Summoner (video game)
| Summoner | |
|---|---|
 Cover image of PC version of Summoner. | |
| Developer(s) | Volition, Inc. |
| Publisher(s) |
THQ Nordic Games |
| Series | Summoner |
| Platform(s) | PlayStation 2, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows |
| Release date(s) |
PlayStation 2
Microsoft Windows
Mac OS
|
| Genre(s) | Role-playing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Summoner, developed by Volition, Inc. and published by THQ, is a third-person role-playing video game. It was released on October 26, 2000 as a launch title for the PlayStation 2 and was subsequently ported to Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.
After the bankruptcy of THQ in December 2012, the Summoner franchise was acquired by Nordic Games, who have since published Summoner on GOG.com on February 25, 2014 and the Steam Digital Distribution platform on March 12, 2014.
Gameplay
In addition to the main storyline, there are over twenty side quests that may be completed. The Summoner's combat system is a hybrid system incorporating real-time and turn-based combat, with characters essentially "taking turns" to attack during real-time gameplay. Included within this system is a unique "Chain attack" mechanic, in which players can extend their "turn" by performing special melee attacks at the appropriate time. If done correctly, players can "chain" these special attacks into long sequences, inflicting far greater amounts of damage than they might otherwise have. These special attacks can also have special effects such as inflicting status effects, damaging an enemy's action points or inflicting more health damage than normal. Characters can also acquire and use a variety of special abilities and spells, expending "action points" in order to use these abilities. The game's Summoning mechanic allows the player to conjure monsters that will serve as additional party members, allowing the player to have a 5-character party instead of a 4-character party. These monsters have their own spells and abilities that they bring into combat, but will go rogue and attack the player's party if Joseph is defeated in combat.[1]
Reception
Summoner for the PS2 received a 74 out of 100 from 16 different reviews at Metacritic.[2] Summoner for Windows received a 78 out of a 100 from 14 different reviews at Metacritic.[3]
Legacy
A sequel, Summoner 2, was released in 2002.[4]
On December 19, 2012, THQ filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy [5] and its properties were auctioned off in individual lots.<ref name="THQ's franchises and studios to be auctioned off on a "title by title" basis">"THQ's franchises and studios to be auctioned off on a "title by title" basis:". Retrieved 2014-03-13.</ref>[6] The Summoner franchise, among other THQ properties including Darksiders and Red Faction, were sold to Nordic Games.[7][8] Nordic Games have subsequently re-branded and published Summoner to the Steam Digital Distribution Platform.[9][10]
References
- ↑ http://uk.ign.com/articles/2000/10/25/summoner
- ↑ "Summoner PS2 Reviews:". Retrieved 2007-10-15.
- ↑ "Summoner PC Reviews:". Retrieved 2007-10-15.
- ↑ http://www.dsvolition.com/games/summoner-2/
- ↑ "THQ Is Dead. Here’s Where Its Games Are Going:". Retrieved 2014-03-13.
- ↑ "Going once, going twice! Gearbox picks up Homeworld in THQ auction:". Retrieved 2014-03-13.
- ↑ "THQ auction results: Nordic Games takes Darksiders, Red Faction; 505 Games is Drawn to Life:". Retrieved 2014-03-13.
- ↑ "And Everything Else From THQ Went To… Nordic Games?:". Retrieved 2014-03-13.
- ↑ "Now Available on Steam - Summoner, 20% off!:". Retrieved 2014-03-13.
- ↑ "Steam Publishers - Nordic Games:". Retrieved 2014-03-13.
External links
- Official website (archived from the original)
- Summoner at MobyGames
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