• Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2000
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
74 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Summoner could have been a fantastic RPG that tore a new hole in the gaming world. Instead, it turned into a great fantasy game that will probably be an ass-kicking franchise.
  2. In spite of some graphic flaws due to a short production timetable, Summoner is one of the most satisfying-to-play RPGs on the PS2 launch list; in fact, only "Orphen" comes close.
  3. 83
    While a bit short of greatness, Summoner is an admirable role-playing game experience that is more than one could have ever really hoped for in an RPG that's available at a new system's launch.
  4. For those with an open mind The Summoner is a very original and very entertaining game that melds PC and console gaming perfectly to create something very original indeed.
  5. It will also rekindle a desire in every pen and paper gamer to call up some friends, blow the dust of their D20s and return to the roots of role-playing gaming.
  6. 80
    A good start for PS2 RPGs, but lacks the polish, artistry, and refined story line of some recent PlayStation RPGs.
  7. 78
    Its combat system is a little slow, and the learning curve may be a bit steep for some people. I also had a few lockups during gameplay, which are a MAJOR bummer if you have not backed up in a while.
  8. If you need a RPG or just a game that lasts longer than more than half of the current PS2 line-up, then this game is something to pick up.
  9. While Summoner may not realize all of its lofty goals, it is still a good RPG with a solid storyline and an excitingly unconventional take on the RPG genre.
  10. Very involving, strays from the linear path and all the elements of a great RPG system are here; the only down side to the game becomes evident with the graphical glitches and poor sound effects.
  11. Even with its flaws, Summoner stands out as the best RPG available for PS2 this year.
  12. An inexcusably shallow draw-in rate and the worst automap and world map combo ever seen in a modern RPG conspire to yank the coveted Direct Hit ranking away from what is, in all other ways, a stellar experience.
  13. This isn't a game for everyone, namely those with little patience, but for anyone else willing to put the time into playing this game will find an adventure like no other on the PlayStation 2 and currently the best RPG out there.
  14. It is a huge game with a fairly engrossing story, but thanks in part to a few design flaws, it's hard to keep playing all the way to the end.
  15. If you don't mind a lot of draw-in and bad sound effects, you'll be able to stomach this game.
  16. An extremely ambitious game, but it misses the mark due to unoriginality and subpar presentation.
User Score

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 5
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 5
  3. Negative: 1 out of 5
  1. Link3000
    9
    Interesting attack system makes fight monsters alot more challenging then in other RPG's. The storyline and plot are also very well done. It would be a 10, but they did a little too much draw in on the graphics and some of the towns are huge and may overwhelm the user at first. Full Review »
  2. TayjamJ.
    9
    This game doesn't exactly stack up there with the Final Fantasy series, but for a game available at the systems release. This is pretty much what all new system games should shoot for. The graphics arent great and the loading times are relly long, but the gameplay and storyline is wonderful. This is a great game. Full Review »
  3. GeorgeS.
    0
    I bought this game for £15.00 and it is the worst game I have ever played on any sort of game system:it is slow,it is boring, it has no good fighting movesand it has terrible graphics. Full Review »