@KatyChaos Disappointed In Harrowing/Halloween Skins

Winterkill··27 votes·10,734 views

It looks like the general consensus is that no one likes these skins . . . . and only accept the Viktor skin because it is a new skin for Viktor. It's kind of upsetting to see you guys do such a great job last year, to see you flop this year. In 2015 you did the same thing you are doing now: giving us a horrible concept that no one asked for. I don't care what anyone says, these skins are terrible. People wait an entire year for spooky, fun, and cool Halloween skins. We do not wait the entire year for another Halloween for Katarina skin, a cheap looking Zed skin that is disgusting to look at, and a poorly conceptualized Viktor skin that could have been a lot better since he didn't have a skin for the longest time.

You have yet again . . . . dropped the ball and made this more about giving specific champions a skin quota every year . . . than taking the time to give us amazing skins for champions. You couldn't even be bothered to tell us a story with these skins like you did last year and in 2015. This years skins is 10x worse than 2015 and 2015 was very bad. With such great ideas over the years you co:uld have really gone all out this year. Instead you gave us a Katarina skin with bad hair and another Halloween skin, disgusting to look at Zed skin that is very poorly done that almost every Zed main hates, and a Viktor skin that should have been 10x better than what we have on the PBE right now.

Before you downvote me to the moon, look at what we could have gotten if Riot actually listened and stopped having the popular champion quote mindset:

http://orig09.deviantart.net/d6a3/f/2013/221/0/a/sea_witch_nami_by_shockowaffel-d6hdym3.jpg

https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/006/291/246/large/vlx-bacescu-1ingame.jpg

http://st.elohell.net/public/chill/5d35c169a4a3633f22b0d32de1058443.jpg

http://u28.imgup.net/comic35cf.png

https://i.imgur.com/rfVuCJr.jpg

You couldn't even be bothered to give us a new ward skin this year. All the years you are told the same thing, stick to what the community likes and stop creating skins for the same champions just because the champion needs a new skin every year. With such great ideas I cannot fathom how you think the garbage we have right now on the PBE is better than the ideas the community has been giving you for years now.

Listen to your community. Remove that disgusting Zed and Katarina skin or really make it great. It's low budget looking right now.

39 Comments

Riotmoonstones12 votes

*KateyKhaos ;)

Harrowing/Tales From the Rift are not tied to to one particular thematic, such as traditional Halloween (pumpkins, witches). We've done several different themes this time of year. We've done traditional, haunted, zombies, slayers, as well as costumes. It isn't the same every year, and that's intentional.

You're disgusted by Zed and aren't happy with Viktor, which is your opinion and that's fine, but tell me why. We can't do much with what you're currently saying. We aren't going to remove/not ship these skins, but we are opening to hearing constructive, detailed feedback on what you like/dislike and how you'd change it/what you'd like to see changed - obviously within scope of time we have left.

I don't disagree that the art you'd posted (It'd be rad if you credited the artists!) are some awesome concepts that could work - especially something like the Halloween Bard, but they weren't fitting for the story telling/overall theme we went with this year.

There is a ward skin, Death Sworn ward - it's on PBE now, and will be shipping with these skins.

Solideus1 votes

Wait, what is "Tales From the First"? :o

Riotmoonstones4 votes

That's me not paying attention to what I'm typing. ;-; I meant to say Tales From the Rift, which is what the event this year (and last year) was called.

haywire android3 votes

First a question: I feel that it's a shame that Viktors first skin in several years will be locked behind an event.

Or is the current plan that Viktors skin won't be limited, due to his lack of available skins?

Then a bit of an explanation of my feelings about the skin: I've been waiting for a Viktor skin quite a while (and Yorick). I own Reaper soraka and archlight Vel'koz because I think both are awsome skins (pretty similar themes), but I guess over the years expectations built up for something more for both champs in my mind and these skins feels done already and pretty flat (imo).

I guess I expected either that Viktor (and Yorick) would be part of a popular skin line like Arcade or Pool party or get something new to be exited over, similar to when Ziggs got his archmage.

Other skin lines also feel like they have a greater variety between skins (arcade, pool party, star guardian are all good examples of this) that make them stand out individually. Personally I see no difference between the new skins or last halloweens Azir etc, they're all just a black/spooky green skin to me. I'm sure a lot of work went into them, but it's hard to see compared to other skin lines, to me it's just black/spooky green Viktor with black /spooky green friends (and previusly yellow Yorick).

All this being said I would have loved the Viktor skin about 2-3 years ago, so take it as a compliment that I view the current skin standards so high that I can't help but feel disappointed.

