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Summoner 2
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Summoner 2
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Summoner 2
US box art for PS2 version
DeveloperVolition[a]
PublisherTHQ
DesignerSandeep Shekar
ProgrammerJames Hague
ArtistsMitri Vanichtheeranont
Frank Marquart
WriterJason Scott
ComposersDan Wentz
Franky Vivid
Kate Marlin-Nelson
SeriesSummoner
PlatformsPlayStation 2, GameCube
ReleasePlayStation 2
  • NA: September 23, 2002[1]
  • EU: November 1, 2002
GameCube
  • NA: February 4, 2003
  • EU: April 11, 2003
GenreAction role-playing
ModeSingle-player

Summoner 2 is an action role-playing game developed by Volition and published by THQ as the sequel to Summoner. It was originally released for PlayStation 2 in 2002 and was ported to the GameCube in 2003 by Cranky Pants Games with some visual changes as Summoner: A Goddess Reborn. The game features improved visuals and a more real-time, action-oriented combat system from the original.

Instead of Joseph, the player now takes on the role of Maia, Queen of Halassar, who is the goddess Laharah reborn, and can transform herself into a variety of "summonable" creatures. Maia must heal the legendary Tree of Eleh, the source of Aosi, the language of creation. Along the way, she meets a host of characters, including Yago from the original Summoner game.

Gameplay

[edit]

Similar to its predecessor, combat is in real time, with spells cast over time depending on the complexity of the spell. The chain attack system from the first game was removed in favor of a more traditional button combo and guard system. Skills are increased as the characters level up, and equipment is collected, including skills that are specific for AI controlled characters, meaning the player can focus playing a specific character if desired. Some enemies will respawn over time.

Unlike the first game, which was played with an unchangeable 5 member party (except for the summon), Summoner 2 only allows up to 3 characters to be in the party at once, although these characters are picked from a group of 7. Some sections of the game have a fixed character set-up, and most sections require Maia to be in the party. Also unlike the first game, overworld travel is done point to point, with no random encounters during travel. In addition to forwarding the main plot, Maia can also directly influence the development of the kingdom. She can donate gold collected from her adventures to improve the health services, education, and military of her realm, and also issue judgements on a variety of political issues. The decisions made will have repercussions later in the game.

Story

[edit]

The game takes place 20 years after the previous installment. Halassar, a province in the Empire of Galdyr, distant from the kingdoms of Medeva and Orenia, was foretold as the birthplace of the Goddess Laharah Reborn. The priestesses of Laharah declared Maia as the goddess when she was an infant and armies rose up in Maia's name, led by the Emperor's brother Prince Taurgis, making Halassar independent from Galdyr and Maia, the Queen of the Halassar Empire. Traveling with her is Sangaril, an orphan trained by the Shadow Clan assassins of the Munari, who was sent to kill Maia as a child, but instead became her sworn bodyguard. While reclaiming the Book of the Prophets from the Halassar Palace traitor Dama Sivora, Maia activates a rune stone embedded in the pirate island stronghold of Prince Neru, on the Isle of Teomura, gaining the ability to transform into one of the 4 Summons. After recovering the Book of the Prophets and returning to the Palace she learns more about her destiny.

