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League of Legends: Rammus Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Feb 082013
 
Rammus, the Armordillo
Rammus, the Armordillo

Rammus, the Armordillo’s tendency to curl into a ball may be one of the most idiosyncratic of the League of Legends; strangely, not all of his skins exploit it. Fortunately, his skins compensate by providing an ample amount of themes from the most natural to unusual ones. If you are going somewhere, Rammus can provide style and speed and this skins’ review advice.

King Rammus
King Rammus Splash Art King Rammus Model
Category: Promotional (Awarded at the end of closed beta)
Price: Not applicable
Concept: Rammus coloured green like a koopa.
Model: New textures for Rammus.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This is nothing but a simple re-colour of Rammus’ classic splash art. The new look is shown but there’s not even a background just some dust, perhaps, around Rammus. It works but it’s certainly past its due.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: King Rammus is a skin that isn’t bad as a present but that still shows its limitations. The look is appealing at a glance and has a nice contrast of colours. However, while the metal, legs and arms seem good the shell’s texture appears simpler. Besides, the look is rather similar to Classic Rammus as the colours aren’t very different. Overall, King Rammus doesn’t show much royalty in his style. It’s a present and it isn’t bad but it doesn’t have much to call it good either.

Chrome Rammus
Chrome Rammus Splash Art Chrome Rammus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Rammus wearing armour.
Model: New textures for Rammus and Powerball.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: In the most bare sense the setting can be identified as a cave that leads to a burning core. There are some markings on the walls and red cracks produced by Rammus’ claws but nothing significant. Rammus appears as round as one would expect but the shading tends to blur and the lines to lose precision when we move from his body towards his limbs. The shading is just acceptable at its best but at its worst it’s dull and dirty. As far as a portrayal it gives a general idea of Rammus’ look but not an attractive one.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Chrome Rammus, simply put, is an overpriced re-texture. The dark colours give a distinct style to Rammus, more serious and aggressive. The armoured look is interesting but not very developed as it practically follows his classic style. In the end, it feels more like a re-colour and considering its price it’s not a very attractive option.

Molten Rammus
Molten Rammus Splash Art Molten Rammus Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Rammus made of lava and fire.
Model: New textures for Rammus and Powerball.
Particles: New particles for Powerball.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The background hints at the eruption of a volcano or maybe its insides but as so little is displayed it’s difficult to tell. Rammus is portrayed so that his body is clearly seen. However, the lava texture of his skin is messier and light coloured in-game. Regardless, it’s a piece that doesn’t do much but does enough with its limited resources; still disappointing though.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Molten Rammus is another overpriced re-texture but in this case it’s a bad re-texture. The shell is passable with its lava spikes and lines. However, the rest of the body is a complete mess: not even his face can be seen; let alone try to make any sense of the random barrage of colours that try to pass for fire. Powerball gets a little extra with some flame particles but it’s hardly enough to compensate for the model’s disaster. If you can, avoid Molten Rammus as it’s a skin that has a good concept but an execution that didn’t know what to do with it.

Freljord Rammus
Freljord Rammus Splash Art Freljord Rammus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Rammus made out of ice.
Model: Moderate model changes for Rammus and new textures for Powerball.
Particles: New particles for Powerball.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The setting is just some ice blocks located who knows where and why. Among them appears Rammus in all his frosted glory: the ice style is depicted well, in general, but a closer look reveals that most elements aren’t exactly identical to the three-dimensional model. All in all, it serves as a spotlight but it’s monochromatic style can hardly be considered exciting.
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: Freljord Rammus offers a classic concept with an acceptable implementation. The model is modified with apt textures plus a few bumps and the spikes on Rammus’ shell adapted into chunks of ice; there’s even some frost before his face. Additionally, the new colour for the Powerball particles is a minor but welcome touch. On the whole, it’s a skin with a limited but effective implementation added to a reasonable price and so it becomes a good purchase

