It’s hard to believe League of Legends has been out for two years now, but when I look at the number of matches I’ve played, I would hope it has been at least that long. I’ve played thousands of games across the different maps and game modes available and enjoyed the hell out of the game. It’s nice to see Riot getting excited about the phenomenon they’ve created. Apparently today should hold a few surprises for us players, not the least of which is the release of Surprise Party Fiddlesticks, the newest legendary skin in the league.

For those that don’t know, Surprise Party Fiddlesticks started as an idea on the forums. A summoner by the name “GreenEyedMonster” and his friends started yelling “Surprise!” one day in vent and so the idea was born. A couple months later and the skin is now live.

It’s awesome, by the way. I picked it up first thing this morning and have since seen it in just about every game. His ult is amazing, but it’s the little details that make it cool. His pinwheel spins while he’s channeling Drain. Drain looks like swirling streamers. He silences his enemies with a balloon animal. Absolutely amazing stuff.

I hope Riot hooked GreenEyedMonster and his friends up with some Riot points or at least a few skin codes. It’s very cool to see a community skin like this make it to live servers.

I was really excited when I realized the Harrowing was coming back around. Last year’s Harrowing skins remain some of my favorite skins in the game. Zombie Ryze is one of the main reasons I enjoy playing Ryze. Lollipoppy is my favorite skin in-game to date, bar none. When I heard there was a Frankenstein Annie costume, I couldn’t wait to see the rest of the skins.

Riot put together a cute little video to show off the new attire. I’m definitely going to pick up Frankentibbers Annie, but the rest don’t really do it for me. I kinda like the Blitzcrank skin, but I already own Boom Boom Blitzcrank and Rusty Blitzcrank. The Nidalee skin looks too much like Sorceress Lux and the Nocturne skin looks an awful lot like his Frozen Terror skin.

Will you be buying into the Harrowing this year?

I was hesitant to say much about Xerath’s skins on his release, mostly because I didn’t really get a chance to see them in game. After looking at some of the screenshots, though, I’m not sure I would have known if he was skinned or not.

Recent champion releases have been pretty good – there is usually at least one skin with a slightly different model and design – but the Xerath releases were basically recolors. I think part of that has to do with his model; it’s kinda tough to make that model look like more than a recolor without dramatically altering it (maybe he needs a hat).

Riot has heard the community feedback and has plans to make changes to the skins to make them a little more interesting. I’m glad to see them willing to make a change, though I’m sure it will still be frustrating for people who passed on a bundle because the skins were so underwhelming. Maybe the skins will go on sale to account for the updates.

I was cruising some of the red posts on the forums today and noticed a post about a new Irelia skin. I haven’t been looking for mid-cycle skins for a while now, in large part because they stopped being mid-cycle. While I was poking around for the Irelia skin, I figured I might as well have a look at what else was in the mix.

And then I found this. Yes, it’s another Teemo skin. It’s not just any skin, though, it’s…it’s…it’s SUPER TEEMO!

I can’t lie, I’m pretty excited for this skin. Can’t help but wonder if Riot will do something special to announce its release. I’d really like to see more skins in this style – something silly and fun that has nothing to do with warfare. We got another Caitlyn skin this week that’s just another chick with a big gun and an undersized bra. Caitlyn is sort of an exception – it’s tough to come up with really creative stuff for her paradigm – but there are so many options for fun champion skins. The day I see Xin Zhao wielding anything but a spear is the day I buy a Xin Zhao skin to replace Commando.

Earlier this weekend Riot finally gave us some news on Winged Hussar Xin Zhao, a skin that has been in the game files for months. Some time ago a Rioter posted that the Winged Hussar skin would be part of a special promotion. Now, though, it seems he’ll be available for purchase starting tomorrow.

Here’s the official post:

The Seneschal of Demacia is here to let you know that the Winged Hussars are on the lookout for new recruits! The legendary Winged Hussars will be opening up their books to new members starting this Monday, the 26th of September, so don’t miss roll call! If you’re ready to don your set of historical-inspired armor, you’ll be pleased Winged Hussar Xin Zhao is on the march!

The language here is a little confusing, if only because of the word “legendary.” You know, the same word Riot uses to let us know when skins are going to be extra-expensive.

As far as I can tell, this skin is one of two things. Either it’s the legendary Xin Zhao skin, or it’s the launch of another skin set like the Pentakill or Crimson Elite skins. For my part, I hope it’s the latter. I’d like to think the legendary skin for Xin could be a bit better than a guy with a spear.