#ohh this is gorgeous!! i love the colouring style it's so unique

[cassmouse]

My ranking of Eli's limited SIFAS cards and why

Sooo... remember this series that I managed three installments of and then abandoned again? I've randomly been hit by a bolt of inspiration, so we're BACK baby (probably temporarily again because there's a lot of characters to get through), so here's your favourite ex-LL fan complaining/praising the art from a game that's been shut down for almost two years now (RIP again. Loved this game 😭)

Okay, without further ado, we're back to it! Eli Ayase now, starting off the μ's 3rd years.

4 - Snow Fantasy

Eli's party card is by absolutely no means a bad card. In fact, one of the reasons it's down here is because of how strong her three fes cards are. It's theming is super unique and obviously works well with her character, which is always a plus for limited cards, but there's something about it which sticks out like a sore thumb in the game's roster. The colours are a little dull (which are a severe detriment because the alternative outfit's pink actually works a lot better in my opinion), and the 3D model is really odd. Big skirts like this never really worked because of how stiff they look, and I think this card suffers the most from this. The art itself is pretty and dynamic, but my god does the model drag this entire card down quite significantly. So while I understand what they were trying to do, and while it works for the most part, the bottom half of the 3D version is just unforgivable and makes the whole thing unlikeable in my eyes.

3 - Relax and Refresh

I'd like to start off by emphasising how DIFFICULT it was to choose between this and her second fes card in this spot, because I actually quite like this one. The art especially is great, with a really pleasing-to-the-eye colour palette and a really lovely twirl effect on the skirt. The flower in her hair is so effective, and the bows on the cardigan are plentiful but not overwhelming. Once again, my problems start to come in with the 3D model. The cardigan translates well, but the issue comes with the dress. This might be a simple fashion preference, but the longish cardigan with a dress as long as this just looks odd. It's rare in this game that the dress should be shorter and not longer, but I think in this case, it would've really benefitted from a more cropped cardigan and a slightly shorter dress. Or even just a cropped cardigan would've been an improvement. And looking at the angle on the idolised art, they definitely could've gotten away with it too, since it looks shorter on there. It's a simple fix, but the bottom of the dress sorely needs to be higher to fix the silhouette.

2 - Sensational Diva

Ohh my lord, this card is gorgeous. They really did god's work with the lighting and composition of the idolised art here, and it really works in it's benefit. The outfit is sleek and pretty, the blue rose accents go incredibly well, and the pose and theming are practically perfect, communicating the idea super well. The outfit itself also translates very well into the model, losing little of it's charm in the process. Though my issue is that the yellow of the hair does become too stark of a contrast without the dynamic lighting. The style is great and very unique to this card, but it throws off the colour palette a little too much. Though I guess not much could be done, considering that it is her hair colour, so realistically it can't really be helped, but I'm still allowed to complain about it. It's still a super strong contender all round though, and it was a great early fes2 card.

1 - True Arabesque

The absolute queen of everything!! What a bar that this first fes card set for the others, because this is beyond excellent. To start with the art, it's insanely pretty, and the idea behind it is predictable but executed really well (ballet Eli you will always be famous!). The little puffy sleeves and the frilly hem of the dress give it a girlish but not childish look, which contributes well to Eli's character and aesthetic in general. And it's rare that I talk about the shoes in these cards, but these ones can't be ignored, because look at them!! The ribbons, the little flowers, the wings, the gold accents... I absolutely love them (also I need a pair desperately). The dress is unique, the colour is great, the hair and accessories fit wonders, and it's just so well done all round. The 3D model also supports the art very well, with the dress shape being full without falling victim to the stiff look that others are left with. Also, can we have a moment of appreciation for the little wings on the back, which look even better on the model? It's a great dress; extravagant without being costumey, and frilly without being inelegant. It's a perfect balance, which is always appreciated in this game.

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Aaand that's another done! This was honestly the hardest one to do so far, because all four of these cards are actually strong contenders in their own way 😭 Nozomi and Nico up next! Looking forward to those two actually, they've got some great cards

Til next time!