Ninja Rammus
Ninja Rammus Splash Art Ninja Rammus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Rammus dressed as a ninja.
Model: Moderate model changes for Rammus and new textures for Powerball.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: From time to time a splash art with a huge chunk of mere black appears and this seem quite suitable. The background shows a town or city at night in a rather sketchy and unassuming way. The encroaching darkness on the left is just unfilled space and even though it sort of meshes with the city it still looks abrupt. Rammus is placed over a roof with some nice reflections on his blades and shell but murky colours elsewhere. There is a marked difference in quality between metal and shell in comparison with cloth and other elements. All things considered, the piece tries to be more than a simple portrayal but it doesn’t do it well.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Ninja Rammus is a bit of a forced concept but it manages to be appealing nonetheless. The modified shell is the obvious highlight; with blades instead of spikes. The suit and blue based colour scheme also catch the eye thus making the skin quite distinct. Regardless, the ninja suit is quite stylized and the yellow parts seem ill-fitted for hiding among shadows. All in all, it’s a nice look but it doesn’t truly deliver much of a ninja feel.

Full Metal Rammus
Full Metal Rammus Splash Art Full Metal Rammus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Rammus as a robot.
Model: New model for Rammus and Powerball.
Particles: New particles for Powerball, Defensive Ball Curl and Tremors.
Animations: New animations for his taunt, auto-attack and critical hits.
Sounds: New sounds for Powerball and Tremors.
Splash Art: The background is a mess of shades and suggestions. Perhaps the only saving grace is the veiled silhouette of a possible Soraka droid. Fortunately, Rammus looks much better: the plates are well delineated plus the shading is very detailed so as to show dents and the unpolished texture of its surface. The illuminated eyes are also well done and the sparks that, inexplicably, fall over him are, still, a nice touch. On the whole, it’s a rather good portrayal of Rammus but as a splash art it’s a bit of a letdown due to its markedly uneven quality.
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: Full Metal Rammus is a skin with a fantastic concept and an equally good implementation. The model is a great adaptation of Rammus into a robot: each part of the body looks believably artificial and also fits into other parts to create a whole ball. Thus, Powerball becomes credible and even exceptional thanks to the confluence of a new model, particles and sounds. In fact, the new particles and sounds perfectly further the theme so we are left with an excellent skin. If you have even a passing interest in Rammus there’s little doubt that Full Metal Rammus is a great choice.

Guardian of the Sands Rammus
Guardian of the Sands Rammus Splash Art Guardian of the Sands Rammus Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Rammus as an animated bettle-based Egyptian statue.
Model: New model for Rammus and Powerball. New reflection for his shell.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: New Powerball and recall animations.
Sounds: New recall sounds.
Splash Art: Sooner or later a shared splash art would’ve ended biting more than it could chew and this seems to be the problem this time. The background is practically just sand. There could be a sand storm but not even the outline of a desert is visible.
The trio of Guardians all fail to be adequately displayed. Skarner’s head and body are clear but with his pincers so far away and his aspect so alien it’s difficult to indentify an armoured scorpion. Besides, his front legs, which hold the pincers, don’t appear to be attached to the front of the body as they should. Add to that that his tail and left pincer are very blurry and his right one looks like a creature’s maw and is hard to put Skarner together.
Rammus, for the most part, is clearly depicted. However, the design from the chosen perspective doesn’t make it an easy job to distinguish his classic lines. On top of that, half of his body is almost omitted: blurred by the sand or plainly out of sight. Thus one can get only a partial idea of a strange creature after searching for a while for a head.
Finally, Xerath is depicted in a sketch: buried in sand and as part of the background only a general idea of his aspect is noticeable. His energy body looks like plastic and his armour like dull wood. Truth be told, it’s a disappointing portrayal of a champion. As it that wasn’t enough, his body seems somewhat deformed in the chosen position and that makes him look wider and with longer limbs than he’s supposed to have.
In the end, this is a piece that simply can’t cope with the extent of its ambition. It aims at depicting three champions in all their glory but it only partially does that. A portion of the depictions of the champions in the foreground is attractive, due the colours and style, but they appear strange. The background stands as mere filler and the champion relegated there ends up like a draft.
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 the implementation of Guardian of the Sands Rammus doesn’t go far beyond the terrain of a re-model there result is quite good. That’s because Rammus’ new model is elaborate with an abundance of details, an attractive choice of colours and a unique design. The golden, horned beetle appearance is a noticeable improvement over his dated classic model as it departs from his usual lines and also takes advantage of current technology. The reflections on Rammus’ shell, when he moves, like the soft lines and sharp textures are a good example of this.
There are only two further additions that shouldn’t be ignored: the animations. Powerball may make little sense from a physical point of view: how do the wings stay on the sides without rotating? However, it provides the ability with a distinct look that reinforces the theme. The same applies to the recall: it develops the concept even more in an appealing way.
All things considered, Guardian of the Sands Rammus is a great addition for fans of the Armordillo. The skin could’ve been more complete with additional changes to better recreate the theme, like Full Metal, but the message is clear and interesting. If you like Rammus it’s a fine skin to get even if it has some advantages due to the old classic model.

