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Am I the only one who really hates Xayah and Rakan, and is worried about future champions?

LunSeiSleidee·4/24/2017, 10:58:25 AM·13 votes·5,971 views

Xayah and Rakan, as I've already mentioned in another thread, speak with the cheesy lines you see on Tumblr, on certain 13 years old girls diaries, and on motivational posters with cute cats.

Design-wise, they look like generic anime characters, up to the pointy anime ears.

Story-wise, they are generic tough rebels alone vs the world, the dream of all edgy thirteen years olds.

Quality-wise, their animations are excellent, their skills are rather fun, and they have a lot of audio lines (no matter how cringey they are). Yeah, the technical quality of them is the only good part.

Now, I'm an adult person who loves creative, complex designs. I like deep dialogues, like those of Tahm Kench or Camille. I like designs that stray away from generical anime faces, like those of Taliyah or Illaoi. I'm worried Riot is changing their design direction, because Xayah and Rakan don't look like the characters Riot would release now - they look like the characters Riot used to make in the beginning, and possibly even lazier.

EDIT: please, don't downvote just because I dared to say that Riot did something wrong. Discuss. Tell me what's good about Xayah and Rakan and why you disagree with me. Otherwise, it means I hit the nail and you don't want to hear that.

35 Comments

BananaSlayerAMO4/24/2017, 1:39:53 PM15 votes

Why I think Xayah and Rakan aren't bad:

  • Contrary to your point, they're not your typical anime animal-human hybrids. Riot got rid of the fluffiness, in favour of toughness and realism. By real, I mean the texture of their fur and feathers properly reflect that of wild animals.
  • Riot could have made them really over the top, but chose to keep them down-to-earth. They're not mysterious creatures from myths (e.g. Ahri); they definitely exist in the real world (still within the game, of course).
  • I personally don't find anything wrong with badass characters, as long as they make sense - and if they live in a lawless, magical nation, then why the hell shouldn't they be badass?
  • Lovers will be silly; some people have problems with 'cringey' PDA but I don't mind.
  • Like you said, their animation and kits are good.

I'm pretty neutral here; just trying to ease the hate a little.

GreenLore4/24/2017, 12:23:36 PM14 votes

While I agree with some of your points you have to keep in mind that Riot simply likes to give us variety. You won't like every new champ,but you don't have to like everyone either.

Also I have to admit that while their lines are cringeworthy,they aren't cringeworthy in a bad way.

Chembaron Yamada4/24/2017, 11:50:51 AM13 votes

You said yourself that you enjoyed Camille, which is one of the recent releases too. Riot just tries to cover as many different archetypes as possible, just because you don't enjoy Xayah and Rakan as characters, doesn't mean no one else does. I think it is good that they try to create champions for everyone.

Like when the reworked Urgot will come out. I highly doubt he will be a very popular champion, because the archetype of an undead guy, captured in a machine to stay alive, isn't appealing to many people. I myself actually enjoy it and will play him.

There have to be edgy characters, just like there have to be lighthearted and friendly characters. That comes from someone who has absolutely no interest in playing Xayah or Rakan.

Dragon Master4/24/2017, 11:08:59 AM11 votes

Yeah well, that's like, your opinion man.

Ebonmaw Dragon4/24/2017, 5:35:34 PM6 votes

The only thing that should worry you about the future champions is the Quality, if the quallity of the new champs were bad... THAT would be problem, but it isnt.

Anything else, like personality, story and design varies between each champion. We have things from little girls with teddy bears to space dragons and god like beings... There is tons of variety! Of course that you will not like a character or more.

SEKAI4/24/2017, 3:55:51 PM5 votes

The "generic anime character"'s animal furry ears would usually be at the top of their head and not on the side, since the hybrid anime characters' are mostly based on felines or canines who normally have years that way (but not always). The reason for the fluffy ears is also very different, animal ears in anime is usually used to convey some kind of animalistic, playful or "primal innocence" character personality or sometimes being associated with divine/mystical entities due to Japanese and many Eastern Asian folk mythology often deals in shapeshifting animals and monsters who mimic the humanoid shape for 1 reason or the other; while here for Rakan and Xayah's ears it's pretty much exclusively about delivering a sense of wild and primal. Not to mention, despite being called "generic anime", animal ears in anime actually not that prevalent, unless it's chibi art or the more enticing genre you bad boys are watching at night.