Riotmoonstones4 votes

Or is the current plan that Viktors skin won't be limited, due to his lack of available skins?

The team hasn't locked down availability for these three skins yet, although, I have brought up the matter of how many skins a champion currently has vs. the availability of the new skins. There's an ongoing discussion about it.

** but I guess over the years expectations built up for something more for both champs in my mind and these skins feels done already and pretty flat (imo).**

I think last year's 'classic Halloween costume' thematic set some really high expectations (and tbh, they're rad skins). Unless you take a look at year's worth of skins that come out this time of year, you may not have picked up that the thematics vary(or at least rotate around a bit - we've done costumes a couple times now). That to no fault of you, or any players, but imo, can definitely skew expectations.

, they're all just a black/spooky green skin to me. I'm sure a lot of work went into them, but it's hard to see compared to other skin lines, to me it's just black/spooky green Viktor with black /spooky green friends (and previusly yellow Yorick).

I appreciate the candid feedback. I know from our standpoint, we put a chunk of time into each of these skins, but if it doesn't show, that's something we need to level up.

I remember having something similar happen when we released Star Guardian Jinx. We changed all of the animations, but because they weren't insanely different (she has to hold weapons fairly similarly for gameplay reads), it came off as lazy/not a lot of effort was put into it. Work done v. perception is something I think we struggle with sometimes, and something we're aiming to get better with.

All this being said I would have loved the Viktor skin about 2-3 years ago, so take it as a compliment that I view the current skin standards so high that I can't help but feel disappointed.

Haha, well, that's something at least. :P If you don't mind my asking, if you're looking at this skin now, what would have made it a 1350 RP skin in your mind?

Nefas2 votes

Are there future plans for getting an unprocessed VO for Viktor? The robot VO just ruins this skin for me which is deeply disappointing.

Riotmoonstones2 votes

For the skin? No, there aren't any plans.

JooshBox4 votes

Just wanted to give my unpopular opinion but I really like the Kat skin and dislike the Zed and Viktor ones. Viktor's model and thematic are great, its just his spell effects I have a problem with. Every ability is the same shade of light blue. The ultimate is really cool love the wailing screams as you cast it. His laser though which is his bread and butter ability feels kind of lacking to me. His gravity field as well could stand out a bit more. I know base Viktor already has a purple W but making this one purple or maybe green would be cool. His Q would be cooler if he threw spectral energy and got a shield back akin to Soulstealer Vlad's Q. The Viktor skin is decent but I play Viktor the most out of these champs and probably would rather pick up Creator Viktor. Zed has a lot of issues but other people have mentioned them already. I hardly play Kat but am thinking about picking up this skin.

haywire android1 votes

[{quoted}](name=Riot KateyKhaos,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=QHWdFUv8,comment-id=000700010000,timestamp=2017-10-13T16:07:53.631+0000)

The team hasn't locked down availability for these three skins yet, although, I have brought up the matter of how many skins a champion currently has vs. the availability of the new skins. There's an ongoing discussion about it.

Here's to hopeing, I know that in my case it makes or breaks the deal of getting it or not. Since limited skins don't end up on sale I won't find it worth the 1350 price tag, but on a sale it might be worth.

[{quoted}](name=Riot KateyKhaos,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=QHWdFUv8,comment-id=000700010000,timestamp=2017-10-13T16:07:53.631+0000)

I think last year's 'classic Halloween costume' thematic set some really high expectations (and tbh, they're rad skins). Unless you take a look at year's worth of skins that come out this time of year, you may not have picked up that the thematics vary(or at least rotate around a bit - we've done costumes a couple times now). That to no fault of you, or any players, but imo, can definitely skew expectations.

It's not really about that for me, it's more of a readable thematic with a individual twist for every skin. To me all the skins look to alike and I have a hard time picking up individual details for them.

[{quoted}](name=Riot KateyKhaos,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=QHWdFUv8,comment-id=000700010000,timestamp=2017-10-13T16:07:53.631+0000)

I appreciate the candid feedback. I know from our standpoint, we put a chunk of time into each of these skins, but if it doesn't show, that's something we need to level up.

I get that, when I really look at them as still pictures I can see the work put into them, but moving around it's mostly a black shape with spooky green bloom effect and I know I'll likelly mistake Azir (grave lord?) and Viktor in the future while playing.