Sweeper Rammus
Sweeper Rammus Splash Art Sweeper Rammus Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Rammus styled as an association football.
Model: New model for Rammus and Powerball.
Particles: New particles for his abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Animations: New bouncing for Powerball and new recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for his abilities and recall.
Splash Art: The blurry setting is nothing short of a familiar football pitch. It was to be expected but given the exaggerated scene the context could’ve had more punch with some extra elements. The only thing that catches the eye is the intense lights. The background is certainly secondary and clearly relegated but given that it mostly completes the scene it’s evident that it doesn’t aim high.
On the left we find Lee Sin making a crater on the grass with a super-kick forward. Colours are quite saturated giving the depiction a solid feel but also making cloth and skin look waxy. The facial expression looks fake yet not the pose or the perspective, it exaggerates with the size of the legs but they are believable. The folds of the cloth are detailed and a good addition but the fire effects look weak.
Speaking of fire, Rammus is to be the ball engulfed in flames but they are weak flames. The perspective also prevents a full view of his style but the most relevant element, his shell, is clearly seen. There are folds on the cloth to add to the style and several dents on the metallic helmet and shell. The scales seem flat and sketchy and the eyes simple. Besides, his left arm and feet are also sketchy; though his right arm looks fine.
Overall, this is a simple splash art that presents Lee Sin and Rammus in a super-football-kick. The background is just support and the portrayals are nice but to the point. The detailed depictions help make the piece interesting because the composition doesn’t try to be special.
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: Sweeper Rammus is essentially Football Rammus. The shell gets turned into the shape of a football and while the Armordillo actually dresses as a football player that’s secondary given the relevance that his shell has. Said clothes are simple and never try to be more than fitting. What may not be so fitting is tthe spiked helmet and knuckles he wears. Certainly, they are used to follow the classic design because even as stylisation they seem out of place; the shell isn’t as spiky or offensively designed as they imply. The shell is simple but effective. It surely isn’t anything groundbreaking but is clear and recognisable at a distance. Powerball truly turns Rammus into a round football, styled to look as if it’s moving much faster than it is, but attractive nevertheless.
Particles tend to rely on grass leaves being thrown in the air. They work quite well in Powerball, to give a sense of speed, and Tremors, to give a sense of power, but they don’t have the same impact as more fantastic effects. The new look of Defensive Ball Curl is also quite nice as it follows the outline of his enhanced shell. It’s another simple yet effective approach.
Sounds tend to support the visuals with the counterpart of grass leaves being thrown by the football scraping on the ground; where appropriate. Taunt stands out with the sound of a cheering crowd and whistle. The bouncing sound used for Powerball is also nice but there’s nothing really impactful.
The new bouncing animation added at the beginning of Powerball is a rather appealing and suitable choice. It reinforces the football theme so eloquent in Rammus and the design of the ability. The new recall is part show on Rammus’ part and part joke. It’s good but being a bit of two things it’s not strong at either.
The result is a skin that is rather nice when it goes all out to turn Rammus into a football. However, when that isn’t the focus the adaptation ends up rather underwhelming. Just compare Powerball to Tremors: even for an ultimate there isn’t much that strikes as special. This makes Sweeper Rammus an uneven skin with some really nice features but an adaptation that doesn’t keep its best act up for the whole show.