The Prophecy states that the Tree of Eleh, which gave life to the world, was shattered by the Tempest, an evil storm. Maia, the Goddess Laharah Reborn, is tasked with restoring the Tree as prophecy dictates. Maia next responds to a surprise attack by the remnants of the King of Adamur, the kingdom which was greatly truncated when she was identified as the Goddess Laharah. Attacking the Imperial Sepulchre the Empire has seized, Maia encounters Krobelus, under control of the Tempest, and defeats him. Curious to Krobelus' knowledge of her Prophecy, she begins to track him to the Prison of Indubal, where he has been held prisoner after being seized by Imperial forces of King Azraman, King of Galdyr. Krobelus explains that he was possessed, and that they must travel to the ice caverns of Eleh to find the gateway to the Realm of Twilight so that he can free himself of the evil and where Maia hopes to discover the key to restoring the Tree of Eleh. They hope to use a flying vessel which belongs to the legendary Morbazan who lives in Munari City, home to an aquatic race that worship many gods. There they encounter Morbazan, who tells the Goddess he will lend them his vessel in exchange for Iari. Not knowing what that is, Maia delves into the Adytum of the Unseen, and finds Iari who turns out to be a sentient weapon machine. She returns to Morbazan, who agrees to lead them up north to the Eleh Caverns, where the group find the monk Yago of Iona, from the first Summoner game, who guides them to a fragment of the Tree of Eleh, which acts as a portal to the multiplanar Realm of Twilight. Maia finds herself in a place called the Wheel of the Perduellion, controlled by a race who define themselves by a complicated system of Masks and are intent on slaying all of their gods. The Perduellion[2] inform Maia that her friends are trapped and can only be freed if she destroys their god, which entails complex quests in the Temple of the Archons, the Bibliopolis of Lost Tomes, the Tribunal, Vandal's Ruins to battle Vandal and his daughter, Nepenthes, and Paludal's Bridge with mud golems. She frees Morbazan from a trial by combat, discovering who he really is; that he and Iari are the last of the Unseen, the former gods and leaders of the Perduellion. Once Maia has freed all of her party, they must fight the Perduellion's new tyrant ruler Ushandul and travel to the stronghold of Sharangir to control his tower and therefore defeat the powerful Khargathalan. After this the party are automatically transported back to the Palace of Halassar except for Maia, who is sent alone to the Dream of Eleh to speak with the spirits of Rosalind, the Abbess of Iona and Yago's daughter, and the God Urath who was made whole again in the first Summoner game. She learns from them more about the path she wishes to go down in order to save the kingdom and defeat the Tempest. Maia's trusted friend and guide Surdama Kir betrays her and becomes a slave to the Tempest. In the Palace Throne Room, Maia and her friends travel to the Labyrinth of the Guardians, where they are attacked in four portals. After completion of the Labyrinth, Maia is able to access the 13th Summon and its powers. Showdowns at the Eye of the Storm and the Celestial Sphere follow, with the weakened Maia joining with Iari in a final desperate move, to become more powerful and defeat the Tempest once and for all. The game ends with Maia/Iari defeating the Tempest and becoming the Tree of Eleh itself.

Reception

[edit]

The original Summoner 2 received "generally favorable reviews", while A Goddess Reborn received above-average reviews, according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[3][4] Star Dingo of GamePro's December 2002 issue said of the former game, "Anyone willing to dive into this science-fantasy swirl will be duly rewarded with one of the more memorable and unique RPGs to ever grace the PS2. Unfortunately, it's a plunge most will be unwilling to take...on the surface, Summoner 2 looks a little too cold."[26][c] Four issues later, he said of the latter, "While it may not be the most technically advanced RPG on the market by any stretch of the imagination, Summoner: A Goddess Reborn still manages to break through its weaknesses to stretch your imagination."[27][d]

GameSpot named the same console version the best GameCube game of February 2003 in review.[28]