[{quoted}](name=Riot KateyKhaos,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=QHWdFUv8,comment-id=000700010000,timestamp=2017-10-13T16:07:53.631+0000)

I remember having something similar happen when we released Star Guardian Jinx. We changed all of the animations, but because they weren't insanely different (she has to hold weapons fairly similarly for gameplay reads), it came off as lazy/not a lot of effort was put into it. Work done v. perception is something I think we struggle with sometimes, and something we're aiming to get better with.

Maybe it's just me, but I didn't think about that at all. The one skin for Jinx I bought was coinsidently a halloween skin (Slayer, and I never play adc) simply because I liked the "Vroom" sound (like a chainsaw starting) when switching weapons. I guess that is what I'm missing in the Viktor skin, some loveable detail, as it is I just see it as a lich Viktor, not really knowing why he's a lich or picking up those extra details.

[{quoted}](name=Riot KateyKhaos,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=QHWdFUv8,comment-id=000700010000,timestamp=2017-10-13T16:07:53.631+0000)

Haha, well, that's something at least. :P If you don't mind my asking, if you're looking at this skin now, what would have made it a 1350 RP skin in your mind?

Likelly good voice processing, that was a big reason why I got Sorakas halloween skin at release.

But for me the skin lacks theme, I liked Soraka as a reaper (life/death theme, this was before Kindred was released I belive) and I can see Azir as a necromancer (sand soldiers -> spirit soldiers, it works) but for Viktor I guess I would imagine more like a Frankenstien character if working with an undead theme. Stitchworked body, augmenting himself with flesh instead of metal, perhaps a recall where he uses his third arm to stitch togheter a servant or himself, or unfold it to a lighning rod reanimating a corpse etc.

I get that skins explore new areas of "what if" for champions, but currently I don't see much of Viktor in the skin, more like what if Viktor was Khartus (or a lich in general) with voicelines that doesn't match.

But again little details could likelly have changed my mind, some horror movie references/homages might have done the trick or really good sound editing (as said I've been sold by a chainsaw sound before for a champ I pretty much never play).

Sexy Jack Rabbit1 votes

I don't think 'skewing' expectations is ever the issue. It's the skins team failing to provide a quality or satisfactory product but providing something that doesn't meet stuff we got not just last year, but SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

You say you aim to improve but it feels like you just rehash the same feedback everytime someone brings something up and then ignore it.

Vekkna6 votes

[{quoted}](name=Riot KateyKhaos,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=QHWdFUv8,comment-id=0007,timestamp=2017-10-12T18:52:04.877+0000) ...but they weren't fitting for the story telling/overall theme we went with this year.

Vik has a clear theme that's a sort of mashup of banshee, infernal, and undead. The tattered cloak and blue fire reads banshee. The ornate suit of armor and torch read as an undead knight. The mask, vfx, and fire read as infernal. It all works really well.

That theme translates to Zed's recall, particles, and shadows. The thread gets lost with his costume design, which looks new, high tech, and even futuristic. The blue skin here reads as electric energy, which makes the armor look more like a machine than a knight. In that context, the mask seems more Transformer than infernal machine.

Then the theme is lost almost entirely with Kat. The floating spectral hair and corset and keyhole bodice work for the undead/banshee noblewoman theme, but everything else screams "TRON." It's really just not a coherent or recognizable theme.

That said, the Kat skin is actually my favorite because the poor execution on the theme ended up being a very original creation. In a vacuum, I like that it's not immediately recognizable as an established concept. I have never seen a ghost-Tron-banshee-ninja-noble-knight in yoga pants before, but here I am wanting something I could have never thought of myself. I really love being surprised like that, and I will buy this skin.

CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK

I would suggest adding age and more medieval shapes to Zed's armor. That should also tone down the electric energy vibe from the skin. By "medieval shapes" I mean layers and plating, which will look more knight-ish. The current shapes (other than shoulders) look more architectural which given off a more industrial or robotic vibe.

Kat is a lot harder. First, replace the texture from the pants with the texture on her upper left arm. Change the hair to a gradient from black (at root) to spectral blue (at tips). Change the purple on her costume to red. Change the fuschia hands/knives/vfx to crimson. Change the lips to red. Lastly, add a very slight amount of green to skin.

The end result on Kat should be pretty good. The point is to move a little away from infernal and towards vampire, keep the banshee blue, and make it fit Kat better by pushing the noblewoman-knight theme a bit further. I think you have time to pull this off, but it's different enough that you could sell it (or the original) as a chroma. If you make it, I'll buy it!

AFilthyCaitMain3 votes

I like the skins, although Kat and Zed have the same problem of that they dont fit the skin theme because of texturing issues. Ill try to keep this short and sweet for you so you dont have to read much.

