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Why Braum is the best champion added to League in a while.

ModCaptainMårvelous·5/20/2014, 10:52:55 PM·14 votes·1,262 views

###Braum is unique.

Braum's passive, W and E are all something we quite haven't seen before. He's a champion who can dish out his passive but also benefits from allies. He has a dash to allies >but< it blocks him and the ally rather than putting them side-by-side. His E further reinforces his role and makes a safe zone behind him. This type of hard-defense champion isn't something we've really seen before and, while he can start fights, Braum is 100% focused on defending versus offense, not like other supports like Leona/Thresh

###Braum counters the normal meta.

At the time of Braum's release, some of the strongest/most picked supports in the game were , and : Champions with a strong emphasis on locking down priority targets and starting fights. Comparatively, Braum is the antithesis of these champions. He can take Thresh hooks. He can cut off Leona's dash. Morg's binding will hit him, not the ADC. Because of this, Braum offers a counter to these champions when most of the time the only real "counter" they had was poking them down so they didn't feel safe initiating. Valid strategy, but the option for a different approach is ALWAYS good.

###Braum is packed with lines and love.

Item purchases, interactions, at least 10 movement and attack lines. Several animations, unique animations based on what's being attacked, unique interactions with poros. Braum absolutely OOZES work and care. You can tell Riot is clearly stepping up their game when it comes to characterization.

Overall, Braum is honestly the best addition to League I felt we had in a while. Not to say , or were bad, but Braum just goes so above and beyond that the next champion is going to have tough shoes to fill.

9 Comments

Ferrokinetic5/21/2014, 3:18:07 AM6 votes

You sir are a genius. You just about summed it all up. In my group of friends I have always played the tanky support or the beefy but damaging top (my jobs almost always been to protect and tank). For the first time ever though I feel like there's a champion that helps me do that job 100% of the time. When I play with friends I no longer have to worry about choosing between initiating or protecting the carry. I can actually do both and still not upset the balance. Yes he lacks wave clear and yes he lacks damage compared to most people but they aren't his job. I'm glad someone has taken the time to write this. It is very much correct, very much appreciated and well deserved.

Manchette5/21/2014, 3:30:45 AM3 votes

I actually thought that Yasuo was a little along the same lines as Braum in individuality and heart. I greatly enjoyed his introduction and overall setup. Not to oppose the OP, that is! Both champions have seemed cared for and well-done.

Thales5/21/2014, 4:32:44 AM3 votes

I found Vel'Koz pretty lackluster from a VO and personality point of view. Very straightforward lines, low on interactions, and just not very developed. His animations are good, though. Braum is great; he integrates his theme with his mechanics very well.

JackYAqua5/21/2014, 4:56:49 PM3 votes

And Braum is unique because he was surely inspired by the community's joke of the manly support "Angus" ^^

(I'm only saying Braum here for clarity >.<)

Retsnom5/22/2014, 1:48:29 AM2 votes

A champ who is supportive of his allies? Check. A support that focuses on defense rather than mostly defense/some offense or just offense? Check. Manly? Check. Has a mustache that could make Draven jealous? Double check!

I am really excited with what Riot has done (and the fact that they finally put out a support rather than another ADC), but I am curious about how they and the players feel Braum needs to be balanced. IMO, he doesn't seem overpowered, but some might disagree with his W or E. Still, I like him as is. :3

Twisted Tea5/21/2014, 4:31:37 AM2 votes

If anything, I'd tie Braum and Jinx for the most love put into them. Yes, the big, beefy Pringles man has all that good stuff you mentioned, but his Powerpoint Slide Show / Pirate101 Puppet Show doesn't compare to Jinx's vibrant Music Video. You can muster just as much personality from all her different facial expressions in three minutes as three minutes'+ worth of his lines and dialogue. It cannot be denied how powerful Braum is compared to the top picks of the game currently, however.

Combat Chuck5/21/2014, 11:43:14 PM1 votes

I love Braum. I think he's a great champion. I think he's a little strong right now, but every champion is when first released. I think once his base values get tweaked a bit he'll be a really awesome support with a fun kit who's also very useful to his team. Bravo Riot.