The New Summoners Rift Map

So many updates!

So, since it's the game I play the most I figured I would get into League of Legends again as my first post.
There were like a gazillion changes made to everything! 

Let's go...

The look

SR got a major makeover and now it's so pretty! I know a lot of people didn't like the changes made but since they have been implemented not only has my skill increased massively but I also enjoy just being in it.
The last map was messy. The brushes needed a trim, the jungle buffs were a bit boring and everything was as dark as it was miserable.

So what kind of makeover was implemented?
Well not only is the clarity increased and new, more realistic textures implemented but the style overall was changed completely.

Have a look:

Pretty huh!

As you can see in the bottom right the map is now a lot clearer too which makes it easier to call those incoming ganks or take advantage of enemy champion location.

A lot of work went into achieving the desired look. With the previous map being a lot harsher with solid lines, a more natural look was achieved by implementing in more natural 'objects' and using hand painting to create the textures.

As i said earlier, the Jungle buffs were also changed massively in visual respects. 

Here's a complete video covering all of the new changes to SR. It's well worth checking it out.

Final thought?
LOVE IT!
First time I went into the new map I was certain I wanted to witness two things; baron and dragon spawn.
It was a bit weird at first but now I couldn't imagine playing on the old map.
Well played Riot

All Stars Tickets Available

Ticket sales are now open!
I was waiting with immense anticipation for the opportunity to grab some of these tickets and managed to get hold of tickets for the Saturday and Sunday.

So if you haven't brought your tickets, which you would be mad not to you can find them on Ticketmaster.
Three different seat options are available, the majority are sold out and if they aren't then they will be soon!

Pry your eyes off your League game and watch the Pro's as the Pro's do.
Vote, keep voting everyday and ill see you there!

Au Revoir!

Team Builder

Finally in a two day live beta Riot are finally testing the Team Builder.
This is a component that was desperately needed for League. Too often have i gone into a game and had a player feed because they didn't get the lane that they wanted.
Soon, you will be able to queue under specs like which champ, lane and role you would like to play.

But this isn't just any team builder, with the introduction of Captain selection, you can have the power to co ordinate and build team compositions. You have to ability to kick a player from the game and defy the realms of norm by requesting two junglers, split push or normal setup. Its up to you.

Initially you will not be able to select multiple roles but this will be incorporated once the initial component has been put in place.

The build will not replace other queues but work alongside them.

So i wont be blogging for a couple of weeks as i'm jetting off the Thailand today on holiday.
Have an amazing few weeks of non stop gaming sessions.

See you on the Rift.

Akillie

FrozzenFrossi 135 Hour Stream

This guy is insane.
LoL player FrozzenFrossi is attempting to set a record for the longest game stream in history.
135 hours, which totals to around 5.6 days.

Link here: http://www.twitch.tv/frozzenfrossi

I do not condone this at all as it is highly dangerous and exhaustion can kill.
Nevertheless, if he manages it, it is one pretty incredible achievement, i just hope he understands the consequences he could face.

But when i struggle to stay awake for 24 hours how on earth is this dude going to manage it for 135?
I have three theories, either the guy has an identical twin and they are working in alternating shifts, he is doing this for views and will probably log after 48 hours or he is a vampire and doesn't require the recharge that us mortals do.

Either way, i'm keeping my fingers crossed for him....

Don't try this at home, sleep, eat and boss it in the morning.

Peace all

Vel'Koz

This shit just got real folks

Aaaaa im so excited!!

Hexakill - League of Legends

Hexakill

The current featured gameplay mode is causing quite the storm over the rift.
This mode is really exciting, not only does it interrupt the harmony that is a 5v5 game but its pushing harder teamplays and compositions.
Im super stoked, not only because there are 6 of us that play the game together but its also my birthday tomorrow, so im spending the entire evening with my Hexateam in search of a Hexakill.

