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League of Legends: Xayah Skins’ Review – StrategyZero
Apr 212017
 
Xayah, the Rebel
Xayah, the Rebel

Xayah, the Rebel never quits and what many see as a weakness she can easily show how open to interpretations it can be. Sometimes there’s a job that requires more than sharp feathers to finish and that’s where Xayah excels. If you find a trail of glowing feathers know that’s she’s nearby and she seldom is alone. If you get distracted by a dazzling someone then it’s probably her other half getting everything ready for her entrance. Therefore, if you need a balanced couple for a specific task know that she’ll be the one taking aim once everyone is where she wants them.

Cosmic Dusk Xayah
Cosmic Dusk Xayah Splash Art Cosmic Dusk Xayah Model
Category: Regular
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Xayah as an astral assassin.
Model: Major model changes for Xayah and new animated texture for her cloak.
Particles: New particles for her abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for her abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Splash Art: A solar eclipse behind joins dawn and dusk together; in longwinded and highly metaphorical a way. Regardless, despite how simple it is to have Sun and Moon together surrounded by some stars and clouds it makes for a good match to Xayah and Rakan. They join hands floating on air or space, nothing’s concrete, but with an evocative pose that brings their connection to the forefront; which is the most relevant aspect of this couple. What all the setting lacks in terms of meaning the composition more than makes up for it; a clever choice.
With regards to Xayah she enjoys an effective portrayal. Surfaces are smooth but sometimes waxy, reflections aplenty but subdued and lighting soft but elaborate. It could be said that she shines with an intense yet quiet light; which fits her personality well enough. Her legs are largely omitted and there’s no suggestion of her essential crescent-feathers, sans a timid pattern on her cloak. Her cape and legs are also a bit simply depicted and even diffuse. Regardless, her delicate features and appealing appearance make for a good presentation card.
Rakan follows with equally soft shading, perhaps even softer, and rather dim reflections. While the general feel is not dissimilar to Xayah he seems more diffuse, especially the lower body and torso. The fire hair nicely displays the whims of the flames while making for a credible mane as it faintly lights his cape. Lighting is put to good use in other areas and while the shoulder medallion looks a tad sketchy the overall quality is good. Although not as vibrant, which may be surprising knowing his personality, Rakan makes for a good match to Xayah.
The light they create together is as important as it is mysterious yet gives meaning to them joining hands in the middle of nothing. It could be their salvation from a high fall or just another trick only they can perform, together. Ultimately, their attractive portrayals might set the bar too high for the less detailed and elaborate three-dimensional models. While certain degree of artistic freedom is understandable, there’s the feeling that going from two to three dimensions implies breaching a non-trivial gap. That doesn’t detract from the formidable composition and meaningful way to share a splash art that Xayah and Rakan demonstrate. In spite of some flaws, this is an example of how to allow two champions to shine under the same spotlight. Because of this clever and elegant setup this is a splash art that could join the select group of League of Legends’ best.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: Although Cosmic Dusk Xayah has an appealing style it’s doesn’t feel truly cosmic and ends up being rather superficial. To start with, the model doesn’t move far from the classic look. In fact, not only are the clothes similar but also the overall appearance as well as features; the gleaming of feathers is changed by the astral texture of the cloak. Cosmic Dusk is more colourful and there’s more gold but the palette is limited and the pale hues aren’t the most attractive either.
That said, the abilities have a nice feel to them. It’s a pity that most of them rely on the same feathers. The feathers are quite nicely designed in the shape of a crescent Sun. However, they monopolise the visual aspect. Surely, the classic ability design is also quite homogeneous but a skin could add extra personality to the abilities and champion; it’s the main aim actually. As is, Cosmic Dusk looks good but adds little.
Sounds fare similarly with twinkling being the major contribution to the aural side. The change is suitable and appealing but, again, limited. It’s like visuals and sounds are defined by a single change that is reused by the whole spectrum of abilities. The recall is more dramatic than actually stellar but the particles add a bit more of stars to the deal.
All added together, Cosmic Dusk Xayah is a good skin but not at its price tier and certainly not the best example as a release skin. There’s too deep a reliance on Classic and the few additions that stand out take precedence over the other shy changes. While Cosmic Dusk Xayah is a skin with appeal it’s also one that doesn’t offer much.