Notes

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Summoner 2

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Summoner 2 is a 2002 action role-playing video game developed by Volition and published by THQ for the PlayStation 2, with a GameCube port following in 2003. As the sequel to the 2000 title Summoner, it shifts the focus to real-time combat and party-based exploration in a fantasy world inspired by ancient myths. The game centers on Maia, the young Queen of Halassar and prophesied reincarnation of the benevolent goddess Laharah, who leads a band of companions on a quest to recover the Book of Prophecy and ascend to divinity amid political intrigue and demonic threats. In terms of gameplay, Summoner 2 features third-person perspective across expansive realms like Halassar, Galdyr, and the of Munari, with players controlling directly in action-oriented battles or switching between a party of up to three characters with customizable AI scripts. can transform into powerful summoned demons during combat, emphasizing a mix of melee weapons such as swords and axes, ranged options like crossbows, and a leveling system that allocates skill points for character progression. The title includes elements tied to Maia's role as ruler, optional side quests, and a save-anywhere system, though its combat has been noted for relying on repetitive button-mashing with limited strategic depth. Critically, Summoner 2 earned generally favorable reviews, praised for its compelling narrative, memorable , and strong that brings the fantasy lore to life. It holds a score of 76 out of 100 based on 20 critic reviews, highlighting the story's emotional depth and open-ended development as standout features, while critiquing technical shortcomings like sluggish frame rates, awkward animations, and collision issues. The game represents a solid evolution in Volition's RPG efforts before their pivot to shooters like , appealing to fans of action-adventure titles with elements.

Development

Production background

Summoner 2 was developed by Volition, Inc., building directly on the studio's experience with the original Summoner, a launch title released in October 2000. Following Volition's acquisition by in September 2000 during the production of the first game, served as both publisher and owner, providing resources to expand the franchise on the burgeoning PS2 platform. Production for the sequel commenced after Volition completed work on in October 2001, allowing the team to shift focus to enhancing the RPG elements with PS2-specific graphical and technical improvements. The project was led by key personnel including James Hague as lead programmer, Mitri Vanichtheeranont and Frank Marquart as art directors, as writer, and Dan Wentz as sound designer, drawing from the studio's expertise in action-oriented titles. These staff members contributed to an enhanced that supported more dynamic visuals and gameplay, as highlighted in early previews. The sequel was formally announced on , 2002, with a planned fall release, positioning it as a strategic follow-up to capitalize on the original's established lore while targeting PS2's growing user base. As a direct narrative continuation set approximately 20 years after the events of the first game, Summoner 2 was motivated by Volition's intent to rectify major criticisms of the original, particularly its semi-real-time combat system, which was often described as sluggish and hampered by poor AI. The development team aimed to overhaul these elements by adopting a fully action-RPG approach, eliminating pauses and emphasizing real-time engagement to improve pacing and player agency. This shift reflected broader lessons from the studio's concurrent work on fast-paced shooters like , ensuring the sequel better aligned with evolving console RPG expectations.

Design and features

Summoner 2 represented a significant in design from its predecessor, shifting from a hybrid turn-based and real-time combat system to a fully action-oriented real-time approach to better leverage the PlayStation 2's hardware capabilities. This overhaul allowed for direct player control over character movements and attacks, using the square for standard swings and incorporating special attacks via specific combinations that could stagger or knock down enemies. A guard mechanic, activated by the L1 , enabled defensive blocking to mitigate damage during aggressive exchanges, emphasizing tactical timing over paused decision-making. These changes aimed to create a more immersive and responsive experience suited to the console's processing power. Central to the game's innovative features was the summoning system for Maia, who could transform into powerful creatures using summoning stones acquired throughout the adventure. This core mechanic provided combat variety by altering Maia's stats, abilities, and playstyle based on the summon type—such as the hulking, melee-focused summon or the agile summon—drawn from mythological inspirations across four categories (, , , and Eye) with 12 progressive levels unlocked via skill investment. Transformations not only diversified Maia's role in battles but also integrated narrative elements of her divine heritage, allowing shape-shifting to adapt to environmental and enemy challenges. The world design adopted a semi-open hub-based structure centered around Maia's kingdom of Halassar, where players navigated interconnected regions like haunted islands, aquatic cities, and frozen wastelands via a central palace hub. Kingdom-building elements were introduced through resource management, enabling Maia to donate accumulated gold to NPCs and factions, which influenced alliances, unlocked side quests, and branched story outcomes based on petition responses at the palace. This system added depth to exploration, encouraging strategic decisions that affected NPC loyalties and regional developments without fully open-world freedom..pdf) Visually, Summoner 2 featured enhanced 3D graphics optimized for the PS2, with larger, more detailed environments and improved character models that showcased greater fluidity and environmental compared to the original game's PS1-era limitations. The upgraded engine eliminated issues like and pop-in, delivering vibrant, lively settings with dynamic elements such as effects and destructible objects to heighten immersion. The audio design complemented the epic fantasy tone through an original score composed by Dan Wentz, Franky Vivid, and Kate Marlin-Nelson, emphasizing orchestral themes with mythological undertones to underscore key moments like transformations and kingdom events. Sound effects and further integrated with the , providing auditory feedback for combos and guards to enhance player engagement.