Adding in the additional player opens up so many opportunities that players are keen to try new set-ups and break free of the norms for a little while.
Will you have 2 junglers controlling half the map each? or maybe even a support in the mid to keep that mage as uber as possible?
Maybe you want to go 1 per lane with three in the jungle, one jungler per lane? It doesn't matter as thats the fun of Hexakill.
With an extra champ on your team you can push for an earlier Baron or an early gank across two lanes.

I haven't been crowned with a Hexakill yet but i'll keep switching up the teams and comps until i do.
One of my favourite things to do when in queued with 4 of my friends, is set up the MultiUlti where all champs have similar ults - AOE, World Ults etc and lay it on them in one beautifully choreographed killing spree.
My team comp for this evening while ill stream on my Twitch channel - (apologies for the lacking of streams btw, im in the process of sorting my pc out, getting a better cam and upgrading my Twitch account)

Top- Malphite
Mid- Ziggs
Mid Support - Soraka
ADC- Sivir
ADC Support- Orianna
Jungler -  Amumu

Notice something?
Sivir Ult+ Orianna shield + Malphite + Malphite ult + Amumu ult + Ori Ult + +Ziggs Ult + Soroka Ult = The Ace +1

Mathematical perfection.

So, strap in, grab a drink (because its my birthday n'all) and enjoy it while it lasts -2nd March, its all 5's again.

Peace out all!

Happy Valentines - Heartseeker Ashe

Happy Valentines Day everyone :)

I do love this holiday, watching the men desperately trying to grab the last remaining flowers at Tesco, soppy love letters and generic engagements - its beautiful.
And now, to make it an even better occasion, Heartseeker Ashe is now available!
I'm ready for a romantic evening of ganking and Ashe ulti's with my luveeeeer.

Isn't it pretty :)
Skin is up for 975 Riot points, which is a bargain considering it looks amazing!
And of course, like any skin fanatic i've already made my purchase <3

So, peace and love lovers!
I'll see you on the Rift

Vel'Koz The Eye of the Void

Its really nice to see Riot pushing the boundaries of their champion concepts. I've been waiting for another non humanoid to play with and im pretty excited about this one! From the look of his/ hers/ its abilities its going to be a bit of a beast!Its like Kog'Maw and Malzahar had a baby and it was born inside out.... pretty thought right?

So Vel'Zok is the new mid lane champion and im excited to see how people roll him, with what items etc. 

His range is relatively short but being in the mid lane, that shouldn't be too much of a problem. His ult deals harsh levels of uberness but takes a little while to cast making timing skills paramount.

With his Void Rift and Tectonic Disruption Vel'Koz has quite the kiting ability and the curve on his Life Form Disintegration Ray (Awesome name btw) means even Yasou's wall of 'pissing me off' won't stop him.

So lets check out his abilitieeeees.....

Passive: Organic Deconstruction

Vel’Koz’s abilities Deconstruct those they strike. After being hit three times by his abilities, minions, monsters and enemy champions are Deconstructed and suffer bonus true damage. Enemies lose their Deconstruction stacks by avoiding Vel’Koz’s attacks for a short while.

Q: Plasma Fission

Vel’Koz fires a plasma bolt that slows and damages the first enemy struck. Once Plasma Fission hits, reaches its maximum range or is reactivated a second time, the bolt splits at a 90 degree angle. The split bolts deal the same damage and apply the same slow

W: Void Rift

Vel’Koz sends out a straight line blast that tears open a temporary rift to the Void before exploding. Both the initial tear and the delayed explosion damage and apply Deconstruction stacks to caught enemies.

E: Tectonic Disruption

After a brief delay Vel’Koz disrupts a nearby area, damaging and launching all enemies caught into the air. Enemies hit that are close to Vel’Koz are also knocked back slightly.

R: Life Form Disintegration Ray

Vel’Koz channels a ray of infinite energy that follows the cursor for a brief while, damaging, slowing and Deconstructing all enemies in range.

I still cannot get over the ulti name - it is by far my favourite, reminds me of the super powers kids allot their toys.