Sweetheart Xayah
Sweetheart Xayah Splash Art Sweetheart Xayah Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Xayah in an eye-catching heart motif.
Model: New model for Xayah and new animated texture for her cloak.
Particles: New particles for her abilities, auto-attack, joke and recall.
Animations: New animations for her recall and duo recall with Rakan.
Sounds: New sounds for her abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Splash Art: A lake with swans and ripples of a powerful energy: love. Yes, this is how it’s going to be so turn back now if it’s too much sugar; you’ve been warned. The background is simple but appropriate for a tender moment. There’s no doubt that it’s a magical night, or cloudy day because there’s too little setting to extrapolate from there.
Xayah and Rakan join hands and longingly look into each other; a frozen glimpse of the end of their shared recall. The connection runs deep and is, frankly, a good demonstration of what makes these champions special. The perspective manages to give a good view of both. Legs are nowhere to be seen but, up from there, colours are soft, shading is delicate and reflections are dim. Everything seems so soft that even highlights on the reflective surfaces are subdued. There’s also a subtle yet noticeable blur around both champions which doesn’t do them any favours. For example, it collaborates in concealing their distinct feather-like capes.
All that said, there’s no doubt that this is a splash art that lives and breathes by the portrayal. The meaningful connection between Xayah and Rakan is put to the forefront. It’s something intrinsic of them but also relevant to the Valentine’s theme. The rest is simple support. For a presentation card, it’s actually quite good though it could’ve done a better job at showing their appearance.
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: Exchanging her cloak for a feather-styled cape and wearing a dark dress with bronze highlights it can’t be said that Sweetheart Xayah embraces the Valentine spirit. However, the contrast and gradients of colours are quite appealing and suit her no nonsense identity. There’s a shy heart motif in the dress and cape, mainly the latter, which makes it classy instead of overloaded; as in other cases.
Particles don’t change the fact that they are based on her new heart-shaped feathers. They come and go with blue-golden trails and glows which are quite eye-catching. The contrast between the dark blue and the brilliant gold manages to beat the monotonous design by making each feather glow with an appealing outline.
Sounds are simple but fitting: they add harp tones to auto-attacks before throwing a feather. For abilities the whole ability is supported by the harp. The choice of instrument is an elegant hint at the theme at hand. It also means that nothing stands out and the feel isn’t that far from classic. Regardless, there’s a fine change to the aural landscape.
The recall is the noteworthy part. When alone, Xayah merely greets some small animals. Such a Snow White reference seems out of the blue; though it bears some relation to her bird nature. The one that stands out is the waltz she dances with Rakan. It’s direct and simple but also meaningful and evocative of their relationship. It’s not enough to elevate the skin to something grandiose. Still, it’s certainly a good addition.
All added together, Sweetheart Xayah is thin on Valentine’s spirit but that’s probably not her thing anyway. When it comes to style, the balance between dark colours and bright glows makes the skin appealing; with subtle harp support. The shared recall with Rakan is a fine addition with more meaning than show. Actually, there’s much that feels familiar with regards to the classic counterpart but the contrast of colours manages to make the skin distinct. This all that is offered may not be much, to be fair, but it’s good.

