58 Comments

M00ndanc317 votes

i just like that they made her hair length the same as her splash

StigtriX10 votes

I have the same opinion about Karthus, Mordekaiser and Yorick too: they go too far away from the all-black metal look. I am baffled that they went with a dark blue colour, and made the chains so dark that they are hard to discern from her dress. They also made her bracelets brown... Brown?!? Really? It ends up looking medieval instead of metal. The new Pentakill Kayle skin is executed well in all-black, so why go away from that for the rest of the skins? The band suddenly looks like members from different groups. I thought you were all about clarity and staying with themes for skins. I must say the Pentakill skins are the most disappointing ones regarding staying with the theme.

Bring them back... BACK IN BLACK! #PentakillBackInBlack

Lux or Rando6 votes

It doesn't need to be BLACK to be part of a Metal band. They aren't GOTH that would be more fitting if it were the case but it's not. Other dark colors work perfectly fine here.

Poro Snax2 votes

[{quoted}](name=Lux or Rando,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=cHMZjBAM,comment-id=00060001,timestamp=2017-07-27T04:43:52.412+0000)

It doesn't need to be BLACK to be part of a Metal band. They aren't GOTH that would be more fitting if it were the case but it's not. Other dark colors work perfectly fine here.

That doesn't make sense D: Metal bands dont't dress in fancy colorful clothes? Even Baby Metal does blacks and reds. I mean keep the blue for gods sake but change the textures so it doesn't look so fancy. The new textures are great, she's not so blobby anymore but no metal artist is going to wear a brand new ball gown to one of their shows.

None of these metal bands look like they want to wear something such as that

http://i.imgur.com/DogB3xA.jpg

http://loudwire.com/files/2014/11/Korn1-630x420.jpg?w=630

http://imgur.com/a/9BTOJ

http://imgur.com/a/OorfD

Targon9 votes

I really wish they would change her dress back to black. I much prefer the darker colours on the skin.

Sukishoo9 votes

It looks much more like the Splash art now.

Cause that is NOT black in the splash http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fFYsgWbgiKI/U4ePjGuWfLI/AAAAAAAAQow/ftcJDmaAPE0/s1600/Karthus_Splash_4.jpg

Poro Snax6 votes

That's a darker blue, not to mention with that logic in mind, why make the chains and etwahl blue? In the art the etwahl is a blackish blush and the chains are dark gray. Those chains are NOT blue in the splash. Yes the art isn't black but its not royal blue either. The art was probably made before the model, which is why the art is a different color than the model.

Edit - Oops I meant the art is probably made after the model.

Sukishoo7 votes

The art was probably made before the model

If that were true then the Model would have had the same Color to begin with, but oh whats that? the Splash was updated in 2014 much after these skins had already existed. So now they are trying to adjust the old model to look more like the current art.

They obviously just wanted to do a bit of a contrast on the chain and etwahl to make them appear darker as they also do in the splash. Before they were way lighter. Etwahl actually does have a blue, if not purple tint in the splash as well.

Poro Snax3 votes

{quoted}

If that were true then the Model would have had the same Color to begin with, but oh whats that? the Splash was updated in 2014 much after these skins had already existed. So now they are trying to adjust the old model to look more like the current art.

They obviously just wanted to do a bit of a contrast on the chain and etwahl to make them appear darker as they also do in the splash. Before they were way lighter. Etwahl actually does have a blue, if not purple tint in the splash as well.

I never said etwahl didn't have blue xD But I've never seen the original art was it blue as well?? I can't tell if what I'm finding is fanmade or official for her old splash, I'd love to know xD I might have to change my whole outlook LOL

Poro Snax3 votes

{quoted}

This was the original splash http://www.leaguesplash.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Pentakill-Sona.jpg it looked horrible.

Everything is an upgrade after seeing that gruss

StigtriX3 votes

That's the lighting from the scene lights. Look at her in-game skin: http://images.mmorpg.com/images/galleries/formatted/342012/f57b86f5-ae7a-48b6-b998-5dee3578224f.jpg

Why do you insist on being right when you are wrong?

Sukishoo6 votes

Nice copy paste lel

StigtriX4 votes

No... Just because they have chosen to colour them that way, it does not mean it should stay that way. They are supposed to be a metal band, not a colourful one. Their original skins were all black. You do not seem to know the history of the skins. And as you can see in my comment below: it is just the scene lights that make her dress seem purple/dark blue.

Riotmoonstones8 votes

Hey!

I apologize in advance for the copy pasta, but I wanted to make sure context behind this change was spread around a bit.

TL;DR after our discussion: We're going to roll with keeping her dress as-is

Basically, this is what we would have made Pentakill Sona look like if we had designed her based on the standards we have today.

