Summoner, originally released for the PlayStation 2 in 2000, presents a vast role-playing game experience which has recently returned to the spotlight through Sony's PlayStation Classics initiative on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. This revisit not only brings nostalgia but also introduces the game to new audiences with enhanced features such as save states, rewind capabilities, and better display options.
The game is developed by Volition, now known as Deep Silver, which is also known for the Saint's Row series. Despite the high ambitions for this game, including a profound narrative and a unique combat system, it was initially criticized for its lack of polish and numerous technical issues. However, these flaws do not entirely overshadow what makes Summoner a noteworthy title within the CRPG genre.
Summoner revolves around the life of Joseph, a humble villager who carries the destiny of a summoner — someone capable of conjuring and controlling demons. Joseph's journey begins traumatically when he inadvertently uses his powers to summon a demon during an attack by the Orenians, leading to the loss of innocent lives including his family. As an adult, he finds himself thrust once more into chaos as the threat of war looms and dark forces gather, compelling him to harness his abilities once again.
As the story unfolds, Joseph is joined by a diverse group of characters, each adding depth to the storyline and offering different skills that enhance gameplay. Flece, the swift thief with a murky past; Rosalind, a potent spellcaster connected to Joseph's early life; and Jekhar, a loyal soldier with personal vendettas, all join forces with Joseph, making for a dynamic and interactive party system.
One of the standout aspects of Summoner is its world-building; the game features a comprehensive environment filled with lore, backstories, and a wide array of characters. Furthermore, side quests abound, providing players additional hours of gameplay while enriching the main storyline and offering opportunities to acquire unique items and experience points.
The combat system in Summoner is both its signature and a divisive element. It combines real-time CRPG mechanics with a rhythm-based chaining system that allows players to link multiple attacks consecutively without interruption from enemies. This system, though intriguing, has been noted for its complexity and occasional clunkiness, especially during larger battle scenarios. Players can advance their skills through repetitive use, which adds an element of strategic growth to their party.
Despite its innovative gameplay features, Summoner suffers from various executional drawbacks. The overall gameplay experience can feel somewhat unpolished, with frame rate drops and subpar graphics that haven’t aged well, making the revisited version's quality-of-life improvements extremely vital.
Moreover, managing the AI for companion characters can be cumbersome, requiring players to closely oversee their actions to ensure success in more challenging encounters. The game's camera also presents challenges, often providing angles that are either too close or too far, complicating navigation and combat.
Additionally, technical limitations of the time are evident in aspects like the game's draw distance, where objects pop into view unexpectedly, especially in densely populated regions. This can disrupt the immersive experience Summoner strives to provide.
Despite these issues, the re-release of Summoner on modern platforms offers players the chance to experience a classic CRPG with new enhancements that make exploring its vast world and intricate systems more accessible than ever before. For those who are passionate about gaming history or those who enjoy deep, story-driven RPGs, Summoner remains a unique adventure worth exploring, filled with rich narratives and innovative gameplay that set it apart during its original release and continue to provide a distinctive experience today.
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