Summary

• Release Year: 2000
• Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG)
• Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2
• Developers: Graphsim Entertainment, Volition
• Publishers: Graphsim Entertainment, THQ

Summoner (2000): A Nostalgic Journey into a Gripping RPG Classic

Introduction

In the annals of PC gaming, Summoner (2000) stands as a revered gem, captivating players with its immersive world, compelling narrative, and innovative gameplay. Developed by Volition, Inc. and published by THQ, Summoner transported players to the war-torn realm of Orenian, where a young man named Joseph embarks on an epic journey to confront his destiny as a Summoner.

Story and Setting

Summoner unfolds in the vibrant and perilous world of Orenian, a land steeped in magic and ancient prophecies. The story revolves around Joseph, a young man who bears the mark of the Summoner, a power that grants him the ability to summon creatures from other realms. As a child, Joseph’s reckless use of his power inadvertently summoned a demon that ravaged his village, leaving him haunted by guilt and the scorn of his people.

Nine years later, as the armies of the tyrannical Orenia invade, Joseph is thrust into a conflict that threatens to consume his world. Guided by the enigmatic prophecy that foretells of a Summoner who will save Orenian, Joseph must confront his past and embrace his destiny.

Gameplay and Features

Summoner is an action role-playing game that combines real-time combat with strategic summoning mechanics. Players control Joseph and a party of companions as they traverse Orenian, battling hordes of enemies and solving puzzles. The game’s combat system is fast-paced and engaging, with players utilizing a variety of melee and ranged attacks, as well as powerful spells.

The defining feature of Summoner is its summoning system. Joseph can summon a wide range of creatures from different realms, each with unique abilities and strengths. These summons play a vital role in combat, providing support, dealing damage, or tanking enemies. Players must carefully manage their summons, as they can only have a limited number active at once.

Characters and Companions

Joseph is a complex and relatable protagonist, haunted by his past and driven by a desire to protect those he loves. Throughout his journey, he is joined by a cast of memorable companions, each with their own motivations and backstories. These companions include Maia, a skilled archer and Joseph’s childhood friend; Riel, a wise and enigmatic mage; and Tarish, a powerful warrior who seeks vengeance for his fallen comrades.

Visuals and Sound

Summoner’s visuals, while not groundbreaking for its time, still hold up well today. The game’s environments are diverse and atmospheric, from lush forests to desolate wastelands. The character models are detailed and expressive, and the spell effects are visually impressive.

The game’s soundtrack is a memorable blend of orchestral and electronic music, perfectly capturing the epic and emotional tone of the story. The voice acting is generally strong, with the characters delivering believable and engaging performances.

Legacy and Impact

Summoner was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning praise for its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and memorable characters. The game spawned two sequels, Summoner 2 (2002) and Summoner: A Goddess Reborn (2006), but neither managed to capture the same level of acclaim as the original.

Despite its age, Summoner remains a beloved classic among RPG enthusiasts. Its unique blend of action, strategy, and summoning mechanics continues to captivate players to this day. The game’s influence can be seen in numerous other RPGs that have adopted similar summoning systems.

Conclusion

Summoner (2000) is a timeless masterpiece that deserves its place among the greatest RPGs of all time. Its immersive world, compelling narrative, innovative gameplay, and memorable characters have stood the test of time, ensuring that Summoner will continue to be enjoyed by generations of gamers to come. Whether you’re a seasoned RPG veteran or a newcomer to the genre, Summoner is an experience that should not be missed.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

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