When we were working on her, we decided a blue tint was better because this is a semi reflective fabric, whether it's velvet, satin, or taffeta, the black would be reflecting color off. Also, the dark, dark blue separates everything and makes her an easier read in game; her etwahl and chains don't blend into her model and muddy things up from game height.

I realize this isn't the answer everyone is going to be hoping for, but I did want to provide some context, as having things change without any kind of reasoning (especially when it's something you like) sucks.

Malicious Metal4 votes

On topic of these changes. What about Pentakill Mordekaiser's Doritos-Colored horns?

They're neither represented on the splash art nor do they really add to the awesome feel of the skin. The other updates to his model are top notch though but the horns are really a deal breaker.

And that's coming from someone who has been playing with the skin for over four years now.

Riotmoonstones5 votes

That's something we'll be discussing today, so I don't have an answer for you just yet! I have seen this thread and that's what sparked wanting to have this conversation.

Malicious Metal3 votes

Thanks a lot Katey! Still, don't take this as me bashing the update, because it's actually really, really good, it's just some minor things that irk me, and apparently other players too, you're doing a great job trying to bring these PK skins up to date with other skins!

Also, have a cookie! http://img14.deviantart.net/2c92/i/2015/347/0/5/morde_cookies_by_nimrohd-d9k00sj.jpg

Riotmoonstones4 votes

Aww, I missed seeing these cookies. :P

No, no, it's all good. We had a sync up this morning, and we're changing the helmet back to grey. I put a more detailed reply in the thread I'd linked in my previous comment, if you're interested.

Malicious Metal2 votes

Oh, that's neat.

Guess we'll see if the molten/fiery metal returns once he gets a Vgu, huh?^^

Riotmoonstones2 votes

One can hope. If that happens, I'd better see some orange frosting on those cookies. ;)

Malicious Metal2 votes

Orange frosting?

They'd be on fire! Through fire and flames I'll carry them to Riot HQ! https://m.popkey.co/e13cfb/kdK0E.gif

Moonboy651 votes

will you make any small changes to her hair though?

Riotmoonstones3 votes

For Pentakill Sona, changes that have been made are final.

Poro Snax2 votes

[{quoted}](name=Riot KateyKhaos,realm=NA,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=cHMZjBAM,comment-id=000a,timestamp=2017-07-28T16:37:43.651+0000)

Hey!

I apologize in advance for the copy pasta, but I wanted to make sure context behind this change was spread around a bit.

TL;DR after our discussion: We're going to roll with keeping her dress as-is

Basically, this is what we would have made Pentakill Sona look like if we had designed her based on the standards we have today.

When we were working on her, we decided a blue tint was better because this is a semi reflective fabric, whether it's velvet, satin, or taffeta, the black would be reflecting color off. Also, the dark, dark blue separates everything and makes her an easier read in game; her etwahl and chains don't blend into her model and muddy things up from game height.

I realize this isn't the answer everyone is going to be hoping for, but I did want to provide some context, as having things change without any kind of reasoning (especially when it's something you like) sucks.

As a fan of metal, it's awful that you want to portray a metal band like this. Like can't Sona look badass? On the bright side, the textures are great.

Daedric Etwahl2 votes

I have to say, thank you entirely for the update to Sona. I now I'm late, but I still wanted to thank someone. While there are some things I have my issues with regarding this entire Pentakill event as a whole, I just want to focus on thanking you guys for bringing us these things.

I've played Sona almost exclusively for the near two years I've played League, and I have all her skins, and while I love them all, Pentakill definitely felt like her weakest, in contrast to the amazing splash art. When I saw this update, honestly I see nothing but improvements. The blue dress is still a dark color, so it still fits well, and I'm so incredibly grateful you guys took the time to improve her. Pentakill Sona has now jumped up to my second favorite Sona skin after Sweetheart.

So, thank you again for making my favorite champion even better! x3

Riotmoonstones4 votes

Hiya!

My first question is, how many mastery points are you at with this lady? ;)

Second, more serious question, would you mind elaborating on what your issues were with the Pentakill event?

It's really great to hear that a die hard Sona player is happy with the changes - I've passed along your comments to the team who worked on her (and the other Pentakill content). I agree that before any changes, Pentakill was one of her weaker skins (despite me only playing that skin until Arcade came out). Fun fact, I also used to main this lady several seasons ago!

I know some of them have been controversial, and I think it's always difficult to see something you're a bit attached to change, but to keep in mind that we're doing it not because we want to piss people off, but because we think it's better for the overall content/game.

[slayer-jinx-catface]

Daedric Etwahl3 votes

Hello! I'm glad you responded! :D

To answer your first question, if I remember correctly I recently peaked 600k mastery points with her, and she's far and above my highest mastery. No one comes close that I've played x3

As for your second question, I suppose it's just really my one little nitpick with the new Pentakill Kayke skin. I suppose I'm slightly bitter that we're adding a sixth band member to a band called Pentakill, and I suppose just the whole feeling of now having a new member isn't sitting well with me. I am curious as to what made the decision to make the new skin a new band member as opposed to fans of the band or roadies or what have you.