Secondly, their theme is literally "lovely dovey" or "2 little love birds", I mean just like what I'd said to you in another thread you'd made for the exact same reason as this one, they are made to be presented this way, at least on surface, because that's kinda the point. But again, the cinematic reveals a much more nuanced side of their relationship, and it's a pretty big game changer to their portrayal as that gives us the impression that the whiny and teeny attitudes they exhibit in-game are merely their memes & games (heh heh heh).

Hence I am not too convinced by your claim that you're supposedly an "adult who loves creative, complex designs" when you're way too fast to judge a book by its cover, and take your opinion as facts. And it also doesn't help when your attitude on on the supposed "generic anime faces" and "they look like the characters Riot used to make in the beginning" just triggers me so hard as they're just wrong.

This has nothing to do with the alleged "edgy-ness" in their character or whatever really, but it's everything to do with creating a character trope and stick with it. The only thing here is that you don't personally like the trope in question. Fine, not everyone is meant to like everything, cool. But when you start equating "dislike" with "bad", there is a problem.

You know what's edgy? You kinda are. Because apparently by your own admission, you seem to be appalled by anything remotely "generic" in some way, which that alone makes you somewhat edgy, almost like someone who only likes and buys a brand of drink solely because it isn't popular.

Cetri4/24/2017, 1:16:46 PM5 votes

I mean, you said yourself that you liked Camille, the previous champ released, as well as Taliyah, who came not far behind her. Why does (technically) a single champ release have you so concerned that RIot is changing their entire direction?

D3m37r14/24/2017, 11:02:10 AM4 votes

Yes, you are the only one.

Chromatic Eagle4/24/2017, 12:20:04 PM4 votes

Why do people keep thinking they're anime? I get Jak and Daxter vibes from them.

Nylisa4/24/2017, 12:37:06 PM4 votes

yeah , you are not the only one , i agree with you. but i also came to conclusion that Xayah and Rakan was meant to satisfy a group of league's fan especially with all the complaints that we dont have any actual romantic partners or paired characters in this universe.

and i say this based on facts that i see. why? because we seen Riot update some of the old champs and gave them a new lore and they were in no way cheesy or generic or boring. they were well done.in fact look at lux's story its 10 times better than what we had before if you ask me!!!

so i thought to myself the only reason Xayah and Rakan are the way they are is because they meant to be that way not a failed attempt at making unique heroes.

they are not the type of champions you and me would like but there are certainly people who would like them.so lets hope for the best when new ones release.

P.S : dont worry about getting downvoted we live in a age where majority hide behind "my right to my point of view and opinion" but "if you share yours and its not what i like im shooting it down"

Ralanr4/24/2017, 1:10:39 PM4 votes

I don't think Riot is changing design directions. Camille is still relatively new after all.

I think you're overreacting honestly. I'm already sure that there's nothing to be said that can convince you to be fine with these characters, and that's ok. Your opinion is your own.

DrCyanide4/24/2017, 6:52:57 PM4 votes

Xayah and Rakan, as I've already mentioned in another thread, speak with the cheesy lines you see on Tumblr, on certain 13 years old girls diaries, and on motivational posters with cute cats.

Cheesy lines are a staple in a lot of young marriages, mine as well as my friends and family members. I wouldn't rule it out as completely limited to 13 year olds and cat posters. My wife and I have been trying to pick them up (we'll have to swap who plays who to try and find a better fit), but just saying some jokes/taunts near our other married friend, hearing the two go back and forth his instant reaction was "ok, I like them!"

Design-wise, they look like generic anime characters, up to the pointy anime ears.

Actually, I have to disagree here. Pretty much every human/animal hybrid I've seen stays in the "animals are our friends" category. Can you imagine Zootopia with people wearing bird skulls as jewelry? Yet that's what Rakan and Xayah do. It's a move that separates them from the animal kingdom and makes them far more human than other hybrid characters.

Story-wise, they are generic tough rebels alone vs the world, the dream of all edgy thirteen years olds.

This is League we're talking about, where it took a full year and a second story for "The Magus Ascendant" to actually get so much as a hint of him actually being able to use magic on his own. Just be glad it's not mysterious and unknown past.

