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League of Legends: Volibear Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Mar 262013
 
Volibear, the Thunder's Roar
Volibear, the Thunder’s Roar

Volibear, the Thunder’s Roar wields the power of lightning but seems to have some trouble resisting the cold. While he certainly knows how to dress according to the situation, there’s much that can be said about a bear that dons clothes; or armour. Get a closer look at his fashion choices with a visit to his skins’ review and make a roaring choice.

Thunder Lord Volibear
Thunder Lord Volibear Splash Art Thunder Lord Volibear Model
Category: Regular
Price: 520 RP
Concept: Volibear with brown fur and wearing multi-layered, silver-ember armour.
Model: Major model changes for Volibear.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: The background is quite diffuse, though mountains and further armoured bears are visible, not even the ground is clearly depicted. The dust intends to explain such a poor view but it’s only reasonable close to the ground. Volibear not only suffers from this ailment but his portrayal is even less convincing than that of his comrades: the lower body is a blurry mess held by stubby legs, the upper body is a bit clearer around the head but the arms are also wide and short. Furthermore, the muzzle looks too high in the face, even if roaring, and the lightning looks like blue wool. A few plates of the armour actually look like metal but most of them seem like dull plastic. That’s not to speak of how his paws look deformed or his greasy fur. All in all, this piece is a letdown where the sketch for background looks just as bad as the subject on display.
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: Thunder Lord Volibear is a nice skin that changes the specifics of the bear’s look but keeps the essentials intact. At a glance, it could be considered a simple re-colour in fur and armour. Still, there’s certainly more than that as the armour’s design changes to a multi-layered scheme with ember plates bordered in silver. The fur also has a different texture and even his body has a different outline. Nevertheless, the skin stays quite close to Classic Volibear’s style and the contrast between the subdued fur and flashy armour makes for a confusing flamboyance. Actually, the fact that his body seems to be practically a re-colour of the classic one doesn’t help. In general, Thunder Lord Volibear is a nice alternative to his classic style but it hardly innovates or provides anything novel.

Northern Storm Volibear
Northern Storm Volibear Splash Art Northern Storm Volibear Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Volibear with brown fur and warm clothes.
Model: Major model changes for Volibear.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: This background shows little to say the least: a few ice spikes and a bunch of white brush strokes that barely make any distinction between snow and sky. Volibear appears lunging at the unknown with too high a muzzle on a face that seems to erupt from a bunch of fur clothes. Most of his body is covered in a mist of snow so blurriness is to be expected. However, it extends even in places that seem safe from its occlusive powers; like the torso. In general, his depiction has a passable outline but poor shading: fur, metal and clothing all look devoid of substance. To be precise, the fur looks like grass, the metal like stone and the clothes wood. In the end, it’s a wholly disappointing piece that just gives an idea of Volibear’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 StrategyZero
Conclusion: There’s little doubt that having a bear wear fur is a peculiar idea. The result is definitely extravagant and not just due to the concept: the clothes are covered with strange devices that seem to be steam-warmers. In fact, the confluence of steampunk elements over the unassuming coat feels forced; much like the asymmetrical straps that keep them in place. Therefore, the unusual leg warmers and murky cap become simple afterthoughts; like the fact that the base of his body is almost identical to Classic Volibear. Overall, Northern Storm Volibear is a bizarre skin that gathers attention not due to its clever ideas or fine quality but due to its raw originality and disregard for conventions.

Runeguard Volibear
Runeguard Volibear Splash Art Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Volibear dressed as an ursine shaman.
Model: New model for Volibear.
Particles: New lightning and runic glow for his abilities.
Animations: New animation for Majestic Roar and recall.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: Amidst flaming projectiles and over spears Volibear charges forward with fury and lighting coursing through him. It’s an attractive premise but it’s mostly suggested rather than executed. The mountains are diffuse and distant which added to the placement of Volibear leaves all the action out of view; we only have ample amounts of sky instead. This does make Volibear the centre of attention but leaves the frame lacking. Volibear is depicted rather well with a good amount of details yet a rather abrupt use of depth of field. While the central area of his body is clear the lower body and right arm look drab. Additionally, his fur seems waxy and solid which disappoints considering the intricate dents, cracks and scratches over his armour and the subtle but interesting electricity charges. All in all, it’s a splash art that does its job but that leaves Volibear in a field of suggestions.
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: As far as re-models go Runeguard Volibear isn’t exactly original. It mixes a bit of fur clothing with armour and etches a few runes on the latter along a braided beard. The result can pass for an Ursine shaman but seems a bit drab and unexciting. This is where the runes come into play as the new particles make good use of them. Not all abilities benefit from them. To be precise, Frenzy is largely unmodified sans a lightning when biting and Majestic Roar plus Chosen of the Storm receive a new whirlwind effect and glow. In fact, the skin finally reveals its appeal when using Rolling Thunder and, especially, Thunder Claws. The former makes his armguards’ runes glow and the latter lights the entirety of his runed armour. While the spectacle may be brief it surely is attractive and gives the skin a distinct personality. On the whole, Runegurad Volibear is a good skin with an alright aesthetic and a formidable show when lightning courses through the Thunder’s Roar.