Beyond that, I honestly don't have many complaints with Pentakill. It's still one of my favorite skinlines for the original 5 group splashart on its own, and the music is great. Really the only nitpick I have is with the new summoner icons. I didnt really look at the others but it isnt immediately obvious to the untrained that one is Sona's etwahl. But that's just me being super biased. I still hope we'll get an icon with Sona herself, along the lines of the Nami, Quinn, and Zyra icons we've gotten. X3

Sona is personally my absolute favorite thing in League and she somehow manages to be the most fun thing in the game for me, so I'll be following any news about her x3

Aha, sorry, this really got away from me! Sorry it ended up so long and kinda scattered!

Moonboy652 votes

the summoner icon is her instrument (the design of the skull on the front) https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9NhfrCnuAjo/WXt_0FK4xXI/AAAAAAAAqWI/OsddnDE6UZ0Anjhr5GFXeP2A-HiYqjt2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/6074899199371349.jpg

each member of Pentakill (excluding Karthus and Kayle as they are the singers) have their own summoner icons

Yorick and Mordekaiser have their guitar (Base for Yorick and Guitar for Mordekaiser Olaf has his drumsticks Sona has her etwhal

Daedric Etwahl1 votes

Yeah I noticed that's the front of Pentakill Sona's etwahl, I was just noting that you can't really see the strings on it or anything.

But, again, that's really just me being a nitpicky bitch :P

Riotmoonstones4 votes

You've certainly got me beat there, I'm only at around 95k. D:

I can see where you may be troubled with a sixth member contradicting what a Pentakill technically is, five. Does this mean we should change it to Hextakill? ;) Seriously though, you aren't the only one sharing that sentiment, so I wouldn't call it nitpicky. From my perspective, it's the band name, and doesn't necessarily describe the number of members in the band. As much as I love Sona, my headcanon also has her ditching Pentakill to become a DJ, haha.

The icons themselves were pretty difficult to execute on, particularly Sona's. I'd love to see an icon for Sona, too, but I think she'd be better off using her base, or maybe even Arcade. When working on the Pentakill icons, there was a lot of trouble with the idea of making a Pentakill Sona icon because she has long, red, straight hair - and hey, so does Katarina. ;-; Ultimately, we decided that she and a couple others were better represented by their weapons to avoid confusion and to make them more unique/distinct.

No worries, I love talking about the dev process for things, especially when it's a champion I'm particularly attached to.

Side note - the Pentakill video went out yesterday; what're your thoughts?

DeathBurst2 votes

From my perspective, it's the band name, and doesn't necessarily describe the number of members in the band.

To add to that... The name of the band is Pentakill, not Pentakiller or Pentadead or Pentartist. Who said you couldn't play tag team to get a Pentakill?

As much as I love Sona, my headcanon also has her ditching Pentakill to become a DJ, haha.

Gaah, shame on you. Sona is just having a pet project on the side 'cause Mordekaiser and Yorick spend too much time whining and getting drunk between two albums, she needs to get sh*t done, she's a productive artist. But she'll always be there when you need some Power Chords. And who could make a Metal band without Power Chords?

Daedric Etwahl1 votes

Whoops I only noticed this super late, darn work and sleep schedule xD

From my perspective, it's the band name, and doesn't necessarily describe the number of members in the band.

That's very true, I kept that in mind as well, it is just the band name! And I personally have different headcanons for every skin of hers xD

For the icons, I ultimately must agree with using their weapons/instruments as the icons, they're unmistakable who they're representing, I suppose, now that I think about it. And yeah the similarities to Katarina are notable D:

I personally would much rather prefer an icon for a skin other than Arcade, as I personally feel like the skin is a tad overrated and crowds her other skins (barring DJ of course) out of the spotlight, but that's just me.

No worries, I love talking about the dev process for things, especially when it's a champion I'm particularly attached to.

I'm glad to know there are Rioters who like Sona, too! It's somehow nice to know! x3

Side note - the Pentakill video went out yesterday; what're your thoughts?

Oh my gooooood I absolutely loved it. Seeing Sona on the home page of the client already hyped me into overdrive, but seeing her in the actual video, I was totally fangirling over it, she looked amaaaazing! Just, every part with her in it (hell, anything with her in it, PERIOD) just leaves me clamoring for more, more, more! And the way her chains moved was just awesome too! I could go on! xD Personally, I was also really glad that Kayle didn't steal the spotlight away from the original five, which is always a little bit of a worry with things like this.

