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League of Legends: Zac Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Apr 012013
 
Zac, the Secret Weapon
Zac, the Secret Weapon

Zac, the Secret Weapon may not be the most solid choice but surely is able to cause agitation with his mere presence. Sometimes it’s not what you are made of but what you do with it. Thus, while he may seem unstable there’s no better choice to bounce to victory so, if you want to stretch with style, consider rebounding to his skins’ review.

Special Weapon Zac
Special Weapon Zac Splash Art Special Weapon Zac Model
Category: Regular
Price: 975 RP
Concept: Zac as a sinister, dark glob.
Model: Major model changes for Zac and his chunks.
Particles: New particles for his abilities.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for Unstable Matter and recall.
Splash Art: The background displays an advanced laboratory where new organisms seem to be designed; as the giant culture tubes suggest. A door slightly opened hides its secrets with intense light while smoke and sparks speak of a lack of necessary maintenance; a fitting setting. Zac hops on the image along a couple of chunks with a gleeful and menacing expression. His lustrous, liquid body shines and even reflects the scenery. However, while from the right arm to the face all is clear and pristine but the rest looks a bit diffuse. The same can be said about the chunks and setting but the blurriness is moderate enough so as not to be important. On the whole, it’s a rather nice portrayal of Zac within a suitable setting. While the piece doesn’t impress it does a very good job at depicting his darker side.
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: Special Weapon Zac is a more menacing version of the green blob: same goo but different flavour. The colour is actually appealing and the new design is interesting but it still feels very similar to Classic Zac. The particles try to cull the similarities with spiky effects and it works but to an extent. While it doesn’t feel like a mere re-colour it doesn’t pass for a novel re-interpretation of Zac either. That’s not to say that it’s not an attractive skin as it offers enough; his recall is a nice extra to complement the style. In the end, Special Weapon Zac is a nice skin for blob fans but no innovation in the realm of goos. It’s a skin that you can enjoy but that won’t make you see Zac under any different light.

Pool Party Zac
Pool Party Zac Splash Art Pool Party Zac Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Zac made out of water yet wearing a diving mask and snorkel.
Model: Minor model changes and reflections for Zac.
Particles: New particles for his abilities and auto-attack.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for his abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Splash Art: A clear sky, fresh water and some palm trees make up the setting for this piece. There seems to be a strange fog as the trees don’t seem to be so far away. Regardless, there’s some context to the action. The champions all share the spotlight and, fortunately, they all have a place; even Pix. It could be said that some seem more important than others but the feeling of fun is easy to perceive. What isn’t so clear is how the personality of each champion is reflected in their actions. In fact, the actions performed seem to be rather pedestrian and lack the unique colour that is natural to each of them. Specifically, Zac is just standing, Lulu and Mundo merely float away and Rek’Sai and Draven perform a stunt. Therefore, none of them do something that is unequivocally identified as part of their personality.
This all doesn’t mean that the piece is bad: the idea is clearly exposed and as far as a pool or beach party is concerned the message is conveyed. It’s just a pity that Zac can’t be more elastic, Draven more egocentric, Rek’Sai more alien, Lulu more mischievous and Mundo more nutty. In the end, it’s a splash art that manages a balance between the champions and places them in context but without showing enough of what makes each of them unique.
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: Even though Pool Party Zac should be a brand new skin it seems to be based on the recognizable classic model that we all know. That’s not to say that the skin doesn’t try to stand apart from his traditional style; as the eye-catching reflections show. Regardless, the skin is, at its base, a change of colour for Zac. Besides the shorts, diving mask and snorkel it’s the same Zac but made out of water; thanks to the colour and reflections. At the very least, said gear fits Zac’s funny nature so that they don’t seem imposed.
The water theme becomes clearer with the addition of splashes to his abilities on both visual and aural form. There’s nothing striking, actually, as everything is easily recognizable but the bubbles and splashes manage to add some much needed personality to the skin. To be fair, they are the major contributor to the skin’s theme as the rest is merely another hue of the base. The recall is also something different but it’s mostly a playful reference; it’s fitting and nice but it doesn’t say much for the theme.
Considering the price it asks for, the strong reliance on Classic Zac becomes a basic obstacle as the changes, albeit effective, don’t reflect the expectations set by the expense. Unfortunately, Pool Party Zac doesn’t go far from being another flavour of goo that isn’t as unique as one would expect. Truth be told, there isn’t much that justifies the high price so while the water theme is attractive the implementation is too limited to take advantage of its potential.

