Sale Overview: Snowdown Showdown 2014

Summary

Period: 11th of December, 2014 to 6th of January, 2015
Bundles: Snowdown 2009, Snowdown 2010, Snowdown 2011, Snowdown 2012 and Snowdown 2013
Note: the bundles include the respective champions and reduce their prices depending on which content you already own. In case you don’t own a champion or skin in a bundle the price rises by the appropriate price.

We seem to have a poro infestation. At least, they also carry a fair share of presents with their modestly sized bodies. So, careful with any giant snowballs, or poros from what we’ve heard, and let’s see what this avalanche brings.

General Gifts

To start with, we have Mystery Gifting in two different flavours: Mystery Chests (790 RP) which grant a random 975 RP or higher skin and Snowdown Mystery Box (490 RP)which provides a random skin with double chance of a Snowdown skin; including the new 2014 skins.

On the 16th of December we have the appearance of new skins: Poro Rider Sejuani, Winter Wonder Orianna and Snow Day Malzahar; all at 975 RP. In addition to this, we have new Poro wards at 640 RP and new Poro icons at 250 RP. Some old, legacy wards also return for 640 RP: Snowman, Gingerbread and Candy Cane.

Finally, there’s the usual opening of the Legacy Vault making all past Snowdown Showdown skins available. They can be found collected in yearly bundles and you can take a good look at them below.

Bundles

Snowdown Showdown 2009

Discount: 20%
Total Price: 5405 -> 4324 RP
Skins’ Price: 2600 -> 2080 RP

The skins in this bundle show their age and additions range from re-textures to minor model changes. The best of the lot are Earnest Elf Tristana, Happy Elf Teemo and Old Saint Zilean but, sadly, even they are nothing special.

If you have a particular liking for a specific skin then you’re better off getting it individually. For the most part, this is a bundle aimed at collectors.

Snowdown Showdown 2010

Discount: 20%
Total Price: 10475 -> 8380 RP
Skins’ Price: 5915 -> 4732 RP

The age of these skins explains the limitations in the additions which mostly consist of model changes. However, there are a few nice surprises. The best skins are Rag Doll Poppy and Silent Night Sona: both are charismatic skins and the latter also has a fitting new joke.

Others might be worth considering but many haven’t endured the passage of time well. Special mention deserves Candy Cane Miss Fortune’s charming style. Although it’s just an expensive set of clothes Sarah maintains her appeal.

This set of skins is of uneven quality so it’s better to get the ones you like and avoid the others. Unless you are a collector there are better skins available for most of these champions.

Snowdown Showdown 2011

Discount: 20%
Total Price: 7150 -> 5720 RP
Skins’ Price: 3120 -> 3120 RP

The year 2011 was a low point for Snowdown Showdown skins as their quality seems to have taken a step back. The best options are Mistletoe LeBlanc and Snowmerdinger and even they are better recommended for fans of the respective champions. Additions tend to be restricted to model changes and the skins struggle to justify their price.

If you like a specific skin then it’s better to get it and avoid the rest. This unfortunate set of skins doesn’t offer much considering what it asks for. It’s definitely a bundle for collectors.

Snowdown Showdown 2012

Discount: 20%
Total Price: 6835 -> 5468 RP
Skins’ Price: 3900 -> 3120 RP

A clear high point in skins in general, the 2012 set is a fantastic collection that not only offers new models but also new particles, sounds and even a few animations to finely develop the theme.

If you like ice based skins then there are some great choices. However, if you enjoy the spirit of Snowdown Showdown as a whole then this is a bundle not to miss. While some skins are a bit better than others none should disappoint.

Snowdown Showdown 2013

Discount: 20%
Total Price: 5120 -> 4096 RP
Skins’ Price: 3300 -> 2640 RP

One step forward, one back. In 2013, skins were of uneven quality and didn’t always justify their price. The best of the trio is Snow Day Singed, in no small part thanks to the new particles and animated Portablizzard backpack. The others aren’t bad and have an acceptable technical level but aren’t good enough for their price.

If you like them all then the bundle is the best way to get them at a discount. However, if you have doubts then it’s not a huge discount so not much is missed. The skins are attractive but not as convincing as they could or should be.

Source: League of Legends News: Suit up for Snowdown with Vault-clearing Sales