Also idunno if you had any hand in the Pentakill Ask Riot page, but Sona's response where she morse codes the Navy Seals copypasta was absolutely hilarious. I hope more stuff like Sona actually "saying" things happens in the future x3

Riotmoonstones2 votes

Haha, all good!

For the icons, I ultimately must agree with using their weapons/instruments as the icons, they're unmistakable who they're representing, I suppose, now that I think about it. And yeah the similarities to Katarina are notable D:

If we had a larger piece of real estate, it'd be much easier to differentiate, but we're talking 190x190 in most spots. ;-;

I personally would much rather prefer an icon for a skin other than Arcade, as I personally feel like the skin is a tad overrated and crowds her other skins (barring DJ of course) out of the spotlight, but that's just me.

Understandable! It's low hanging fruit, IMO, but I'm a tad biased, as it's my favorite Sona skin. :P

I'm glad to know there are Rioters who like Sona, too! It's somehow nice to know! x3

I'm sure we could find mains of every champion somewhere or other in the office. Honestly, we try to hunt them down when we're making a new skin/a similar champion because we feel they're some of the best people to grab early feedback from.

Oh my gooooood I absolutely loved it. Seeing Sona on the home page of the client already hyped me into overdrive, but seeing her in the actual video, I was totally fangirling over it, she looked amaaaazing! Just, every part with her in it (hell, anything with her in it, PERIOD) just leaves me clamoring for more, more, more! And the way her chains moved was just awesome too! I could go on! xD Personally, I was also really glad that Kayle didn't steal the spotlight away from the original five, which is always a little bit of a worry with things like this.

That's great to hear! ^-^ I absolutely agree - it was nice to see some fairly equal air time, despite vocalists usually stealing the spotlight. ;)

Also idunno if you had any hand in the Pentakill Ask Riot page, but Sona's response where she morse codes the Navy Seals copypasta was absolutely hilarious. I hope more stuff like Sona actually "saying" things happens in the future x3

I didn't, but I can let the team know you enjoyed it. <3

Daedric Etwahl1 votes

Understandable! It's low hanging fruit, IMO, but I'm a tad biased, as it's my favorite Sona skin. :P

Hey, everybody's got a favorite! I'll take Arcade over nothin, at the end of the day xD I'm suoer biased towards Sona as a whole so I can't really talk xD

Thank you for this conversation! It was very enjoyable

Nylisa1 votes

i know im a little behind but as another die hard fan of sona, i wanted to thank you guys for all the cool updates you certainly made my day , no no my week , or my year! so thank you :D

i was absolutely over-hyped to see her model updated and her outstanding appearance in the new music video.

InstaPoppy1 votes

Hey, i know its a bit late to comment on this but thank you for updating her skin, i personally really love the changes! I'm really tempted to buy it but i'l have to make sure to use it along sweetheart and dj which i also adore :) She's been one of my favorite champions ever since i started playing around a year ago, although i like her better as a mid than support now :P. I really hope she gets a lore update in the near future to fit in better with the other newer champion lores. And i can't wait to see what you guys come up with when the time is finally there.

Riotmoonstones2 votes

Not too late! Even after a PBE cycle, it's good to know what went well and what didn't (we actually do internal retrospectives!), so that we can shape how we create things in the future. :)

Moonboy656 votes

i like her new textures, the blue dress could be darkened tho

ModAcademy Kayn5 votes

Because it looks better :T

Daedric Etwahl5 votes

I personally think it looks pretty fine. Don't get me wrong I don't really care either way, but I think both the black and the blue look nice.

I'm just glad they did something about her hair.

AbiwonKenabi1 votes

My thoughts exactly. Also, I like your Summoner Name :3

Daedric Etwahl2 votes

Aw, why thank you, friend! :D

Stars Shaper2 votes

Pure black is a nasty color to deal with in games so they are shifting to other dark ones (they did the same with Morde basic and Pentakill skins adding some purple).

TwitchInMyPants4 votes

What's pure black about that? It's a very dark grey with white on it for a spider effect, find me a black particle in this game that would blend in with that and I'd admit there's a possible clarity problem. Most of the projectiles are pretty standard reds/blues(or greens) so that there's clarity on which team is using it, it should be fine for a character to wear black as long as they don't look like a blob of darkness on the screen.

Poro Snax2 votes

[{quoted}](name=Stars Shaper,realm=EUW,application-id=6kFXY1kR,discussion-id=cHMZjBAM,comment-id=0004,timestamp=2017-07-26T08:09:43.282+0000)

Pure black is a nasty color to deal with in games so they are shifting to other dark ones (they did the same with Morde basic and Pentakill skins adding some purple).

no :c

Selegun2 votes

That blue pops out a bit more compared to the old black. I'm also liking the darker chains as it blends everything to gather without causing the color to fight for your attention.

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