SSG Xayah
SSG Xayah Splash Art SSG Xayah Model
Category: Legacy
Price: 1350 RP
Concept: Xayah in misty blue.
Model: New model for Xayah and new glow for her feather cape.
Particles: New particles for her abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Animations: New recall animation.
Sounds: New sounds for her abilities, auto-attack and recall.
Splash Art: The setup is pretty simple: a lake surrounded by carved rocks in the form of waves. There’s a statue of Mega Gnar which, despite how diffuse it is, looks photorealistic. Besides some rocks for the champions to stand on, except Taliyah whose feet aren’t visible, we can only comment on how clear and fresh the water looks. It’s a setting for the champions to be present but there’s no content or meaning in it.
The champions appear in a way that part of their personality is visible in their stance. Xayah and Rakan hold hands to represent their link, Gnar is mildly curious, Taliyah is confident, Jarvan IV serious and Ezreal cocky. Each portrayal is eloquent enough about the look of each champion. Taliyah, being at the forefront shows the sharpest colours with an appealing soft glow on her strips; Jarvan IV and Gnar’s transparencies are more solid. Ezreal manages to show a nice glow to represent his powerful magic but Xayah and Rakan look a bit dull with washed out colours.
All added together, this is a shared splash art that takes the shared part to heart. Each champion gets a good share of the space available but the composition is content with simply showing each one. The setting has little significance and each champion is only able to display a bit of personality in their stance. The result is a splash art that works at the basics but doesn’t aim at anything else.
Rating: Star clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZeroStar clip art used in skin reviews at StrategyZero
Conclusion: In what could be one of the most straightforward SSG skins, SSG Xayah can be resumed as Blue Xayah. The clothes are different but keep the classic design with a dark blue colour scheme that doesn’t let the few different pieces stand out on their own; not that there’s anything really special anyway. The white ears almost look like part of the light blue hair and in motion everything looks monotonous in a dΓ©gradΓ© of blues.
Feathers are modified to display a misty blue glow that gives them some personality. The visual aspect of abilities, all owed to the feathers, is nice but the consistency begets homogeneity. Auto-attacks and abilities aren’t bad looking but everything looks more or less the same.
Sounds are soft, high pitched vibrations and twinklings which make the feathers sound magical but also delicate. As far as lethality is concerned it can be perceived but there’s a clear magical angle.
There are two new recalls. On her own, Xayah is to be transported by a sort of carriage of birds. Birds are not very clear but the idea suits her nature. The shared recall with Rakan is a mere celebration of a trophy that seems a bit out of place in the fantasy of the game; though, it fits the intent of the skin.
All added together, SSG Xayah doesn’t have much to offer. The main draw is the blue colour palette with matching, misty feathers. In the end, the feathers can be attractive but it’s too little appeal for a skin that should feel special.

Conclusion

As a release skin Cosmic Dusk Xayah isn’t the best exponent of what the Rebel can achieve. The skin has some nice visual and aural touches but they are limited. Given the extent of the price tier there’s ample room to further define the theme. However, it ends up being truncated to a minimal set of appealing changes. With so little to offer beyond Classic, Cosmic Dusk Xayah is a skin with features to like but not many.

Thin on Valentine spirit but appealing nonetheless, Sweetheart Xayah is a good skin. The contrast of dark colours and bright glows, with the subtle support of harp tunes, is the main feature. The dual recall with Rakan is the only special addition because of their relationship. There’s nothing extraordinary in the skin but it’s good.

SSG Xayah is little more than Blue Xayah. The new model dresses Xayah in shades of blue and the feathers get a misty, blue glow that feels magical but is rather homogeneous across abilities. There’s some appeal in the skin but that’s owed to the new colour. For a skin that should feel special, there isn’t much to justify it.

  21 Responses to “League of Legends: Xayah Skins’ Review”

  1. In the conclusion, you misspell Cosmic Dusk as Cosmic Dust.

  2. Thank you for still making theses guides! I enjoy them very much.

  3. If, say, the skin was 675 rp, would it be worth? (It’s on sale 50% in my shop but I still can’t determine whether or not I want it..)

    • The discount is no better than any regular sale so there’s no real incentive to get it. The question is whether you like the skin and play the champion enough to buy it. Take into account that a better skin can be released in the future so, would Cosmic Dusk Xayah be worth it in the meantime?

      It’s not a bad chance to get the skin but no better than a normal sale. It’s a skin with problems so only if you really like it may it be a good purchase. If not, there will be more skins to choose from: it’s how the business is built.

  4. Hello, Zero! Have you seen the PBE preview of both Sweetheart Xayah and Rakan? If so, I would love to hear your initial takes on them despite being WIP as of now. πŸ™‚

    • We haven’t seen much but they are a couple that seems tailor made for Valentine’s. The skins look good but it doesn’t look like they are doing anything special despite it being a great occasion to do so. Sure, the shared recall is a nice touch but we expected some extra interaction between them. We haven’t seen enough of the skin but it look like it’s the usual 1350 RP treatment.