SKT T1 Zac
SKT T1 Zac Splash Art SKT T1 Zac Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Zac wearing light, golden armour and sporing a white ponytail.
Model: Moderate model changes for Zac and minor model changes for Cell Division’s bloblets.
Particles: New particles for his abilities, death and recall.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New metallic sounds for Stretching Strikes, Unstable Matter, Elastic Slingshot and recall.
Splash Art: There’s no real background or setting to speak of. At best, we could say that the champions are framed by a sky of undefined characteristics. What stands out is the setup of the piece. The ensemble appears like a group of superheroes in a composition that brings to mind the Justice League. Their general appearance seems to convey a pantheon of Greek gods, each with their unique symbolism. There’s also a suited coach that stands in for the ward skin. While it’s good that such an addition is made part of the team it’s fair to say that his look doesn’t fit that of the heroes well.
Each champion shares the spotlight making use of uneven parts of the splash art. Champions on the left tend to be able to make use of more space while those on the right see their lower bodies abruptly cut off. There’s empty room on the left which means that everyone could’ve made some extra room by advancing a bit forward. In addition to this, it’s clear that the centre of the piece has sharper lines and more vibrant colours; though tones tends to be subdued to the point that all metal seems dull. The blur is particularly noticeable towards the left and bottom areas which does the portrayals no favours.
The ornamented armour characteristic of each champion in their SKT gear is noticeable but with varying degrees of success. Individually, Zac looks too subdued and solid with little attention given to his armour; which is the only characteristic that sets him apart from Classic besides the new colour. Jhin’s upper body is quite explicit but the rest is barely visible and the depiction seems rather pedestrian. Nami barely emerges from the blur and shows too much of her naked back and too little of her armour so that it’s more notorious her familiar mermaid body than the new gear. Syndra almost appears in full with nice shading and a good demonstration of power; despite small spheres and dull colours. Ekko is only partially visible and while the new look is prominent enough that’s because of the clothes more than the portrayal effort to make him special, even if the pose is dashing and dynamic. Finally, Olaf closes the formation with good use of light and shade but a partial depiction with much blur and opaque colours that is only saved by the suitable stance. Not to be forgotten, KkOma looks sketchy with a cartoony look that doesn’t suit the more elaborate shading used for the champions; much as his suit doesn’t fit the classical style of the champions.
All added together, this is a splash art that makes a brief but impactful presentation of the champions thanks to its composition. The individual portrayals are marred by several issues so that each champion struggles to attract attention and even convey their actual look. For all that the piece does well in its setup there is an evident need for a good layer of polish to finish the potential of this splash art.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: One of the first questions that arises when looking at SKT T1 Zac could be: which flavour? The answer may lie between cherry and strawberry. Because the new red colour is the most significant modification to Zac this skin starts by feeling close to a chroma. The addition of inexplicably flexible golden armour and a ridiculous white ponytail aims at adding more to his style. They add something but not by integrating into a design that realises a new identity for Zac. It’s the same jelly-boy but with some bits of armour and a wig. The bloblets used for Cell Division match his look which is a good even if potentially necessary touch.
Particles fail at being more than a consistency pass. The abilities merely receive red-coloured splashes of goo and that’s as far as it all goes. One exception worth noting is the decorative indicator of Stretching Strikes. The golden curved lines match the design of his armour and suggest a motif that is never developed in the skin. There’s also the unavoidable T1 logo for Elastic Slingshot which doesn’t contribute to the skin’s identity in any way. For all intents and purposes, abilities retain their classic look but re-coloured sans one worthy exception.
Sounds for abilities and auto-attacks, sans ultimate, have an added metallic clank that is brief but notorious for the most part. The exception is Unstable Matter which instead of a clank has a metal scratch added. While none of the sounds are remarkable they add style and make the metal armour more revelant and prominent.
The recall is a good play on Zac’s identity. One could wonder if it’s healthy for him to eat so much jelly. Of course, the question of which flavour he is easily springs to mind, again. At any rate, he better not eat too much or he may end up being full of himself. In few words, it’s a clever take on Zac that brings forth many funny derivations while remaining relevant to his playful personality.
In the end, SKT T1 Zac is an uneven and even underdeveloped skin. There are hints at an identity and a couple of good touches added to the skin. Regardless, at large, the skin struggles to be more than a change of colour. Considering the expectations that arise from the price tier it’s worth asking if a chroma wouldn’t be a better option.

Conclusion

Zac cares about looks and considering his nature he should be quite adaptable to new styles. Special Weapon Zac is the recommended choice: it isn’t bad at all but it neither is groundbreaking. The new colour and spikes manage a different style but he still feels extremely familiar. Fans of Zac will surely enjoy the additional flavour but it’s not a skin that reveals a new side of his goo.

With a higher price Pool Party Zac would have the necessary resources to impress with his water theme. The playful style suits Zac but the evident classic base doesn’t let the skin define a unique identity. To a point, it’s the same Zac but with extra bubbles and splashes. The skin has its appeal but, due to its price, one is left expecting much more.

SKT T1 Zac is a skin with few interesting features. The most salient characteristic is, evidently, the new colour. The armour and hair add a bit but little to make his appearance distinct. With only a novel indicator for one single ability and a recall to stand out this is a skin that barely offers more than a chroma. There’re a few things to like but so few that it’s questionable how it can be priced so high when it offers so little.

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

  1. Theres a little typo in the animations section of the review.

  2. Has Special Weapon Zac been on sale yet?

    • No it hasn’t and there are fifteen new skins that haven’t been discounted queued before it; to go on sale. Considering the rate at which new skins are discounted, currently, there’s no need to rush.

