Shen W animation is very underwhelming for cool aoe dodge ability

redfeenix·Jul 4, 2016·5 votes·1,113 views

Currently Shens W creates a simple blue circle and apparantly blocks all auto-attackers magically.

My suggestion for improving this thematic is if Shen knocked way all incomming projectiles using speedy ninja hands (ie catching/deflecting arrows, bullets and swords with his bare hands or his sword) .

During Jax's counter strike, he twirls his weapon and deflects all projectiles. Shen should also move fast in order to protect his allies by intercepting/ catching all incoming autos.

Do you guys like shen's current w (animation)? I feel it looks very lackluster for how strong the skill is. **It feels like RIOT just ran out of money in the middle of the Shen update to make his w look good. **

Or do you think the animation could be improved a different way

Thanks

6 Comments

Valaran NaraJul 4, 20161 votes

That would cause too much feed back to cipher through when looking at everything. I say this because the projectiles could come from everywhere, and that means they would have to make the animation move faster and faster.

With Jax, it is in tight circle with a specified rotation speed. It's clear what is happening. What you ask for could use too much resources or won't read well as it might overcome too much visually what's going on.

redfeenixJul 4, 20161 votes

Hey valaran,

What if Shen had a non-directional, generic animation for catching/deflecting missiles like jax?

I just think having a random blue circle on the floor is really boring. Shen should be doing SOMETHING while he is saving his team. Any other ideas bud?

Valaran NaraJul 4, 20162 votes

{quoted}

Hey valaran,

What if Shen had a non-directional, generic animation for catching/deflecting missiles like jax?

I just think having a random blue circle on the floor is really boring. Shen should be doing SOMETHING while he is saving his team. Any other ideas bud?

It's a cool idea, but here's the problem: It's his sword. Shen can't be the one deflecting it if it is not him blocking everything. If you are not in the zone that his sword has made, then nothing is being blocked. If we go with your idea, Shen would be "flailing about" without achieving anything. This especially would be the case if, say, he used his W, but his Q is too far away for him to even run towards. You'll see him physically moving his arms about but not accomplishing anything.

Now, there's also the situation where it only occurs (the hands) if he IS in the circle. Okay, cool that works. The problem now is that you need to make sure you work the attack animation into his blocks or catching which will be completely random depending on enemy's attack speed, how many enemy's there are, the location of said enemies, and if they are even attacking him and not another ally.

From a design standpoint it's a cool thing they would love to implement, but it would be too costly and time consuming when they can do something that's just as effective.

I think the only thing they could "potentially" add to it is a forcefield. Think of it as the energy surrounding Shen as he ults an ally. You see small dots popping up to show that they are under siege but defended. The only problem is, honestly, visual clutter.

redfeenixJul 4, 20162 votes

Hey thanks for the reply. I made a mistake I thought Shen w was a radius around him, not his sword.

There are really great points you made though! Thanks for your thoughts I really enjoyed reading them :)

Meep ManJul 5, 20162 votes

We could have a "Spirit Shen" deflect the attacks. Similar to Guinsoo's, have a Shen that is the same color of his blade appear and block the basic attacks.

redfeenixJul 6, 20161 votes

Deflecting autos is a cool thing and rare in the game. ChaMpions need some quick sick physical skills to do that. Not a magic blue circle. Really disappointed as this woulda made Shen seem like the skilled master Ninja he is, protecting his allies by snatching bullets mid air.

Also I hate the fact w is on his sword. How the fuck does a sword stuck In The ground deflect arrows and bullets? W should be around the Shen. He is the skilled ninja that can do that, not his dumb sword.