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Summoner, developed by Volition and published by THQ, is a role-playing game that launched with the PlayStation 2’s debut in 2000 and later for Microsoft Windows in 2001. As one of the early RPGs for the PS2, it set the stage for future titles with its unique blend of storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and rich world-building. Although it achieved moderate success upon release, it has since garnered a cult following among RPG enthusiasts.

Story

The narrative of Summoner is deeply rooted in a fantasy world brimming with magic, political intrigue, and ancient prophecies. The story follows Joseph, a young man burdened with the power of summoning. As a child, Joseph’s attempt to use his summoning powers resulted in the destruction of his village, leaving him haunted by his past and reluctant to embrace his abilities.

Joseph’s journey begins when his homeland is threatened by the tyrannical Emperor Murod, who seeks to conquer the world using forbidden magic. With the guidance of his mentor, Yago, Joseph sets out on a quest to thwart Murod’s plans. Along the way, he is joined by a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and backstories. This ensemble includes Flece, a cunning thief; Jekhar, a loyal warrior; and Rosalind, a skilled sorceress.

The game’s story unfolds through a series of quests and encounters that delve into themes of destiny, redemption, and the consequences of wielding great power. As Joseph and his companions traverse the world, they uncover ancient secrets and confront formidable foes, leading to a climactic battle against Murod and his dark forces.

Gameplay

Summoner’s gameplay is a blend of traditional RPG mechanics and innovative features that set it apart from its contemporaries. The game employs a real-time combat system, allowing players to control Joseph and his party members in dynamic battles. Players can switch between characters during combat, leveraging each character’s unique abilities to overcome various challenges.

One of the standout features of the game is the summoning mechanic, which is central to both the plot and gameplay. Joseph can summon powerful creatures to aid him in battle, each with its own special abilities and strengths. These summons can turn the tide of battle, providing strategic depth to encounters. However, using them requires careful resource management, as they consume mana and can only be used a limited number of times.

The game also incorporates a skill-based progression system, allowing players to customize characters by allocating skill points across various attributes and abilities. This system provides flexibility in developing characters to suit different playstyles, whether focusing on physical combat, magic, or support roles.

Exploration in Summoner is expansive, with numerous towns, dungeons, and wilderness areas to discover. The world is populated with NPCs offering quests, valuable information, and items. The game encourages players to engage with these elements to uncover hidden secrets and lore that enrich the overall experience.

Graphics and Sound

For its time, Summoner’s graphics were ambitious, showcasing detailed character models and expansive environments that pushed the limits of early PS2 hardware. The game features a variety of settings, from bustling medieval towns to eerie dungeons and lush forests. While the graphics may appear dated by today’s standards, they were impressive at the time of release and contributed to the game’s immersive atmosphere.

The sound design in Summoner complements its visual presentation, with a stirring soundtrack composed by Dan Wentz. The music enhances the game’s narrative, with themes that capture the essence of adventure, tension, and mystery. Voice acting is present, albeit limited, and adds an extra layer of personality to key characters and cutscenes.

Legacy and Reception

Upon its release, Summoner received mixed to positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its ambitious storyline, unique summoning mechanics, and depth of gameplay. However, some criticism was directed at its graphical fidelity and occasional technical issues, such as frame rate drops and glitches.

Despite these critiques, Summoner managed to carve out a niche audience, particularly among RPG fans who appreciated its narrative depth and gameplay innovations. The game spawned a sequel, Summoner 2, which continued the series’ legacy with improved graphics and refined mechanics.

Over the years, Summoner has maintained a cult status, often remembered fondly by those who experienced it during the early days of the PS2 era. Its influence can be seen in later RPGs that adopted similar summoning mechanics and real-time combat systems.

Conclusion

Summoner is a testament to the creativity and ambition of early 2000s RPGs. While it may not have achieved the same level of fame as other titles from the era, it remains a cherished memory for many gamers. Its engaging story, innovative gameplay, and atmospheric world continue to resonate with players who appreciate the genre’s history.

Though it may not have left a lasting impact on the mainstream gaming landscape, Summoner’s legacy endures through its sequel and the fond memories of its dedicated fan base. As an early entry in the PlayStation 2’s library, it played a role in shaping the RPG genre and set the stage for future innovations in storytelling and gameplay.