  3. hello ,im from Serbia, really like your site and i read it a lot. i have one question for you. i heard that there gonna be some new zac skin like poolparty zac.Do you know something about that? 😀

    • Glad that you like the site, greetings to Serbia.

      Aside from the hint in Pool Party Renekton’s splash art we have no information on the matter. At least, it hasn’t appeared around the PBE or in rumours; as far as we know. Still, it’s always a possibility though it would be nice if it would be more than Zac painted blue and wearing shorts.

  4. Too be honest i THINK special weapon zac has a new sound effect. The tendrlis that lash around on his w makes a “whipping” sound (dont know how to describe it)

  5. Special Weapon Zac has new sounds for his recall too.
    That aside, which Zac skin would you say you would recommend since the Pool Party one is coming soon? I honestly like the water theme of Pool Party one but Special Weapon is cheaper and I have always preferred more serious skins over casual ones. I don’t actually play Zac nor will I ever get a skin for him myself, but his character and skins are interesting.

    • Thanks for the notice.

      We agree for the most part. Pool Party Zac’s water theme is interesting but the funny angle doesn’t help it make the most out of it; even if Zac isn’t as serious a champion as others. The main problem is that funny skins tend to be a bit preposterous and don’t fit that well in a battlefield.

      Special Weapon is cheaper and more serious but almost a re-colour; spikes aside. It’s not a bad skin but it struggles to differentiate itself from the classic counterpart.

      If Pool Party manages to justify its price then it could be the skin that Zac has been waiting for. If not, it’ll be a close contest between his two skins.

  6. Hey Zero, do you plan on reviewing Chroma packs? And whether they are worth getting over the actual skins. Because frankly I believe that the Zac chroma pack is MUCH better than any of his skins.

    • In the case of Zac that could very well be true. However, we aren’t sure about how valuable they are for the other champions; especially when a skin is necessary. We intend to review them but we may have to divide them between those that require a skin and those that don’t.

      We’ve added the review to the To-do list; lest we forget. Thanks for the reminder.

  7. hey zero,
    what’s the possibility of you doing chroma pack reviews? there is a frame of reference for you to compare, or is it meaningless since only the color changes? and how do the ratings of skins change if they have chroma packs(i.e they gain stars for having an additional color palette or do they lose starts becuase it costs an extra 590)
    keep up the good work!

    • We are delayed with chroma packs and we apologize. We have some doubts about skins’ chroma packs but we should be able to review chroma packs for base or classic skins; they’re like a bundle of re-colours. We don’t see much difference in them but sometimes there are some options that can be of interest to fans.

      With regards to skins’ chroma packs we aren’t sure because if you don’t own the skin then the pack offers the skin at full price. Thus, such a pack either becomes an option for owners or an overpriced proposition for the rest.

      We don’t think that the skins improve or worsen by having a chroma pack available as you have an extra cost attached but is optional. At any rate, the skins keep their value. As we see it, a skin doesn’t depend on a chroma pack but the other way round is certainly true; which is a bit of an issue.

      We’ll try to get to reviewing base chroma packs as soon as possible.

  8. Hey Zero,
    Dont you think that the Zac chroma pack is worth the 590RP since all his skills benefit from it? Its like 3 different skins in a bundle.

    • Zac is a very special case where his Chroma pack may be more worthwhile than any of his skins. If you don’t mind about new particles, which are often minor, and other such stuff then it could be the best option for a fan of the Secret Weapon.

  9. I have just bought Special Weapon Zac, and as i was playing with it, i noticed that his E (Elastic Slingshot) has a diffrent sound when landing on an enemy. Please check it out.

    • We checked and couldn’t notice anything different. Perhaps it was recently added. Is there a video where we can check the new sound? Thanks.

      • There unfortunately isn’t a video showcasing the sounds.
        I think that the Special Weapon skin has a diffrent landing sound for his E than his classic skin. (Might be me just going crazy and imagining things)

        I guess the only way to check is to have 2 ZACs in a custom game (one with the special weapon skin) and have each of them use their E a couple of times.

        • We checked videos and couldn’t notice a difference; recent and older. In case you come by something that shows the change we’ll add it to the review. Thanks for the notice.

  10. How about his chromas bud?

    My teemo shop gave my pool party zac at a 50% discount. However I already own Pink and Yellow recolors.

    In my opinion thats enough for me, but i’d like your opinion on comparing his chromas.

    • Your are right, Zac skins, so far, have been rather close to re-colours. Both Special Weapon and Pool Party add some changes to the particles to show spikes and splashes, respectively. However, it tends to be a subtle effect that doesn’t make up for the familiar model. Truth be told, Zac is a prime example of a champion that fares better with chromas than skins; at least for now.

      Pool Party Zac has a few interesting additions but unless you really like those few extras that separate the skin from the chromas then the chromas should suffice.

  11. Hey Zero, what do you think about the new SKT Zac skin? What’s your opinion on it?

    • By and large, another flavour of the same jelly. The armour helps a bit but Zac skins have always struggled to be more than re-colours with a few tweaks here and there.

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