Something a little different this time. At this point, the Skinsational reviews have mostly focused on events in Apex Legends with occasional looks at Overwatch. But while I’m tunnel visioning the new content in those games, there are so many other games we’re missing! After the surge in hero shooters and battle royales over the past years, of which cosmetic events have become a staple, plenty run along each other now. Even though themes may be similar (i.e. in Christmas you’re gonna get a few overlaps somewhere!) every company brings something different to the table. This blog is supposed to celebrate those ideas and by just reviewing one or two games, we’re missing out on a lot of interest.
Why Fortnite? Well it’s that loving time of year again, some deem sweet, some deem sour, a lot of games deem… non-relevant. There really aren’t that many Valentine’s Day events in gaming these days and if there are they tend to be on a much smaller scale. I might think about why that is in a future article. From research, this is one of the only two games where I could see a range of characters skins for this lovely day. Fortnite is one of the most regularly updated online games these days so what better opportunity to take a plunder in the styles it has to offer? How stylish? We’re about to find out…
Cuddle King 4/5
This is very ready to wear but something I can definitely see myself wearing out in the wild! The colour scheme is sweet, mainly pink and white to keep it light. The little black shades are stylish and the 16-bit hearts are cheeky in place of the eyes. Meanwhile the broken heart on the shirt is pretty edgy, showing the enemy team what’ll happen as soon as you pick up that first gun. The pants suit the look but must be extremely uncomfortable as this PVC material. The fanny pack screams boyfriend material, perfect for holding your gf/bf’s grenades. Most importantly, this teddy bear jacket is so cute and references some of the other teddy bear characters in the game. Did he shave their fur after he broke their hearts or before? The hood and lilac hair are the final touches that make this cuddle king skin an adorable addition to the game. It’s cute and a little punk. You might want a cuddle but be ready for a bear hug!
Lovely 2/5
Another ready to wear skin. It’s not my favourite just because it’s very pedestrian without as many statement pieces as Cuddle King. I like that this takes a bit of a darker colour scheme under the shirt and hair. It’s this black and red that look cute yet covert, or at leas they would if it wasn’t for this white vest top over the top! The heart accessories are cute and the cotton candy hair really pops against everything else. But that vest? It’s like bargain bin and maybe it should just be in the bin. Lovely? Fairly.
Heartbreaker 3/5
Ok… wtf. Is that a horse in a dressing gown? Being someone that doesn’t play the game I can’t even begin to try and decipher this one! Nevertheless, it’s still a complete look! Everything works well. The suit with the red heart dressing gown and name tag gives me this whole love hotel attendant storyline. The hat and the horse head take me to a whole new psychedelic level though. If you want to disarm your opponent then this is the skin for your rodeo!
Skully 2/5
I don’t really understand this one. Apparently this was a new character to the game added on Valentine’s Day? Either way this skin seems to be going for the more reluctant love effect. There’s a skull on her leg that gives me that impression. Otherwise, it’s pretty bare bones. A chest plate and matching pants and gauntlets. An army helmet with a smiling star which seems a little young for this character. A combat knife and some green mesh under armour. It’s pretty classic soldier but as a Valentine’s Day look? I’ve lost the love for this one.
Fallen Love Ranger 5/5
The best til’ last! This reminds me of the Lifeline season 3 skin from Apex Legends but stands out as it’s own look. It’s a clear concept: He’s a gargoyle possessed by love. From the pink combat pants up to the bare chest with his best parts accentuated by some mystical swirls that connote lust, he’s the one that punishes cheating exes by appearing in their dreams at night! The horns placement and size are subtle and classically devilish while the wings are small and practical. As we know from Apex, this is super important in regards to balance but also to hitbox in-game. The purple eyes are the final piercing gaze that will go straight through your wallet.
So is everyone loved up enough for a little bit? For me writing this, it’s always really refreshing to look at a new theme and I hope that other games considering embracing a similar event in those games! With Fortnite, I like that the designers include a mix of more ready to wear skins with some really conceptual ideas. I wish the names were a little more punny but otherwise maybe I’ll try my first ever match and see if I’m welcomed with any love!