Conclusion

Rammus has quite a vast variety of skins that draw from wildly different concepts: from elemental themes to futuristic. The recommended skin is Full Metal Rammus as it delivers an attractive concept in a cohesive and well developed way. A cheaper alternative is Freljord Rammus; it’s not very elaborate but it executes well the ice theme.

An alternative worth considering is Guardian of the Sands Rammus. The horned beetle aspect in regal blue and golden hues gives him a distinct and attractive look. There are a couple of extra animations as well but more could’ve been added. Nonetheless, it’s a fine option for fans of Rammus.

Sweeper Rammus is essentially the Armordillo turned into a football. That is the main intention and also the most attractive feature of the skin; as Powerball demonstrates. The rest of the skin isn’t as appealing; though it has some good additions. It’s an uneven skin but good if you want it for what it can give.

Ninja Rammus can be an option for fans of stealthy assassins but the look isn’t very convincing. Furthermore, Chrome Rammus is a skin that doesn’t look bad but its price doesn’t correspond to what it offers.

Finally, Molten Rammus shares the same issues with Chrome Rammus but doesn’t even look good. Unless you are a collector or have a very strong love for fire skins it’s a product that just isn’t worth buying.

  24 Responses to “League of Legends: Rammus Skins’ Review”

  1. nice review and i like full metal rammus , his ulti animation is so nice 🙂 … when should we expect a review about this year’s lunar skins ?

  2. Please make a xin zhao and jarvan lunar skin.

  3. Yeah actually…. Will you be doing skin review for the lunar revel ones

  4. I think you’re missing a big point on the King Rammus skin: it seems to be modeled after the one and only Bowser from any/all of the Mario games. While on its own it doesn’t appear very appealing, I think the point for Riot to make this skin was for those old school gamers who still play Nintendo. Soley because of that, I would love to own such a skin.

    • The Bowser reference is there but the changes are so simple that it could be said that Rammus himself looks and is inspired by Bowser or koopas instead. Although, that hardly affects the point that if you like the skin then it’s surely worth wanting and, if possible, getting.

  5. Now that all of Rammus’s skins bar Full Metal have received a texture update, could you possibly revisit this review? I received the new Molten Rammus through a mystery gift and it looks a hell of a lot nicer than the old mozzarella monstrosity.

    • We gave the skins a look and we didn’t think the ratings needed much of an adjustment. As all the skins received equal treatment but only in textures they tend to stand on the same ground as they did with regards to each other. Additionally, they didn’t receive any new features either.

      We agree that Rammus’ skins look nicer now but, all in all, they still offer the same. Regardless, we’ll give them another look in case we missed something.

  6. I believe that King Rammus color scheme is supposed to be a reference to Bowser. With the golden arms and the green, spiked shell.

  7. Hey zero
    Thanks for the review
    I was wondering when you think Full Metal Rammus will go out on sale again?
    (Has this skin ever gone on sale before?)
    Thanks anyway

    • Not at all.

      Full Metal Rammus was on sale on July 2013 which means that it’s gone well over a year without a discount. Consequently, it should go on sale soon but we know well enough that that’s wishful thinking. In actuality there’s no telling when it will go on sale but it’s certainly about time.

  8. Rek’Sai’s skin reviews link to this review on the Skin List :/

    • We just checked the link and it appears as the right one and it also works. If you keep having problems give us more details so that we can reproduce the context and try to find a solution.

      • Using Firefox. When I check the link of Rek’Sai’s skin, it says it links to Rammus.

        • Strange, we checked with as many browsers as we could and we didn’t find a problem. We also checked the source code and everything seems to be correct. Have you tried with another browser, cleaning the browsing cache or reloading the page? Perhaps there’s an old version stored locally. It could also be a server-side problem with the caches. Sorry for the inconvenience.

  9. Just a tip, thats not guardian of the sand rammus, that’s xerath

  10. I think that the splash art description for sweeper rammus has somehow gotten replaced by god fist lee sins.

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