Gameplay

Combat system

The combat system in Summoner 2 represents a shift to real-time action-oriented gameplay compared to the turn-based mechanics of the original game. Players directly control one character in a party of up to three, navigating 3D arenas with analog stick movement while engaging enemies through a button-based combo system. Basic attacks are performed by repeatedly pressing the square button to execute light attack chains, which can transition into heavier combos or special moves triggered by directional inputs combined with buttons like triangle for skills or circle for blocking. Dodging is achieved via timed evasion maneuvers using the analog stick and guard button, allowing characters to avoid incoming strikes and reposition during fights. Maia, the protagonist and summoner, possesses a unique transformation ability that enhances her role in . She can shift into one of four summon forms—Blood, , , or Eye—each with three escalating levels unlocked through story-specific , altering her appearance, stats, and available abilities to suit different tactical needs, such as prowess in Blood form (resembling a skinless monster) or ranged attacks in Eye form (a hovering entity). These transformations consume Ability Points (AP), functioning as a mana resource replenished by potions, and last for a limited duration that can be extended by leveling the Summon skill or equipping items like rings; Maia reverts to her base form if the timer expires or her health reaches zero in summon state. While no explicit cooldown prevents immediate re-summoning upon reversion, the AP cost and recovery time create strategic pacing, with higher-level summons providing access to powerful spells like Heal from or Explosion from Blood. Non-active party members are managed by AI scripts selectable from options like Melee (focus on basic attacks), Healer (prioritizes restoration spells), or (targets offensive magic), though players can override this by switching control mid-battle with a dedicated button press, pausing the action for menu navigation to issue commands or adjust tactics. The AI exhibits limitations, such as inefficient targeting of elemental weaknesses or failure to use revival spells automatically, necessitating frequent manual intervention during intense encounters. Enemies employ similar combo patterns, chaining light and heavy attacks that require players to recognize and counter through blocking or evasion, adding a layer of predictability to fights but demanding precise timing to avoid damage. Battles occur in diverse environmental arenas, such as forests, ruins, or volcanic landscapes, where terrain influences movement and positioning but lacks interactive destructible elements. The game's difficulty scales through progressively aggressive enemy behaviors and boss encounters that emphasize , where foes cycle through telegraphed attacks—such as area-wide spells or multi-hit —requiring coordinated party switches and summon usage to exploit openings. While no in-game options adjust combat speed, the inherent pacing rewards skilled input execution over the default Normal difficulty, with Hard mode unlocked post-completion for heightened enemy damage and health.