KAT

Her skin is a bit too bright for a dark and spooky Halloween skin, it looks more techy than anything. This is almost exclusively because the hair doesnt match the rest of her skin. Maybe add some black in the hair somewhere? Also could use more 'spectral' particles to make her just that bit more spoopy.

ZED

The model/armor just doesnt feel right. It looks too techy like Kat. Maybe add some elements of Viktors skin (like the mask, spectral fire particles, etc) and try to use that to make Zed look more like the skin line? His 'claws' also could use a bit more exaggeration imo.

All in all they just have a few model, particle, and texture/color issues that completely set off the feel of their skins.

Riotmoonstones4 votes

Her skin is a bit too bright for a dark and spooky Halloween skin, it looks more techy than anything. This is almost exclusively because the hair doesnt match the rest of her skin. Maybe add some black in the hair somewhere? Also could use more 'spectral' particles to make her just that bit more spoopy.

We've got a few tweaks heading to PBE today. The hair won't have black added, but we've made a few other adjustments that should put her more in line with the other two skins.

The model/armor just doesnt feel right. It looks too techy like Kat. Maybe add some elements of Viktors skin (like the mask, spectral fire particles, etc) and try to use that to make Zed look more like the skin line? His 'claws' also could use a bit more exaggeration imo.

That's interesting that you'd want more exaggeration in the claws; I've seen feedback that the claws are already too exaggerated. I'll sync with the team about the VFX!

Winterkill3 votes

[{quoted}](name=Riot KateyKhaos,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=QHWdFUv8,comment-id=0007,timestamp=2017-10-12T18:52:04.877+0000)

*KateyKhaos ;)

Harrowing/Tales From the First are not tied to to one particular thematic, such as traditional Halloween (pumpkins, witches). We've done several different themes this time of year. We've done traditional, haunted, zombies, slayers, as well as costumes. It isn't the same every year, and that's intentional.

You're disgusted by Zed and aren't happy with Viktor, which is your opinion and that's fine, but tell me why. We can't do much with what you're currently saying. We aren't going to remove/not ship these skins, but we are opening to hearing constructive, detailed feedback on what you like/dislike and how you'd change it/what you'd like to see changed - obviously within scope of time we have left.

I don't disagree that the art you'd posted (It'd be rad if you credited the artists!) are some awesome concepts that could work - especially something like the Halloween Bard, but they weren't fitting for the story telling/overall theme we went with this year.

There is a ward skin, Death Sworn ward - it's on PBE now, and will be shipping with these skins.

Sorry I got your name wrong.

Well I know people whined last year about having no Harrowing storyline or skins last year and 2015 so I am not too upset. Many of us are just getting sick and tired of seeing the same champions get skins every single year while another one is getting passed up for another Zed or Katarina skin. Let's not talk about Ahri. It just doesn't seem like you guys care anymore.

I don't like the Viktor one. I think you could have taken his visuals even farther for how long you made us wait on a skin for him. Why does he not have more ethereal looking animations on his ULT, W, E or Q? I mean it just looks like the same old crap with just darker tones. It may just be me not knowing what his lore is for this skin line but if he is supposed to be in the Shadow Isles . . . . his abilities should look more menacing and ethereal.

The Zed color scheme is all over the place and there is no absolutely no contrast in his form or clothing. He is too bright. I hate the swords on his back. I hate how large his claws are . . . . . I cannot tell any distinctive features he has on his face because it is all just one blob of bright color. The thing you got right on Viktor is that his appearance at least has contrast and you can see his face. The only thing I did like on the Zed skin is what you changed and that was his shadow clone color . . . . It's too dark now.

Katarina is a mess. The Katarina skin is the worst of the bunch and it looks very cheap. The daggers are humongous. The color scheme is in the same respect as the Zed one, way too bright with no contrast. The hair on this Katarina skin is the worst thing on this skin. It looks like pre VGU Miss Fortune hair and current Irelia hair. It's terrible. If you had added a faded effect like you did to Kayn's hair maybe it would be tolerable . . . but the color paired with those split ends . . . . is a walking bad hair day. If she is supposed to be from the Shadow Isles her skin should be more ethereal and maybe her eyes glow white or something. She looks too much like a human cosplaying as a Shadow Isles character. Maybe give her white eyes and a tinted blue skin or like Eve's skin color? IDK. She looks too human. Katarina's ability effects are terrible and very bland for a champion that should be bringing a certain theme to the skin line. Her ULT is a very big miss. I was expecting something amazing with her ULT and abilities.