The Glorious Evolution of Battlecast Vel'koz

[Taken directly from Riot Website - I just thought it was funny]

BY CREATOR VIKTOR

Username: Creator

Password: *************

Subject: BC.Infiltrator

Accessing BC.INFILTRATOR.v3.log2.25

Captured subject suspends itself in mid-air with no apparent wings or jet propulsion. Point lasers and other Void armaments show Battlecast potential. Subject demonstrates high levels of intelligence, but will be bent to my will.

Replacing the organic carapace of Void creatures is quotidian science for me, but the shift to gunmetal and red armor never fails to please my inner aesthete. The creature’s intelligence quotient has been retained, but restrained. The creature only interprets data in terms of how to destroy a target. Any other form of expression has been disabled. I reverse-engineered its armaments, significantly upgrading them to high-intensity lasers and advanced rocketry.

The Infiltrator’s first field test will be to recon a Resistance cell, collect information on the wider network of Resistance members and dispose of the camp’s troublesome leader. Upgraded, evolved and mine, Battlecast Vel’Koz will not fail me.

Lunar Revel

The League of Legends Lunar Revel Promotion.

At the moment, LoL is running a promo where summoners can vote on a chosen path.. exciting right?

Choose between Power, Truth and Freedom

Power:
If battle is the only authentic thing left in your World, choose the path of Power as a fearless, unrelenting warrior.

Truth:
If you know the most honest test against a warrior is themselves, choose the path of Truth and reject brutish violence.

Freedom:
Choose the path of Freedom id you'd strike only at those who dare challenge your liberty

At the end of the Lunar Revel, each Region will be given a path based on its vote count.

You can then earn the right to the Summoner Icons by winning matched games within Summoners Rift, Twisted Treeline, Crystal Scar and Howling Abyss.

But i think we can all agree that what we all can't wait for, is the Skins that are being released for their Lunar Revel promotion.

Lets dive in, Diana style >>

 Diana just got cooler. I dont play Diana, i have done before but ill be buying her now even if only to add the skin to my collection. It is hawsum! GJ Riot :D

 Not only that, but it looks amazing in game too! Check out the video to get an even close look o.0

So next up we have the almighty Tryndamere!
That guy is a royal pain in my ass, but he gets rolled more often than a dice in monopoly so here we go >>

It is by far, the coolest Trynd skin released. Now, ill be able to enjoy seeing this guy on my loading screen. Check out how he looks in game in the video belooooow >>

And last, but never least is Riven. She is most definitely worthy of this uber skin, there was no other champ that could have pulled this off.
This one will definitely be added to my collection!

Awesome in game too!
And i have another video to showcase just how incredible this skin is.
For when i go all out Cosplay, this or the Diana skin are my top two. But how to decide?????


Check it out in game:

And the wards even got a makeover too :D

Im unsure as to how long these skins are going to be available. I'm hoping they will be limited edition skins but id be happy to see them used every game i lane with or against a Trynd, Diana or Riven.

 Revel on Rebels.

How to escape Zac, In style

I almost pooped. It was terrifying. Thankfully i bumped into my friend in the jungle :) Ownzstar - muchos love for the save and protection.
I was rolling Lux in the game, stayed a little too long in the enemy base and ended up running through the jungle with some ugly purple butterfly beast and a blob. Check it out!

Apologies for the video quality - watch it directly from YouTube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRJdwmbU92g&feature=youtube_gdata
Or on my twitch channel here: http://www.twitch.tv/akilliegaming/c/3530570

Muchos Love

Calling the Shots

The other day i was playing Nami Support, SR Normal queue with 2 friends.
I was bossing it. We won the lane, i set up almost all of the kills, i assisted and warded and any other responsibility that falls upon the support.
And then when i told the team not to go to Baron the mid laner questioned:
"Since when did a support start calling the shots?"

