Released as a landmark title during the launch era of the PlayStation 2, Summoner offers an ambitious Action RPG experience that blends deep lore with high-fantasy combat. Developed by Volition, the game invites players into a sprawling, original world where the power to command ancient beasts can either save civilizations or reduce them to ash. While its mechanics may reflect the era of its release, the sheer scale of its storytelling and world-building provides an immersive journey for fans of the genre.

A Tale of Prophecy and Destruction

The story of Summoner centers on Joseph, a young man born with a mark that designates him as the next great Summoner. This title carries immense weight; throughout history, those gifted with the ability to use Khosani rings to call forth dragons, demons, and elementals have been venerated as saviors or feared as destroyers. For Joseph, however, this power is a source of trauma. As a child, an attempt to use his powers to protect his village resulted in the summoning of a demon he could not control, leading to the horrific destruction of everyone he loved.

Years after abandoning his Ring of Darkness, Joseph finds himself thrust back into the center of a global conflict. As the armies of Orenia invade, Joseph must confront the very prophecy he tried to escape, navigating a world caught in the crossfire of warring empires and ancient magic.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat

As an Action RPG, Summoner emphasizes both direct combat prowess and strategic creature management. Players take control of Joseph as he traverses two continents, utilizing a variety of tools to survive:

  • Summoning System: The core of the gameplay lies in controlling up to 16 different creatures. Players can strategically deploy powerful entities such as minotaurs, golems, and dragons to turn the tide of battle.
  • Combat Arsenal: Beyond summons, players must master an arsenal of weapons, heavy armor, and spectacular spells to face off against Orenian invaders and other fantastical threats.
  • Character Progression: As Joseph gains experience, players can allocate ability points into specific stats to enhance combat fluidity or specialized skills like lock-picking and identifying magical items.

A World of Unmatched Lore

What truly sets Summoner apart is its meticulous world-building. The game features a deeply detailed history, encompassing everything from the creation of the world to the complex rise and fall of successive kingdoms. This sense of scale is reflected in the environments, which feature large, beautiful locations that span across diverse landscapes.

While players may encounter the technical "jank" typical of early-generation titles—such as slow combat pacing or complex equipment management—the richness of the setting remains a compelling draw. The game offers a significant playtime, with a main story experience lasting anywhere from 35 to 50 hours, making it a substantial undertaking for any adventurer.

Key Features at a Glance

  • Massive Scale: Explore a completely original world spanning two distinct continents.
  • Creature Mastery: Command a diverse roster of up to 16 unique summons, including dragons and elemental beings.
  • Deep Lore: Immerse yourself in a complex history of empires, gods, and ancient magic.
  • Action-Oriented RPG: Combine weapon mastery, spellcasting, and strategic summoning in real-time combat.