Why you decided on Katarina for another Halloween skin is beyond my comprehension. She already has Kitty Kat Katarina. Why did you pick her for the only said reason of giving her a reason to have a skin every year? Zed looks terrible and doesn't fit. Zed and Katarina just don't look like they fit. Viktor is just bland and his ability effects could have been 10x better.

Riotmoonstones5 votes

It's fine, I'm just giving you shit. :P

Well I know people whined last year about having no Harrowing storyline or skins last year and 2015 so I am not too upset. Many of us are just getting sick and tired of seeing the same champions get skins every single year while another one is getting passed up for another Zed or Katarina skin. Let's not talk about Ahri. It just doesn't seem like you guys care anymore.

That's fair criticism. In all honesty, champion popularity actors into how we make the call on who's getting what and when. From the State of Skins Dev Blog -

So champion popularity definitely factors into how we make those decisions. If you guys are playing the crap out of a champion, we want to give you some new ways to experience that champ. If the play rate of a champion is really small… that’s where we find ourselves at a crossroads.

We are very sensitive to the fact that some champions have not received skins for a long time. When we are in planning, these champs are ALWAYS a part of the conversation.

I don't like the Viktor one. I think you could have taken his visuals even farther for how long you made us wait on a skin for him. Why does he not have more ethereal looking animations on his ULT, W, E or Q? I mean it just looks like the same old crap with just darker tones. It may just be me not knowing what his lore is for this skin line but if he is supposed to be in the Shadow Isles . . . . his abilities should look more menacing and ethereal.

He isn't meant to be from the Shadow Isles, iirc, and is more of a dead/risen entity.

Do you mean animations or VFX for the spells? I'm assuming VFX? I'm not a Viktor player by any means, so I'd be lying if I personally said I know what Viktor mains would expect from the VFX. If there were one aspect of the kit that you could change, what would it be/what would you like to see from it?

The Zed color scheme is all over the place and there is no absolutely no contrast in his form or clothing. He is too bright. I hate the swords on his back. I hate how large his claws are . . . . . I cannot tell any distinctive features he has on his face because it is all just one blob of bright color. The thing you got right on Viktor is that his appearance at least has contrast and you can see his face. The only thing I did like on the Zed skin is what you changed and that was his shadow clone color . . . . It's too dark now.

I'm happy to talk to the modeler and see if he can make anything pop more in terms of texture, but modeling changes are out of the question at this point, unfortunately.

The shadow needed to change for gameplay - colorblind players couldn't read it, and players who weren't colorblind couldn't see it in the river. Players also had a hard time differentiating between the shadow and Zed himself when playing against him, which is why we made him darker; it's closer to what his base/PROJECT shadows look like.

Katarina is a mess. The Katarina skin is the worst of the bunch and it looks very cheap. The daggers are humongous. The color scheme is in the same respect as the Zed one, way too bright with no contrast. The hair on this Katarina skin is the worst thing on this skin. It looks like pre VGU Miss Fortune hair and current Irelia hair. It's terrible. If you had added a faded effect like you did to Kayn's hair maybe it would be tolerable . . . but the color paired with those split ends . . . . is a walking bad hair day. If she is supposed to be from the Shadow Isles her skin should be more ethereal and maybe her eyes glow white or something. She looks too much like a human cosplaying as a Shadow Isles character. Maybe give her white eyes and a tinted blue skin or like Eve's skin color? IDK. She looks too human. Katarina's ability effects are terrible and very bland for a champion that should be bringing a certain theme to the skin line. Her ULT is a very big miss. I was expecting something amazing with her ULT and abilities.

We've made several changes for this skin, they'll be going out to PBE today. They include some if the feedback you're giving here.

Katarina isn't meant to be a full-on zombie in this skin. We towed the line between undead, but didn't want to push her over into Kalista's territory.

Why you decided on Katarina for another Halloween skin is beyond my comprehension. She already has Kitty Kat Katarina. Why did you pick her for the only said reason of giving her a reason to have a skin every year? Zed looks terrible and doesn't fit. Zed and Katarina just don't look like they fit. Viktor is just bland and his ability effects could have been 10x better.

It isn't to give her a skin every year, no. The team decided to give her this skin because of the story elements we were going for. We did talk about how she has Kitty Kat Katarina in her catalog, but we felt Death Sworn was so departed from anything Kitty Kat offered.