I think its a real shame that players still look down on the support role especially considering its the support that controls the bot lane. Its the support who alerts and wards. Its the support who sets up the kills...

I found it so infuriating that my role, that i was playing really well was being belittled and considered undervalued by another member of the team.

Just wondered why it is that people think like that i guess?

Support has recently become one of my favourite roles and i tend to roll Lux, Nami or Thresh depending on my adc. I tend to win my lane as a support because i co-ordinate myself to work with the adc. I communicate to the best i can and never flame.
I support and do it well and ill be damned if the team heads for a Baron 18 minutes in with the whole enemy team up and in the mid lane.

Luckily, i was teamed with the majority.

Keep sharing the love for supports everwhere!

Peace.

Fan-art Possible Support/ AP carry

I stumbled upon this incredible character concept art on DeviantArt by user RiyokuSakimori.
Her name is Vanity with her story surrounding the myths and legends of The Looking Glass

     I could see this champion as a support, a cross between Janna and Sona.
She hasn't had the honor of being graced with abilities yet although Mind Control, Siren Scream, Soul Crush and some uber stun ulti would make this champ UNSTOPPABLE.
Could you imagine scaling her as an AP carry?

Champion Rotation

So this weeks selection is pretty awesome.
I always take the opportunity to try out the free champs as you never know who you are going to like.
Ive also found that if i try a champ out and i hate playing them, i know how they work. So, when i get laned against them i know how long their 'taunt' lasts for or what level they will be picking up that shield.
You should know your enemy as much as possible and this way is free and fun too!

Rengar. The beast of the jungle, i love this champ but have never played him. Similar to the MF and Cait story, i am loyal to Kha'Zix. He is one of my friends favourite champions though so i might ask for some lessons on the almighty cat soon!








Kha'Zix is my jungler. I can always count on him. He is pretty weak sauce until level 6 when he evolves but when he does he is just this incredible beautiful, ugly butterfly beast that elegantly jumps and rips the shit out of you. One to play. Not easy to master. Alex Ich videos have come in muchos handy - Pentakill anyone?




I have never played Rammus. Bad i know, but im not into tanky champs. Also, i feel highly let down by riot that there isnt a Sonic skin for Rammus :( And now that ive said it, you all feel just as bummed out as i do.



This little flying bastard has been the bane of many of my adc games. He cranks it up hard late game so the only way you're going to win is by going all out aggressive early on.








I was told the other day that Taric is a support that i need to try in preparation for ranked games. I tend to take an AP carry support so i can scale later game but the flames i get for picking a Lux over a champ that can offer its adc sustain in lane is pretty consistent.



Ive never tried playing Udyr... i used to think he was a bear. He is not, apparently he is a dude in a bear suit? Im not sure. Evil champ if fed. I'll definitely try him out one day but not my type of champ at the moment.

Aaaaah, Lux. Such an uber champ! Ive play her at least once a day and all those that haven't tried her.. why the f' not?


I'm a Miss Fortune fan and as these two counter in lane i decided to stay loyal to MF. But, one of my friends is AMAZEBALLS at Caitlyn plays and watching him play has given me the buzz over Caitlyn, i brought her the other day and cant wait to land some of those incredible ulti's



This fishy little bastard. Its no surprise he is banned in so many ranked games now. I hate laning against this guy in the mid lane. He's jumpy and solid as a rock. And his uber ult isnt easy to dodge either. This is one of the only champs i haven't learnt to play despite the fact that he is my ultimate nemesis, but since he is free - ill be taking Fizz for a spin around the mid lane as soon as i can!



Ive given Ahri a go and she packs a massive punch on top of her charm. She is fast and quirky but she needs more range before ill play her seriously.

League Placements

So, it finally happened... i've been placed in ranked.

I lost 8 out of 10 matches and went in to Bronze III.
I play at a higher level than this, when i queue with my friends who are Silver I/II I get laned against Silvers/ Golds who have played many more games than i have and i can still totally hold my own.