Captain Volibear
Captain Volibear Splash Art Captain Volibear Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Volibear as a high rank police officer.
Model: New model for Volibear.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: Behind, a fuzzy explosion that covers the modern, almost futuristic city skyline. In the front, two figures advance forward careless about the havoc happening. It seems unexpected that two serious, uniformed figures of authority would be so indifferent. In fact, it doesn’t fit their bearings to behave like B movie heroes.
On the bright side, their appearance is clear though sketchy and blurry away from their faces. Besides, it’s strange for a constable to appear more imposing than a captain. In spite of their rank, Trundle seems to be the central figure and Volibear the sidekick.
Ultimately, this shared piece is enough to accomplish the spotlight objective yet it seems like not much thought went into its composition. It’s a splash art that looks good but that doesn’t make much sense.
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: At a glance, the cartoony style of the uniform framing Volibear’s distinct physique makes obvious the intent of the skin. While it won’t elicit laughter, Captain Volibear is an appealing costume that works well as long as one doesn’t expect more than a change of clothes. The gloves don’t help in clawed attacks, lightning is unexplainable and biting doesn’t seem fitting for a police officer; let alone a captain.
Nevertheless, as a funny adaptation to law enforcement, Captain Volibear is attractive. It’s a good skin that can be enjoyed as long as you don’t ask of it what is beyond its possibilities.

El Rayo Volibear
 Splash Art El Rayo Volibear Model
Category: Regular
Price: 750 RP
Concept: Volibear dressed as a luchador.
Model: New model for Volibear.
Particles: No new particles.
Animations: No new animations.
Sounds: No new sounds.
Splash Art: If we are to take something out of the bleak background it might be El Tigre Braum’s cameo. The rest is a blurry audience with little in regards for detail; even more so about the arena itself. The ring is, at least, clearly delineated by the diffuse ropes and mat. The only thing that’s actually clear is the three wrestlers fighting it out.
More than an actual fight it seems like a chaotic situation, perhaps set up for sheer dramatic effect. There isn’t a clear connection between them, it can’t be established who’s fighting who and who’s intervening on whose behalf. They are simply three fighters attacking someone or something. Also, the brown-based colour palette makes them look homogenous and prevents what should be colourful outfits and a varied display from standing out. Said colours are bright and lines are sharp though. The use of light and shade is superb and either of the combatants catches the eye with the quality of their portrayals. The flying tickets seem pointless and the blur on Volibear’s hands doesn’t help convey motion; the streaks of lightning do a better job at that as well as being rather eye-catching. There’s also not enough of Volibear shown and his appearance is the most partial of them all. Gnar gets centre stage but his fury would’ve welcomed an insinuation of his Mega-Gnar aspect. Finally, Mundo’s diving elbow drop is a fine reference to his recall’s homage. However, he’s the one most evidently lacking in colour variety.
Overall, this is a splash art with a good idea behind: joining three wrestlers on the right. Sadly, they aren’t distributed, presented and linked effectively. The background is also lacking and ends up giving only a basic context for the action. Not more is actually needed but the cameo shows that there’s potential for more. The raw quality of the depictions manages to make the splash art attractive but the real problem is on the conception of the piece.
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: To a point, this is a basic take on the Thunder’s Roar. The fur gets a new hue and the bear wears a colourful outfit, gloves and mask. There’s nothing remarkable about his fur but the colour is pleasing to the eye and doesn’t repeat previous tones. The outfit is rather conventional and while recognisable there’s nothing that integrates his ursine nature or his lightning. At best some of the streaks on his trousers resemble electricity as his belt buckle displays. The mask is good but doesn’t do much to take advantage of his bear look and the same happens with the gloves which do nothing with his claws.
Overall, this seems like too straightforward an implementation of the lucha libre concept. The outfit could’ve added more distinct features to reflect his defining characteristics and realise a unique wrestler appearance. With the generic design of his luchador persona El Rayo Volibear only becomes interesting for being a bear that handles lightning; which is his core identity. Therefore, there’s too much Classic Volibear in this skin and too little El Rayo. At least, it does cover the basics but that’s all that can be asked from the skin.

