3 League players react to the end of Arcane

Arcane has completed its second and final season on Netflix, bringing to an end the saga of Zaun, Piltover and the various characters (both from Competition and not!) inside. The show has been a huge success for Netflix, both critically and in terms of popularity, even drawing interest from people who never touched each other and never will. League of Legends. But what about those of us who suffer from play? Competition on the regular?

We collected a few Polygon’s Competition players, each of whom has a different relationship Competition Lore, to discuss how the show handled adapting the game’s universe, our favorite moments and characters, and more. Whether you play Competition or not, we’d like to know what you think in the comments.

What are you thinking about? Arcane‘s general view of the Competition universe?

Piet Volk: I’m amazed at how good the show is compared to what it had to work with. I love Competitionbut never in a million years could I have imagined a show this well, the kind I could watch with my non-playing partner Competition and we would both love it. And it is the most beautiful program on TV.

I also have to say again how much I admire Riot and Fortiche’s restraint. We’re in an age of IP-driven media where it seems like the goal of many projects is to cram in as many recognizable Easter eggs as possible, in the hopes that audiences’ fond memories of other projects will carry over to this one. Instead of, Arcane had a light touch when it came to the references from the world of League of Legendsusing the game as a basis to tell the story they wanted to tell. That doesn’t mean it feels separated from the world of Competition: Rather, Arcane strengthened the existing world-building and made me, a person who has never cared much about the lore element of the game, much more invested in the world, its factions and its characters.

Cass Marshall: Arcane did a great job of portraying Piltover and Zaun, but I was particularly impressed with the way they occasionally weaved in other champions and references to the larger setting. The images of Janna and Orianna are quite short, but they make the world feel more connected Competition. I also enjoyed seeing so much of the Noxian culture and aesthetic influencing the story.

Saira Müller: I’m not that familiar with it Competition lore, so I loved Arcane‘s portrayal of the characters and their relationships. It was also really interesting to see the environments the characters grew up in and how that shaped who they are. I loved it when there was a crossover Competition And Arcanesuch as when new champions appear, or when a character uses their ult or says one of their in-game lines.

Which characterization of the champion on the show was your favorite?

PV: Probably Viktor, but I also liked the scenes with Ekko and the alternate universe Powder in Act 3. Or Heimerdinger’s new life as a street musician. Or how Caitlyn was manipulated by Ambessa, and his general display of power on the show. Or…I could just keep going, I guess!

CM: For me the award has to go to Viktor simply because they had the least amount of material to work with. In the game, Viktor is enthusiastic about the glorious evolution and the weakness of the flesh, but he’s a bit of a one-note villain. His upcoming update will definitely address this, but I liked how Arcane showed him as a young scientist and a revolutionary.

SM: Oooooof, this is honestly a tough choice. As the protagonist of Jinx, I found it fascinating to see her progress throughout the show. Seeing her origins and the development of her abilities gave me a new appreciation for who she is in the game. But also Ekko and Viktor!

Is there a champion whose characterization you didn’t like?

PV: To be honest, not really! I think Singed was a little underbaked compared to its counterparts, but I think it was the right decision to keep the show moving.

CM: Poor Vi, set up as a rebel and Zaunite, but forced to become a police officer thanks to her League of Legends biography. Don’t get me wrong, I loved seeing Vi on the big screen, and the animators did a fantastic job bringing her to life. But her fate was sealed in the beginning, and it’s a little sad to see her struggle with her Zaunite identity, only to end up with Caitlyn in Piltover.

SM: Jayce is hot as hell, but his personality was hard to like for most of the show. He struck me as a bit irritating, too one-sided and self-righteous.

Is there a champion you were hoping to see but didn’t show up?

PV: I’m a Zion chief, and the Noxus thing got me looking for the big guy. But as I said above, I appreciate the show’s restraint on this sort of thing, and prefer the limited champions approach.

CM: On the one hand, I would have liked to see Camille. As a secret agent operating on behalf of one of Piltover’s prestigious families, she would have had a huge influence on the story. On the other hand, that impact might have been too great. A show needs a certain amount of conflict to work, and I can see Camille nipping all of these plot points in the bud. She’s just too efficient, so she can’t get involved.

SM: Ezreal topped this list. I think it would have been interesting to accidentally have an agent of chaos on the Piltover side, but I think he’s always on an adventure.

Is there one Arcane character who is not in it Competition who you would like to see as champion?

PV: EASY here – Mel. Her evolution at the end of the show creates some really intriguing potential Competition champion, and I would like to see her join the squad with her mother. But Sevika would also be ill.

CM: Definitely Sevika, especially if they find a way to use the spinning reels and explosive effects in a kit. Give my girl a little more attention; she was an incredibly underrated part of the show.

SM: Mel Medarda! Her transition into Arcane was fascinating and it could make for some cool game mechanics. Also the dynamic with the fact that her mother is there Competition could make for some great lines if they go head to head.

Were there any Easter eggs you particularly liked?

PV: My favorite was the depiction of Warwick’s W in the show. It felt like the right combination of nodding to the game’s source material while creating a compelling visual and story that people who’ve never played can still follow.

CM: There is a play rehearsal where we can see one of the Lightshields, the ruling line of Demacia, being crowned. We can probably assume that this is a story of one of the Jarvans, of which there are four. It’s a little Easter egg that fits perfectly into the universe, and it makes me want to see an entire show, which is no small feat.

SM: Warwick’s blood trail ability and ultimate reveal. I’m still crying. But I’m also curious to see what (if anything) happens to Orianna.

Is there anything you hope Riot takes away? Arcane as it ponders its own world-building Competition?

PV: I think we’re leaving things pretty broad Competition so that future creators who adapt the universe into different forms can make their own interesting choices is a smart call that can create more magic, like Arcanethat’s just way more interesting than anything Competition lore I have read or encountered.

CM: Jayce and Viktor started Competition’s lore as a superhero and his nemesis. Jayce was always a little too big for his britches, and Viktor was a little more likable than the people of Piltover thought, but there wasn’t much depth to their dynamic. I desperately need more discussions between the two about their dynamics as lab partners. They’re a much more interesting duo with all that nuance and history between them.

SM: I would like Riot to add in-game interaction lines between the characters Arcane – things that refer to their relationships and dynamics. Also more Competition character updates or skins to make them look like their own Arcane characters. I think it’s just more crossover in general!

Where would you like to be next Competition to set a show?

PV: Although Noxus is the wisest next destination, I vouch for the Freljord here. I think the cold environment would be a fun environment, and I would love to see Braum in a show like this.

CM: I’m looking forward to going to Noxus because there is so much narrative potential there. Noxus started out as the villainous faction living in a giant skull castle, and Riot has slowly refined them into a very interesting parallel to the Roman Empire, packed with magical intrigue and dark secrets. It would be fascinating to see the Black Rose with a home field advantage, and there’s enough conflict, political maneuvering, and outright murder to fuel a whole other series.

SM: Demacia! And not just because I want to see Sylas’ story… That or The Freljord! Give me Ashe, Gnar and Lissandra, please. Although it seems like the next show will likely be set in Noxus, based on the Easter eggs in Arcane. Sigh. If it has to be Noxus, at least give me Vladimir, Riot!