Mogarl1 votes

[{quoted}](name=Riot KateyKhaos,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=QHWdFUv8,comment-id=000700040000,timestamp=2017-10-13T16:21:05.417+0000)

I don't like the Viktor one. I think you could have taken his visuals even farther for how long you made us wait on a skin for him. Why does he not have more ethereal looking animations on his ULT, W, E or Q? I mean it just looks like the same old crap with just darker tones. It may just be me not knowing what his lore is for this skin line but if he is supposed to be in the Shadow Isles . . . . his abilities should look more menacing and ethereal.

He isn't meant to be from the Shadow Isles, iirc, and is more of a dead/risen entity.

Do you mean animations or VFX for the spells? I'm assuming VFX? I'm not a Viktor player by any means, so I'd be lying if I personally said I know what Viktor mains would expect from the VFX. If there were one aspect of the kit that you could change, what would it be/what would you like to see from it?

As a Viktor main I just wanted to drop some input here. This is a blend of my opinions and what people are talking about over on /r/viktormains

First off the Skin is largely satisfactory. I don't think anyone has been screaming about how it's literally the best skin ever, but it has been largely accepted as a distinct skin that will add to his appearance diversity well. It certainly met my primary desire of not being a "different level of robot/Glorious Evolution".

On the subject of VFX it is true that they are very different from Viktor's current VFX. Viktor's current VFX are pretty loud, and demand attention whereas Deathsworn is very quiet in comparison. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, again, it adds diversity to his skin options. There is however a concern that some of Deathsworn's VFX may be kind of pay2win since they are harder to see and his animations conceal each other. Personally I don't want to feel like a pay2win scumbag for whimsically selecting a random Viktor skin.

The only thing I'm kind of disappointed about is that, like Creator, Deathsworn has worse laugh spam than Default/Prototype/Machine since he can't play catch with himself. Hopefully when Viktor get's another skin in the distant(hopefully less than 4 years and 3 weeks+ this time) future he'll be able to play catch with himself, but I won't lose (much) sleep over it.

Anonagon12 votes

The problem with these skins as Harrowing skins is that there's no reason they have to come out at this time of year. The point of seasonal skins is to be seasonal, and really of these three new skins, only Viktor's feels like it is. The Katarina and Zed skins both feel very distant from the idea. I think only the Katarina skins is outright bad, and I think the Viktor one is really good, but the actual quality is not what matters here. General Dark/Death/Shadow Isles themes could be made at any time of year and no one would really question it. There is only one time of year for cheesy Halloween skins to come out, and that is now.

Your point about changing up the theme every year is pretty moot, too, because a very similar visual thematic has already been used in a past Harrowing, and done better - particularly the 2014 Harrowing, where Ravenborn Leblanc, Underworld Wukong, and Reaper Soraka came out. These three skins have a very similar overarching visual design to this year's Death Sworn skins, with glowing blues at the center. While the 2014 Harrowing skins also somewhat suffer from the problem of not necessarily needing to be tied to the Harrowing, its much more forgivable, for a few reasons.

The first reason is that the choices of champions that year was particularly interesting, with Reaper Soraka being a fun twist on League's dedicated healer, and Underworld Wukong turning a cocky good guy into an evil spirit. Katarina and Zed are both incredibly boring picks for this skin line, because it takes two edgy people who kill people with swords, and turns them into two edgy people who kill people with blue swords. Katarina is particularly bad because she's still human in the skin, at least visibly. She wouldn't be as offensive of a pick if there wasn't such a blatant attempt to keep her sex appeal, and she had blue skin like the other champions in the skin line. Ravenborn Leblanc got away with this in 2014 because the skins, while visually unified, aren't directly part of the same thematic.

That leads us into the second reason the 2014 Harrowing skins were more forgivable, which is that those skins were not directly part of the same thematic. This let them have their own interesting elements. Ravenborn Leblanc has her feathers, Reaper Soraka has her Scythe and bandages, and Underworld Wukong has his glowing blue-green skin. The other great thing about this is that it doesn't feel quite like this once-a-year event was ruined because of a single thematic. Part of the appeal of older Harrowing years was the fact that every skin was unique, despite being part of an event. There's something just exciting about the variety, like going to a costume party on Halloween. Its just really boring to show up to this year's party and see everyone dressed up the same.

Darius Strada3 votes

We aren't going to remove/not ship these skins

you did it with the Sewn Chaos skins that weren't that bad.

Riotmoonstones2 votes

We did, but that was a rare occurrence and isn't something you should expect when new skins come out on PBE.

Quepha9 votes

honestly, sewn chaos amumu seems like a better skin than these :
still confused as to why you canceled that skin.