I'm worried Riot is changing their design direction, because Xayah and Rakan don't look like the characters Riot would release now - they look like the characters Riot used to make in the beginning, and possibly even lazier.

How would you define "characters Riot would release now"? There's been the mythical phase (Kalista, Kindred, Tahm Kench, Bard, Illaoi, Aurelion Sol) with very few interruptions from 2014 into 2016, and we finally start to get some champions that it makes sense for a few Piltover police, or Yordles, or Demacians to fight against. It's a fine addition in my book.

Keevalroy4/24/2017, 11:30:50 AM3 votes

I'm not as worried about the appearances of champions as I am about their kits. I have my complaints, more about Rak than Xayah, but they're rather tame compared to some other mistakes releases. I still worry about the future designs where "fun to play" and "unique" are being so aggressively pushed with hardly any (if at all) thought going toward "what does this feel like to play with and against?"

OurLestrade4/24/2017, 11:14:28 AM3 votes

It's a trend as of the past few years that I haven't been particularly fond of, but then there's plenty of demographics in the LOL playerbase. Here's to hoping they take a break from this type of champion for a bit. Cough Noxian sergeant Cough

EdNigma4/24/2017, 6:12:35 PM3 votes

I've only glanced over the comments but didn't see any that hit to hard on one thing that seemed super obvious to me.

Riot likes to offer variety. Two champs specifically designed to synergize with each other. Nail hit on the head. There are a lot of couples that play this game, and enjoy duo on bot lane. So now we've got the perfect setup to appeal specifically to these players and offer something new that also provides a clear design path. I think everything falls into place after that. The VO, the similar looks, etc. etc. As corny as the lines are I personally LOVE how they are reactionary. When I heard the first champ VO (I think it was Tahm) dropping a ward and saying "A good meal requires foresight." I loved that too. Side note I feel like they try WAY too hard with this when buying items. Talking about holding a cold heart in your hands when buying broken heart... wtf? My character is verbally "acting out" why he's placing a ward. Now with this duo pings are included in the VO kit. Dying together, leaving each other's side. I love how they voice out their actions together when played together.

I feel it's worth mentioning that I'm not personally interested in the idea of a "couples duo" for bot lane both in game and out. My girlfriend loves it. She's a ADC main and I'm a support main. Because of that I can see the draw and what I think riot was after.

As for the "anime style" I don't see it myself. But assuming it's the inspiration I'd say they're not too far off there either. Stereotypically one could assume that there is a anime interest in a gaming couple, so why not? If that's what you're marketing/designing for just further nail the bullseye with it. Same goes for all the cheesy love lines etc.

MajorTugh5/3/2017, 12:59:53 AM3 votes

Been an active League player, and never have once commented on the forum. This thread seems like too good an oppurtunity to pass up. Im posting this via mobile so my formatting may suck.

In regards to Xayah and Rakan, both champs dont come across as all too appealing too me, and I agree with alot of your points. That being said, I'll address a few of my own gripes and even likes of the romantic duo to balance this out

  1. Design wise while they are far from out right horrible, in comparison to previous released champs( Cammile impressing me quite a bit) in my opinion they fall short. Animal human hybrids have become a staple to the fantasy genre as a whole, so I see why riot believed creating these two that way would prove appealing (especially when compared to the fan favorite fox enchantress Ahri). Xayah and Rakan have vivid colors but aside from the bird motif thats all I personally remember them for. Whether or not this was intentional I can't say but, in a roster as vast as LOL they come across as forgettable. Again my opinion

  2. The lover motif can be interpretated depending on the viewer. What I mean by this as that, if your interests revolve around fighting in an action packed fantasy setting in brutal gruesome battles, playing as two love birds (no pun intended haha) probably wont be appealing to you. Heck I play solo top lane where every fight is reminscent of a classic 1v1 duel where two warriors pit each other in a battle of attrition. It is due this champions like Darius, Garen, yasuo, and riven etc. are my favorite type of playstyle. I have a persobal bias to said champions and thier lore is reflective of their gameplay. That being said since bot laining is about synergizing with your comrade and in a healthy romantic relationship a couple works better than anybody else. I know you can proabably see where I am going with this. I probably won't have a reason to buy Xayah and Rakan, but many of the couples playing league probably will.

