Talk:Nidalee/@comment-24496127-20160619183106

I think Nidalee is actually an interesting study in the problems of splitting a champion's kit into multiple forms, in that, in order for them to function without a proper ultimate, they need to have meduim-low cooldowns along with clear differences between the forms. The clear difference portion is what I would consider most mandatory, since otherwise you''d probably be better off making a well designed kit in the first place rather than a transformation based one. The issue is, the necessity for differentionation leads to an overall increase in versatility not afforded to most champions, and since 7 straight up damage abilities would either be undertuned or simply ridiculous, you end up needed either a lot of utility, or really weird scalings (Ala Jayce), to keep the champion in line.

The main way Riot seems to implement a transformation champion is by giving one form good poke, and another form good all in burst. This is a balance nightmare for obvious reasons, but that design is seen in Nidalee, Jayce, and Gnar. Although arguably Gnar is more about kiting in his mini form, he fits well enough with the rest I feel he can be included. Basically, whittle away, and then go hard when you want to all in. The exception is Elise, who perhaps has the most boring way of making this work, which is just sticking current health on the human form and then missing health on the spider form. It's worth mentioning because her poke isn't all that great, so they made her work through that gimmick, and just the pure utility she brings.

Back to Nidalee, she's been the worst offender of balance for the simple reason that when she gets ahead, she has the ability to delete you every 6 seonds, gated only by a skillshot. If she isn't doing that, she's probably invading your jungle, and being a bitch to catch simply because of the mobility of cougar form.

If Riot ever decides to rework their shape shifting champions, I think they should give them actual ultimates that solidify their role, and also remove some of the extra fluff present simply because they're shape shifters, to create a more well designed kit.

Just some thoughts.