But, you cant win every game, someone always has to lose. Sometimes you can get queued with trolls or people that go AFK or those that just really really suck at that lane/ champ/ team composition/ game in general. Its all irrelevant though, none of it matters because you can just come out of the game, click Play and go into a brand new match with brand new people and a brand new chance to win.

So, im really excited to burn through the ranks.
Now that ive been placed ill be turning away from normal games and focusing on just ranked games unless the whole group is on, in which case we'll be a 5 man premade and bossing it.

I found this really funny post from a member on the LoL forums 'Katsuhayabi' explaining the Division V in each League using potatoes to symbolise the Ranks - http://forums.euw.leagueoflegends.com/board/showthread.php?t=1358115

So, i think it'll be a little while before i'm in the LCS or before someone pays me to play but im having fun playing the game, developing my skills and being part of this awesome yet sometimes 'troll'y' community.

Gl all, HF.

One To Watch Out For...

So today i checked out  Fnatics xPeke bossing up the mid lane on his Twitch stream - Solo queue, SR (Summoners Rift) as Gragas.
But, the player of the match was not Xpeke as you might assume but their Thresh, Acc name - KissMyHero.
I checked out his LolKing stats and is currently Diamond Ranked, but this guy was setting up kills and plays like he was Ed-freaking-ward!

I would definitely keep an eye out :)

Now check out xPeke bossing Orianna in the midlane: http://www.twitch.tv/xpeke
Enjoy
x

Twitch Views - Almost 200 :)

Awesome, im almost up to 200 Twitch views :) Ty for watching all!
I'll be streaming again later.... in my freaking Pikachu Onesie!

Keep Calm and AD Carry on

Tickets for EU LCS Now Available! Holy Shiz Niz!

I am completely bummed that i wont be going to this as the line-ups are amazing! But, nonetheless i am totally stoked that ill be watching it live from home! Only i get to watch it in my pyjamas with a massive bowl of popcorn!
So here are the matches:

Date	Game Time	Matchups	Cost	Buy Link
Jan 14	19:00 CET	FNC vs GMB | CW vs ALL | LD vs KMT | ALL vs FNC | GMB vs CW | SK vs ALT	€10	Buy Now
Jan 15	19:00 CET	LD vs ALL | FNC vs SK | ALT vs GMB | CW vs SK | KMT vs ALT	€10	Buy Now
Jan 16	19:00 CET	SK vs LD | ALT vs FNC | KMT vs CW | GMB vs LD | ALL vs KMT	€10	Buy Now
Jan 23	19:00 CET	ALT vs ALL | KMT vs LD | CW vs ALT | GMB vs SK	€10	Buy Now
Jan 24	19:00 CET	ALL vs CW | KMT vs GMB | FNC vs LD | ALT vs SK	€10	Buy Now
Jan 30	19:00 CET	GMB vs ALL | KMT vs FNC | LD vs SK | CW vs FNC	€10	Buy Now
Jan 31	19:00 CET	ALL vs SK | LD vs CW | SK vs KMT | GMB vs FNC	€10	Buy Now
Feb 6	19:00 CET	FNC vs ALL | ALT vs KMT | CW vs GMB | LD vs ALT	€10	Buy Now
Feb 7	19:00 CET	SK vs CW | LD vs GMB | FNC vs KMT | ALL vs ALT	€10	Buy Now

And seriously, at 10 Euros a ticket... you would be craaaazy not to pick one up!

This year the LCS shall be held in Cologne, Germany (poor UK *sob* we never get anything cool!)

The only reason i wont be attending the Esporting event of the year is that i am off to Thailand later in the year and spent all my monies :( maybe next year though!

So, here is a link to the site - as you can see i stole the table and the images (naughty) so << that counts as referencing it right? What a pain...

http://euw.lolesports.com/articles/tickets-2014-eu-lcs-sale-now

So, best Cosplay and giant foam fingers at the ready, and remember - Keep Calm and AD Carry On!