  3. Kit wise I think while they are way too over powered (as with every newly released champ) they have interesting move lists. I have yet to personally try either of the lovers, but in the future i may give them a go for experimentation if nothing else.

  4. Yes Xayah and Rakan both are edgy and have cringe worthy dialogue, I myself personally did not like Xayah's quote that she feels she can bring demacia too its knees. Then again, I'm a garen main so I'm biased. Rakan on the other hand is very funny, which counters Xayah's dark brooding. Opposites attract I suppose?

  5. In a sense, granted how big the shipping community is in League, I feel Xayah and Rakan are attempting to appeal to thst niche. So often do I see fan arts of strange pairings like RivenXZac, DianaXLeona, DariusXLux etc which to my knowledge are works of fanfiction. Riot hasnt made many canon relationships (Not counting Ashe's marriage to Tryndamere and now Ahri's love interest now gone) so finally having two lovers appeases this part of the fandom. I personally can careless about shipping as I'm more interested in the champions lore abd fighting capacitt but, not everyone holds my sentiment I suppose and now those community members have thier niche fulfilled.

  6. All in All As for future Riot champs, I dont know what to expect anymore. Riot will continue to attempt to fullfill niches wherever they see fit and, we can only hope our personal preferences are fulfilled. I like battle hardened soldiers and duelists who overwhelm the enemy through skill or Brute force, rage and unstoppable will power. Darius, Garen, Riven, Yasuo, Tryndamere and many of the other heavy hitters are the champs for me. So I want the next champ riot releases to fit that niche. I also like glass cannons that have extreme amounts of burst and damage, Syndra, miss fortune, Caitlyn and the other apcs/adcs. Will i get my wish? Only time will tell.

So OP I hope this post meant something to you or anyone else reading it. Tried considering all the angles while, factoring in my personal standpoint. Best of luck getting the champ you desire. Keep those fingers crossed.

Jet Sett4/24/2017, 2:39:23 PM2 votes

I disagree about the generic anime look, they aren't too different from current characters who've now been identified as Vastayans like Ahri or Swain 's bird form in terms of their designs. And I honestly believe these two are far more creative than the earlier designs, and if we were so critical of all champion lore and backstory we'd have so many more to complain about than just Rakan and Xayah. There's always something to compare a champion with, some generic concept or story, it's pretty easy.

Wrathof3004/24/2017, 8:03:18 PM2 votes

The way Xayah and Rakan are written will now way affect future champions, as every champion is unique in their back story and character. A good example would be the abnoxius Aurelion Sol followed by the chipper Taliyah or the super violent Kled that was followed by the extreme pacifist Ivern.

Dango Fandango4/24/2017, 11:18:13 AM2 votes

I personally quite like them, and I think Riot did a pretty good job on back story and all that what with the whole new flippin continent back story. More than they did for Tahm or Camille, so I don't know where you're getting that. The fact that they are anime-ish doesn't bother me, if it did then Ahri would drive me up the wall. Sorry bud, you're on your own here.

TzQGRUST394/24/2017, 2:16:14 PM2 votes

I really like their kits. I think they are some of the best in a while, but the personalities and designs are definitely my least favorite in a looong time.

Sarutobi4/24/2017, 11:17:20 AM2 votes

To an extent i do agree with you. While i do like the champions themselves they could have done a lot less with the cringy voice works. its not that bad, but it scares me that the next champion will just be nothing but "lit", "fam", "woke".

Colgate Gator4/24/2017, 6:14:11 PM2 votes

I'm not a fan of their design personally, but doesn't really worry me, for I know that not every Champion's design and attitude will be fit to my liking.

Namira Bot4/25/2017, 2:49:55 PM1 votes

I really hated Taliyah, but it didn't ruin future champions for me.

Not every release is gonna pander to you.

Garentheon4/24/2017, 7:50:09 PM1 votes

To answer your title, yea

Unpaladin4/24/2017, 2:10:01 PM1 votes

Honestly this wouldn't be so bad if it didn't mean most new champions end up spewing cheesy dialogue all the time. These two definitely do, and even do it in response to things around them. If this keeps happening eventually all champions will be like this.

I'm an emote spam fanatic but I can't stand how Taliyah and Camille constantly say these phrases over and over again, every time they press a button even. Compare that to Yorick and Gangplank's solid one-liners for their abilities, and you can see why it's just unnecessary.