Some thoughts on new Aatrox and what I'd like changed/updated (non-gameplay)

Hey guys, long-term Aatrox player here and I just wanted to present a few thoughts I had while playing reworked Aatrox on the PBE.

Now obviously, this rework isn't going to appeal to everyone and I can accept that it will upset a lot of legacy Aatrox players in its goal in bringing in new fans to the champion. I for one, am open to change, as long as I know it's being delivered in a true and respectful manner.

So then, does new Aatrox live up to his theme he was promised since creation? Well if you're talking about cinematics and gameplay design-wise, I think he does. However, there are a few major things that I feel ruin the immersion and personality of the character.

First of all, why does Aatrox have a weird Russian-comrade accent? It's fun and jokey at first but he easily becomes irritating due to the frequency in which he converses. If there was one thing I wanted to keep from old Aatrox, it'd be his calm and cold demeanour. New Aatrox has a super serious theme, has a super serious goal, has super serious moves but he talks like a damn clown and doesn't ever shut up. I know they're probably not going to reuse his old voice but please for the love of god, lower the frequency in which he talks.

Secondly, his alternative skins/splash arts man... I know with the changes with his rig they felt like they needed to change the swords both in game and splash but damn, those photoshopped weapons look super out of place and to be honest, kind of lazy. I don't think the intended goal was to push players like me away from choosing skins but seriously, splash arts unironically DO influence what I feel like picking/purchasing and as they are now, I don't feel like using anything besides the new classic skin.

Finally, his in-game model while good for the most part could use a bit of a touch-up. I like how he handles and how his animations play out but his models (especially those damn chicken wings) need work. I think giving him a bit more definition and depth would greatly enhance his look and also make him that much more enticing to play and look at. I'd also suggest either removing/replacing the wings entirely or giving them just a wee bit more size to really animate his demonic look.

While he's definitely not the same Aatrox I knew and loved, I'm hoping he can at least share some semblance to the former Darkin Blade. Quite excited to see what this rework will do for the champion, and hoping my boy Aatrox gets the love and care he deserves.