Star Guardían2 votes

I actually thought the Sewn Chaos skins were actually pretty cool. Probably because they stirred up fond memories of Little Big Planet. I think maybe you guys could spruce them up a bit and make them more cute and I'd definitely buy them.

Teslyn2 votes

We want fun things.

Take time out the echo chamber and stop playing safe.

https://boards.na.leagueoflegends.com/en/c/general-discussion/j9XtZfN1-zed-and-katarina-skins-again

I feel you are asking feed back on your work. with this set of skins 'The theme is ... the theme is... i dont even know what the theme is.' i cant give feed back because it doesnt even make sense to me. what is it ghost theme. but not full ghost theme. what is katarina? a cosplayer. if the silhouette is the problem trash the idea.

What is this theme anyway. i feel like this is some modern art question where the value of the painting isnt the quality, but the sales pitch.

would have been happier if you just kept the zombie theme thing going, but i know thats not around the world.

----> hear me out <--- ----> if you have a pool of 6 themes: take 3 themes. and make 1 skin for each theme. so we get 1 skin for a set every other year. this makes it less of a start from the bottom skin thing for the holidays. Zombies thing was cool. loved the jinx one. would like to see more.

Have fun with it. seriously. do a short video on selecting the skin theme. like a bingo ball thing. or a spinning wheel. have that pre-recorded so before the reveal you tease us. it doesnt have to be live. probably in reality takes what 6 hours of work to make a video some props and upload it. have fun. let us in on the fun. cracking open eggs like they do at worlds. get us invested. even if you set up the results just give us something so we feel part of this.


Sexy Jack Rabbit1 votes

Why is Katarina's so uncreative?

She doesn't look like a ghost. Or a reaper. Or a soul reaper. She looks like a chick in cosplay with neon blue hair.

It's a really, really, really fucking boring design and it's so disappointing this what you've gone with AGAIN.

Is the team that strapped for ideas?

The skins team needs to step away from this crap. It's really boring.

Chembaron Yamada4 votes
  1. I actually like the Viktor skin, thinking about getting it.

  2. Keep in mind that they are aiming at skins with a shared theme. Dropping random skins here doesn't cut it, they should fit together.

  3. Sea Witch Nami and Day of the Dead Orianna are not really Halloween skins in my opinion.

I agree that Zed and Katarina were a let down, but we have to deal with it now. Viktor was highly requested to have this Halloween skin and that's a plus. If you want better skins next year, suggest a complete skin line with multiple champs for them.

Kloqdq3 votes
  1. Keep in mind that they are aiming at skins with a shared theme. Dropping random skins here doesn't cut it, they should fit together.

This is something I really wish Riot didn't force themselves to do all the time. Not every skin needs to have the same theme and solo skins can work just as well. One group of skins tied by a theme means if you don't like that theme, you are shit out of luck for 3 skins rather than just 1 out of the 3 different themes. It's just a little disappointing to see really :/

Chembaron Yamada2 votes

In general, I agree, more stand alone skins would be cool (we still get them, though. Look at Chemtech Tryndamere, Beekeeper Singed)

But for these holiday skins, it makes sense and I enjoy it. They share a theme, tell a story, like the witches summoning satan Teemo. Or Jinx and Pantheon fighting the zombie apocalypse.

I know, these skins kinda seem to lack such a story (could still be they come up with something), but I like the idea of making holiday skins sharing a theme.

Kloqdq2 votes

Yeah I get what you are saying. Maybe it's just personal bias but this years theme is not nearly as strong as last years.

HonestJohnTheCon4 votes

Eh, I realized why the Katarina and Zed skins seem bad compared to Viktor's, and that's because of Viktor's crimson cape. The other two use a bright pink that seems cheesy, so if they just replaced that with blood-red it would look a lot better.

Fear the Kayn4 votes

Riot has this thing for not listening to player created skins. No idea why, but it seems like such a chore for them to actually listen and create a player-designed skin (Dragon Master Swain, for example), even though those skins would be extremely lucrative. Very strange.

Personally, I'd really like there to be a monthly contest for a player designed skin to be voted into creation.

Vanjie3 votes

Agreed.

Dreamspitter3 votes

Shut up and don't take away my ghost-Wolverine Zed!

Nintendo 3DS2 votes

:O at this point a lot of players are expecting them to be scrapped.

Are you still looking for ideas for these skins ? i've got a lot to say :D What changes are really possible tho? idk if its too late but i'm really determined to save them if possible. Either way..well it be really sad for them. But can't like everything i suppose.