Conclusion

Volibear’s skins are an odd set, to say the least, as they have pros and cons yet don’t always seem entirely convincing. As such, Thunder Lord, Northern Storm and Captain Volibear are fine choices for Volibear fans but the real highlight is Runeguard Volibear.

Thunder Lord Volibear offers a peculiar alternative to his classic look while the Northern Storm Volibear is an extravagant idea that constantly catches the eye due to its implausibility. Additionally, Captain Volibear offers a charming costume with a cartoony style that is rather appealing. At large, they are nice skins but you’ll have to accept their evident idiosyncrasies.

In the case of Runeguard Volibear we face unimpressive and subdued clothes joined by runed armour. Still, while the aspect isn’t particularly exciting things change once the runes get charged with lightning. In battle, Runeguard Volibear offers quite a show and makes up for its humble first impression.

El Rayo Volibear is as barebones a transformation into a luchador as it could be. It graps the Thunder’s Roar into a generic lucha libre outfit, gloves and mask and that’s all. There’s nothing significant that reflects his ursine nature or his lightning powers in the new clothing. Because of that, the skin fails at defining a unique identity for Volibear. It covers the basics, he does look like a luchador, but that’s as far as it goes.

  13 Responses to “League of Legends: Volibear Skins’ Review”

  1. Hey zero ive been getting into trundle and volibear recently so 1 question:between lil slugger trundle and his junkyard and Runeguard Volibear,which do u think is better?answer without taking price into account cuz i dont have money problems right now 😀 I just wanna know which is more elaborate and cooler especially the models and I want to know if runeguards particles are good or not id appreciate your help!

    • Runeguard Volibear is definitely the best option. Both Lil’ Slugger and Junkyard only offer model changes while Runeguard has some interesting and attractive new particles.

      We definitely recommend Runeguard as Trundle is in dire need of a really good skin. Besides, Runeguard should be going on sale in the foreseeable future as it’s reaching a year since its release.

  2. well now that u said that i think im gonna w8 a bit on both champs and ill w8 for the runeguard skin to go on sale for now i got my pool party ziGGs so im pretty happy 😀 and apparently the new pantheon skin is coming today or tomorrow so im gonna ive that some thought aswell..any ideas on the panth skin??

    • Hope you enjoy the Pool Party.

      The new Pantheon skin seems interesting though it tends to follow his classic style a bit too much. After all, if you are fighting dragons you would like as much protection as possible. If you disregard armour then you wouldn’t cover half your body in it. We’ll have to know the price and check the final product to make our final decision.

  3. Runegurad have new animations when he uses the W and the R

    • We are aware that Thunder Claws has a new animation but we couldn’t notice anything different for Frenzy. Could you be more specific? Thanks.

  4. Sorry i made a mistake, it is the W. Volibear moves his head when he uses the spell.Sorry for the grammar mitakes im spanish.

  5. should i get thunder lord voli or striker lucian

    • They are quite different skins. Thunder Lord Volibear is a more regal, battle-oriented take on the Thunder’s Roar. It keeps his core intact but changes the aesthetic. Striker Lucian aims to be a funny skin that ends up only as a football reference. It’s good for what it aims but it’s nothing noteworthy.

      Truth be told, neither skin is particularly innovative so it largely depends on which concept and champion you like the most. We do think that Thunder Lord Volibear is a safer choice as it effectively follows the classic fantasy with a different angle. If you like Volibear there’s little reason not to like Thunder Lord; provided you are fine with just a change of look.

      With regards to Striker Lucian it’s a diversion that doesn’t fit that well in the fantasy style; it doesn’t intend to. If you like Lucian you might not like Striker and viceversa. It’s an option if you like the idea of playing with a football-styled or sports-clad Lucian but, that aside, there isn’t much to draw the player in.

  6. Just got Northern Storm Volibear out of a HE tech mystery chest, do you think it’s worth it to get it?

    • Northern Storm Volibear isn’t a bad skin but there’s certainly better. The catch with hextech crafting is that you have the chance of getting a better skin but also a worse one. There’s ample variety to choose from in either case so it’s a matter of risk versus reward. Consider how much you are willing to get into crafting and whether Northern Storm is a skin that should be skipped in favour of other ones or if it’s passable enough against worse options.

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