With Ahri’s release, Riot also implemented some sexy new champion screens to the PvP.net client. What are champion screens? You know, those screens you would look at to see who was getting new skins and…nothing else. Honestly, these things have been in need of an update for quite some time, an update that turned out quite nicely.

As you can see from the screenshot, the initial page still includes all of the old information – what archetype the character falls under, the relative strengths and weaknesses, and a brief look at abilities. The more exciting parts of the character screens are on the subsequent tabs. The Abilities tab has videos of each ability in action, and the Tips and Items page makes a nice addition for players ready to try out new champions.

I think the best part of these changes is that it will give players a quick, easy way to learn what they’re up against. As the field of champions grows, it only becomes more difficult for new players to learn the game, and the gap between veterans and newbies grows. This could reduce the barrier to entry, which can only be a good thing.

I would like to see some of the champion abilities used with more context. With Alistar, for example, the Triumphant Roar and Unbreakable videos don’t really show what the skills do. His health bar isn’t showing for Triumphant Roar, and the only numbers the video shows are the mana cost (and it isn’t explicitly clear that the number is the mana cost). The same goes for Unbreakable. I’d like it if the video showed that the skill could break Alistar out of crowd control effects.

Alright, his name isn’t “the love gargoyle,” but he sounds a little bit like he might try to hug you to death. Riot gave a cursory preview to this upcoming champion today with the usual limited information and disclaimers that he won’t puke on or bite anyone. He’ll be a monster. We know that, anyway.

Here’s the official post:

With this next champion we had a couple of goals in mind. For starters, we wanted to show our continued commitment to the monster enthusiasts by bringing those monstrous champions into the lineup. On the other hand, we wanted to appeal to those sensitive types who don’t identify with anything that’s capable of vomiting toxic bile, devouring its victims whole, or shaking the very ground on which it treads. We know that it’s a pretty tall order, but we’re pretty sure that Galio, the Sentinel’s Sorrow, should just be able to bridge that gap. If you’re a fan of monsters, just imagine a swooping, deadly predator perched on the edge of a building, waiting patiently to strike. And if you’re one of those artsy types who doesn’t appreciate the grotesque, well then, think of him as a piece of elegant statuary.

And here I thought monsters vomited by definition. Come on, Riot, learn your monsters. In truth, Galio sounds all right. I’m curious to see what his spell lineup will be like.