      • The final update for the skins has been showcased by SkinSpotlights’ Youtube channel. They changed a few things not easily noticeable at a glance. But the shared recall though…a Rioter’s twitter acct posted that they’ll put music in it which they didn’t- which slightly disappointed me because it seemed to lack dynamic. The splash art is fantastic but I just feel like the model doesn’t translate it too well, somehow reminds me of advertisements and the real thing in fast food restos. Strangely enough though, it still looks pretty decent despite few flaws. Not sure if 1350 RP is worth. I just like how it delivers a huge contrast to Classic Xayah’s style and/or personality since she doesn’t seem like the type who’d wear girly dresses (looks beautiful in them tho). I hope it isn’t legacy so sales sooner or later will appear. I am having a hard time deciding whether to get it or not, because I very much adore Classic Xayah and Rakan as they areβ€” but I also want to explore another take on Xayah. Another minor thing that’s holding me back is that my partner doesn’t want to get the Sweetheart skin (I’m not forcing him btw), but I just want the skins to match in-game. Do you think they’d still look good together: splash and game?
        But I might be missing something so I’m looking forward to your insights soon πŸ™‚ β€” ADC main in a quandary

        • We agree that the skins aren’t as great as they could be. The splash is a rather nice presentation card but then the skin seem to lack an extra effort to make them special. We didn’t know that music was to be added to the shared recall. That would’ve made the skins more interesting.

          We like Sweetheart Xayah because of the use of dark colours surrounded by bright glows. That aside, there isn’t much that is noteworthy. Sweetheart Rakan we find somewhat dull. The colours are subdued and aside from a few good touches the skin is far from eye-catching as it should be.

          Last Valentine Riot started making the event’s skins legacy so it’s possible that they’ll end up legacy. When champions have few skins they say they don’t so as not to reduce the amount of skins. This could be the case but it’s up to them.

          Given the golden highlights of Sweetheart Xayah and the bright yellows of Classic Rakan the skin would go well in-game. The question is whether you need both Sweetheart skins to enjoy the shared recall or if one is enough.

          Let’s hope for the better and that the skins end up being more on the generous side; recall and pricing included.

          • Ah well, the shared recall requires both of the skins actually… But I’m satisfied with the classic recall, it looks so much sweeter. πŸ™‚

          • That sounds expected, sadly. A pity but it seems that we have to adapt to the way things are nowadays. Still, Sweetheart Xayah works rather well as a Classic alternative.

  5. I just have a question to asked why do u mention 1350 rp skins as regular when they are actually epic skinx?

  6. https://na.leagueoflegends.com/en/page/new-epic-skins-sweetheart-xayah-and-rakan

    The skins will be here to stay until next year’s Valentines Day

    Sharing just in case πŸ™‚

    • Thanks for the information. It should’ve been included in the release announcement not just in between the comments. Still, if they are to be removed that, technically, makes them legacy skins. The question is if they’ll go on sale and act as regular skins in the meantime or if they’ll be kept around but them removed to the Legacy Vault.

  7. What are flaws of Sweetheart Xayah? And what makes it better than Cosmic Dusk? :<

    • The main flaw of Sweetheart Xayah is being so similar to Classic that the biggest difference is the new colour scheme. The contrast of colours is quite nice and it does encompass the particles but a skin should have more significant changes than colours.

      What makes it better than Cosmic Dusk is that Sweetheart takes a step away from Classic with its distinct colour scheme. With Cosmic Dusk the similarities to Classic are simply to many and the new feathers are really the most relevant change. It may be a subjective opinion, we aren’t immune to it, but we find Sweetheart more eye-catching than Cosmic Dusk; which only catches the eye with the feathers.

      Still, we aren’t talking about major differences. Both are skins with issues and some nice features. We just think that Sweetheart manages to be more distinct overall.

  8. Hi zero , when do you do SSG skin review? Thank you I love your reviews

  9. You misspelled “curious” in SSG’s splash art description when talking about Gnar. πŸ™‚

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