are over a hundred splash arts to review again so it will take a while. We will certainly update all reviews for splash arts, eventually. You can keep track of our progress, or lack of, on Twitter.

  21. Ayy Zero! How you doin.

    I have been stacking up my mastery on nidalee, I’m nearly level 5. I have 10 dollars I have saved on the side for a skin, and I believe I want to spend it on cat woman.

    Although I like the theme of headhunter, I really do not like the sound effect on her spear. It seems kinda dull in my opinion. I was hoping when I get a skin I would be able to keep that kind of slicing pop sound effect she already has, and so now I’m interested in warring kingdoms. I really love the splash art of this skin and the red flower particles on her abilities are really nice. I definetly have this on my Wish list.

    One thing that would make me really happy however, is if they altered Pharaoh Nidalee’s Cat form to be more golden. It is understandably white from the previous splash art, but with the new one out, I would be sold on a golden cat model. Having a golden cougar in the splash and white in game doesn’t make sence to me.

    Thoughts?

    • Hello, how are you?

      Warring Kingdoms Nidalee is a great skin with pleasing elegance and charm. Headhunter is something different and while also quite good it ends up being a matter of taste which theme you prefer. We would advise to wait for a sale on Warring Kingdoms if possible. 10 dollars won’t last long with the high price of skins. After all, on the NA server 10 dollars give you only 1380 RP.

      The idea of Pharaoh Nidalee’s cougar form is to display her as a siamese cat in golden jewellery. Perhaps there should be more gold but the new splash art represents the cougar form as a gold statue while the cougar form is a proper living cat. It’s a reasonable degree of artistic freedom even if it leaves a gap between the splash art and the three-dimensional displays of the cougar form.

  22. btw nid splash arts updated

    • We are aware but there are hundreds of splash arts to review again so it’ll take a while to have everything up to date.

  23. Hey Zero.

    Since warring kingdoms nidalee is on sale, I have my eyes on it. However, i also like the headhunter skin and wonder if i should wait for that skin to go on sale. I really adore both skins! Could you list the pros and cons of both the skins, a conclusion, and what you think about them? thanks!

    ps. I don’t care about the splash mch, just the in game model. thanks.

    • Warring Kingdoms has a more elegant model but the particles are simpler with just a few flowers added. It also has a new sound for the Hunt passive and the cougar form is appealing but conventional. Headhunter has a model that doesn’t communicate the Predator feel well but the particles are attractive. It doesn’t have any changes for the Hunt passive but the cougar form is fantastic.

      It could be said that Warring Kingdoms plays it safe but does a good job at presenting an appealing skin. Whereas, Headhunter isn’t as refined but is more daring and so, while that means that there may be some missteps, it’s manages to accomplish a distinct style that is quite attractive.

  24. The splash art of the skins is new

    • Oh ok, never mind, someone else already noticed that

    • We are delayed with the update of the splash arts as it entail re-writing the reviews for them. It will be done but it’ll take a while as there were over a hundred new splashes.

  25. Will this be updated at all soon? I love these reviews specifically for their splash art reviews and they seem to be lagging behind on Nidalee. If I could get any word from Zero, I would gladly appreciate it.

    • We are trying to update all the splash art but more than one hundred were updated and we are prioritising new skins. We are re-writing the reviews but it will take time as there’s so much to reassess. Sorry for the inconvenience.

  26. Hi Zero! Love all the reviews, but just noticed a little typo. In the conclusion for Headhunter Nidalee, you spelled “skillful” as “skilful”.

    Thanks for all the reviews!

    πŸ™‚

    • Not at all, glad that you like them

      According to our dictionary, ‘skilful’ is accepted at the other side of the pond. Still, thanks for the notice.

  27. Hey guys, with the new Galaxy Nidalee being released, you may want to look into it and add it on to this review. Just a heads up =).

    (Personally,I feel in that skin the spear is a bit too cone shaped and attention drawing, but the cougar does the skin justice.)

    • The Super Galaxy Phase Two reviews will be avaible soon.

      We agree, Super Galaxy Nidalee’s new spear exaggerates but the mecha cougar is nicely done.

  28. I love your reviews, but Nidalee Splash Arts are actualized and they are really good. πŸ˜€
    ΒΏCan this be updated? :0

    • We are working on updating all the splash arts. Priority is given to champions which have already been reworked like Nidalee. We’ll try to get to her as soon as possible but she’s a fast runner.

  29. Woah. Nidalee has the most 5 stars for skins. Which if the 3 do you prefer, Zero?

    • She’s very good at what she does.

      The dark style of Headhunter Nidalee is quite nice and Challenger is also a nice, light alternative. Warring Kingdoms is also great but doesn’t have the sci-fi angle of the others. The Predator theme suits Nidalee very well as she’s a huntress. It’s more a matter of concept than execution so Headhunter is what we recommend.

  30. Would be nice if you put the updated splash arts:)
    Thank you for your work!

    • Not at all, we are sorry about the delayed updates. We’d like to have the site completely up to date but we aren’t able; at least for the time being. We’ll try to to update splash arts, specially for champions that have received visual upgrades.

  31. There are new splash arts on the skins from first to Bewitching.

    • You’re right. It’s on our to-do list but we always prioritise new skins. We will try to update, sorry for the inconvenience.

  32. Hi Zero, do you recommend Bewitching Nidalee? I player her a lot and already hv Headhunter, Warring Kingdoms, Pharaoh.

    • Yes, it’s a nice skin. It’s not at the level of Headhunter, Warring Kingdoms or Challenger Nidalee but it has a nice identity. Perhaps what it doesn’t have in technological wonders it has in appeal thanks to the charming identity. It may not be a wonder but it’s quite nice if you take it for what it is.

      • Personally I love most if not all her skins, they are so well made and provides different yet familiar aspects of different kinds of feline.

        Once I got Challenger & Bewitching I will move in on getting
        French Maid, Leopard and finally Snow Bunny this Christmas/Snowdown hopefully. Thank you Zero

        • Not at all. We agree that Nidalee has a good selection of skins, for the most part. It’s true, though, that when skins are good they certainly don’t disappoint. Don’t rush in getting the skins, sales will help on reducing costs and ensuring you have enough time to enjoy each skin. Hope you enjoy the skins as you get them.

          • Hi again Zero, do you know until when will the E Sports Skins be available? Specifically Challenger skins like Nidalee’s.

            I heard it’s until 20th November but I can’t find a reliable source. Can you confirm this for me? Many thanks

          • According to Worlds Season 2018 Event announcement the even lasts untilt the 19th of November, end of the day. The ‘Team Revenue Share’ section speaks of the Challenger skins and indicates that it lasts until the 19th so it’s reasonable to think that they would be available until then. Still, we’d recommend not to leave things untilt the very last moment just in case something happens.

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