Rambi2 votes

I want to add my two cents here, as I've been playing since beta and have seen the themes change year to year. The biggest problem with this year is, like many have already said..... there is no theme. ESPECIALLY in comparison to last year's skins that were absolutely dripping in theme, this is a massive letdown. The whole point of holiday/seasonal skins is that they fit the theme of the holiday/season. I absolutely LOATHED the 2015 Harrowing skins and was bitterly disappointed, but, and I can't believe I'm saying it, I dislike these more.

The Zombie Slayer theme was a bad theme, but at least it had a theme. This year, the theme is... blue? vaguely spooky? kinda ghastly? I don't think I've seen a post in this thread that can pinpoint succinctly what the theme is. To be fair, I think the Viktor skin is fine, but not as a Harrowing skin. Release it as part of the D&D inspired skin set where he's a warlock or something. Others have already pointed out the many many issues with Zed and Kat.

I think what gets lost sometimes is that it's forgotten what the real reason is for players loving the seasonal skins. We look forward to these every year because it's an awesome chance to have a few skins absolutely dripping with the theme of the season or the holiday. We get vaguely edgy skins all year long, so why do the Harrowing skins need to be more of the same?

I think there's a particular backlash to these skins because this year, we also got the bitter disappointment of no Pool Party skins. So Katey, it does sound like Riot listens to feedback. Hopefully next year, it's reflected on why 2015 and 2017 were so reviled, and why 2016 is universally beloved.

Nintendo 3DS1 votes

Feels a bit sad for Viktor. He finally has his moment to shine after waiting years for a new skin and... It happen to be on the worst skin batch released. Cmon, the robot husband deserves better. WAY BETTER. (honestly after letting him without a skin for so long i would have expected him to get a skin for himself only, not part of a line, and especially not the worst line ever, and even less legacy)

Here is a idea : just scrap these Death Sworn and make Sewn Chaos the Halloween skin of this year :^)

Zed looks painful and embarrassing to look at. And yet the shadows as ghost was a great idea. Kata is pretty but her fanservice is showing too much and she's dull as hell. Rito please don't kill off your concepts before they are even born... Viktor is... well, i'm glad he has a skin fnally. Its just not...at the good moment.

AbiwonKenabi1 votes

I actually wasn't even thinking they were Halloween skins, but yeah, I guess they are.

It's difficult to follow up last year's skins; Morgana, Tristana and Teemo all got some of their best skins period, in one fell swoop. However, I am disappointed that they weren't more creative like they were with Tristana, for example. Heck, even some of the older skins like Headless Hecarim, Haunted Maokai, Mundo Mundo, Lollipoppy, Bewitching Nidalee, that one LeBlanc skin...all of those skins are more in the Halloween spirit in some fashion and are creative and fun.

Death Sworn I guess they are going for the Shadow Isle look? Like a "what-if" skin? But even then it fails because the Zed and Katarina skins are nothing special. It has nothing to do with their popularity or frequency of skins and everything to do with skins that just aren't interesting or fun. Kitty Katarina is fun, even if it's just an outfit change and inspired by a simple name pun. Death Sworn Katarina just has nothing going for it. Like, why should Katarina get the skin, how does it suit her theme better than any others? I would have rather her gotten a Vampire hunter-themed skin or something, felt like that would have been a lot cooler and visually distinct from her other skins (I guess it doesn't fit the "theme" for this year though. Hm...a Vampire hunter line would be pretty sweet though...Katarina, Vayne, maybe someone gets a Vampire skin...See? I came up with this theme in like ten seconds and it's already more compelling than this theme they probably worked months on).

Viktor's skin is the one good thing coming out of this. The theme actually suits him for one: a man obsessed with improving his weak human body into something better, only this time its undead-ness not machinery. Visually it suits him too, as Viktor is always one for being sort of regal and superior, almost super-villain-y. I do wonder if we could have gotten a better skin for him after such a long wait, but what we got isn't bad, and distinct enough from his other skins to hopefully satisfy Viktor fans for a while.

robotmaster1 votes

Yeah champs that haven’t gotten a skin in a year and a half or more would be been a nice opportunity.

Monkeytender1 votes

Katey, I gotta ask, why the decision to make all three Halloween skins this year for mid champions? I feel like these holiday skin lines are looked forward to by the majority of the playerbase each year, so to limit all three skins to mid players feels kinda crummy.

Variks the Loyal1 votes

I love the new skins you heathen.

JooshBox1 votes

Those Bard skins I would buy both instantly.

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