I think the Heater Shield should be given a new model, because its current appearance looks more like a 2-star (or heck, even a 1-star) item than a 5-star one (compared to, say, its alternate form/path.)
Perhaps just make it look like Rhendon's Shield without the tally count on it and add a few more details like the Aegis's Ribbon and Ceremonial Blades.
The reason I like the look is that is so simple, standard, and small. Yo can get the nice look of the scarlet shield without having to give up defense. But eh, guess a new design wouldn't be so bad. But ima just gives this +0
It's just placeholder art (placeholder art that's been around for way too long, but placeholder art nonetheless). Grey Owlite Shield used to be a silver and blue coloring of the same shield until it got official art. Admittedly, there hasn't been a new shield model since, I think the introduction of Snarby. It is quite overdue.
I actually whipped up a quick 'n' slightly hacky Photoshop job for a proposed Heater Shield redesign last year, which you can see here. Honestly I doubt we'll see a significant redesign until the HS becomes a more commonplace item; I think I've seen two, maybe three people with them in the last eighteen months.
Doesn't barbarous thorn shield use the same model as the dragon line?
Oh, right. So we haven't had a new shield model... since the release of the game. Jeez, get on that Ian and/or Cory!
I don't think there have been ANY new armor/helm models aside from Bombheads and Stranger Hats. All of the existing models are built via mixing and recoloring the same parts. Granted, there have been some very well-done and creative armors, but the effect of the limited number of components is starting to show. Designing new parts may be a moderately difficult task, but dozen new helm and armor components will contribute tremendously to the cosmetic outlook of the game for months to come. The accessories were an excellent start, but in most cases they only accentuate or augment the existing model. Oh yeah, and when will we get to see the Kat and Shroom hats? :3
OOO, oh please bring back the Kat Hats! The picture with the guy with the Kat Hat is what got me to play...
IDC what stats it has, or maybe just make it a costume!
I'd prefer it not to be too fancy, as its simplicity is part of what drew me to it in the first place. That said, I really like Effrul's take on it; that looks awesome.
@Serell: As far as I know, there's been two Kat helmets in the game. (Or four if you count those temporary Halloween masks.) One was I think a 3* one that got removed way back; there's not much I can say about it because I'm not sure and I can't find a link. The other would be the permanent Halloween mask: http://wiki.spiralknights.com/Authentic_Spookat_Mask
You can't get it now, but it's possible they'll have the event again this Halloween, so you could try then.
Heater is a reskin of Scarlet with slightly modified coloration and different stats. The shield Rhendon uses is a reskin of the 4* Cobalt shield with the tally scratches added and some different colors.
Considering Heater is a branch from Defender line and the model would essentially be a reskin, it would fit the item to have its model changed. Silly 5* shield. Thinking you are Scarlet.