Summoner

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: THQ
  • Release Date: Oct 25, 2000
  • Also On: PC
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
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  1. Hot Games
    90
    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. GamerWeb Sony
    85
    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. IGN
    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.
  5. TotalGames.net
    80
    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.
    All this publication's reviews
  6. Electric Playground
    80
    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.
  7. GamePro
    80
    A good start for PS2 RPGs, but lacks the polish, artistry, and refined story line of some recent PlayStation RPGs.
  8. GameSpy
    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.
  9. GameSpot
    77
    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. Gaming Maxx
    77
    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.
  11. Da Gameboyz
    76
    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.
    All this publication's reviews
  12. Happy Puppy
    75
    Even with its flaws, Summoner stands out as the best RPG available for PS2 this year.
  13. Daily Radar
    75
    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.
    All this publication's reviews
  14. PSX Nation
    70
    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.
  15. All Game Guide
    60
    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.
  16. CNET Gamecenter
    50
    If you don't mind a lot of draw-in and bad sound effects, you'll be able to stomach this game.
    All this publication's reviews
  17. Game Revolution
    42
    An extremely ambitious game, but it misses the mark due to unoriginality and subpar presentation.

Awards & Rankings

21
#21 Best PS2 Game of 2000
12
#12 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2000
7
#7 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2000

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. Link3000
    Jun 5, 2002
    9
    Interesting attack system makes fight monsters alot more challenging then in other RPG's. The storyline and plot are also very well 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.
    Jun 4, 2002
    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 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. Tomplexthis
    Jul 7, 2022
    8
    This amazing rpg is 5 bucks on steam usually, but i played it when it released, alot, i was a kid. ps2 games were all not up to what games areThis amazing rpg is 5 bucks on steam usually, but i played it when it released, alot, i was a kid. ps2 games were all not up to what games are today, but its the depth, or deep worlds you get to see that were cool, the sound effects i liked, the world i liked, the gameplay was rough, but fun.

    games used to be passion projects, that were fun, before they became wallet centric.
    this rpg is a classic adventure, you summon monsters, as a summoner, fight stuff.
    hard to describe in a sense, but worth beating once.    … Full Review »
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