Party management and progression

In Summoner 2, players manage a party limited to three active members selected from a roster of seven recruitable characters, with the protagonist serving as a mandatory member in most scenarios due to her central role in summoning mechanics. Additional companions such as Sangaril, Taurgis, Neru, Morbazan, Iari, and Yago join progressively through quest completion, expanding the roster for strategic selection before entering areas or battles. Players can switch between active members during exploration or combat via solo mode, allowing manual control to leverage individual strengths while the AI handles the others based on preset behaviors like melee or caster roles. Character progression occurs through experience points earned in , which advance levels and grant skill points for allocation into character-specific trees. Early levels (1-6) provide two points per level, increasing to three for levels 7-19, with maximum skill ranks capped at 10 and varying total levels per character (e.g., up to 51, Taurgis to 31). These trees focus on class specialties, such as Sangaril's branch unlocking stealth abilities like Sneak at level 1 and Paralyze at level 10, or Taurgis's Galdyr tree enhancing with Powerblow at max rank. General categories include attributes (e.g., willpower), disciplines (e.g., fire ), and special moves, enabling customization for roles like or summoning without resetting prior investments. The equipment system emphasizes looted or purchased gear to modify stats, with items providing boosts to attack, defense, magic resistance, and special effects like or regeneration. Weapons such as the of Death or armor like the Anima Cuirass are acquired from enemies, chests, vendors, or quest rewards, directly influencing viability without requiring complex crafting—though basic item creation occurs at specific forges using found materials. Gear slots cover weapons, armor, rings, and amulets, with stats capped at 200 for key attributes like or action points. Kingdom influence integrates into party dynamics through gold donations to factions and advisors, which can unlock equipment, temporary allies, or branching story paths that affect companion availability and alliances. For instance, repeated donations to figures like General Kosi in the Palace of Halassar yield defensive items, while funding expeditions (e.g., 300-700 to Admiral Zoradin) provides rewards that support party progression. Faction decisions, such as aligning with the Perduellions via mask interactions in the City of Masks, influence recruitable aids or narrative routes, potentially altering which companions join or remain viable. These elements contribute to replayability, as party compositions, skill investments, and faction choices lead to varied alliances and multiple narrative branches, encouraging experimentation with different team synergies across playthroughs.

Plot and characters

Setting and main storyline

Summoner 2 is set in the fantasy world of Medeva, twenty years after the events of the original Summoner, where the protagonist Joseph ascended to godhood as Urath, fundamentally altering the world's religious and political landscape. The narrative centers on the kingdom of Halassar, a province within the expansive Empire of Galdyr, alongside key locations such as the bustling trade hub of Munari City and distant realms influenced by ancient prophecies. A pivotal element of the setting is the Tree of Eleh, a legendary mystical entity representing the source of creation and the language of Aosi, which was damaged in primordial times and now requires healing to prevent cosmic unraveling. The main storyline follows Maia, the Queen of Halassar and the human incarnation of the goddess Laharah, who is prophesied to restore balance to Medeva by mending the Tree of Eleh and countering the encroaching Tempest, a cataclysmic ancient evil manifesting as destructive storms and demonic forces. Her quest begins amid political turmoil in Halassar, where she must navigate alliances with figures from Galdyr and Munari while fending off betrayals orchestrated by the priests of Urath, who view her divine rebirth as a threat to their dominance. As escalating threats from the Tempest unfold—unleashing horrors like demons and chaotic tempests—Maia embarks on a perilous journey from her throne in Halassar to haunted islands, labyrinthine ruins, and frozen wastelands, forging temporary pacts and uncovering artifacts essential to her destiny. Player decisions in managing Halassar's kingdom affairs introduce branching paths, influencing diplomatic outcomes and the intensity of betrayals encountered. The plot builds to a climax within the Tree of Eleh itself, where Maia confronts the core of the Tempest in a bid for ascension, ultimately succeeding in her divine rebirth as Laharah and restoring the world's fractured harmony. Themes of prophecy and redemption underscore 's arc, as she redeems the legacy of Laharah's ancient exile while grappling with the political intrigue stemming from Joseph's deification, which sowed seeds of religious schism across Medeva. This sequel expands on the original game's world changes, portraying a Medeva reshaped by Joseph's sacrifice, with Halassar's resurgence as a beacon of Laharah's return amid ongoing tensions between old gods and new threats.

Key characters

Maia serves as the and Queen of Halassar, revered by many as the of the Laharah due to prophecies her divine role in restoring balance to the world. Born in the aftermath of events from the original Summoner, she possesses innate summoner abilities that allow her to transform into powerful creatures using ancient runes, alongside proficiency in fire magic and swordsmanship, which are pivotal to her leadership and the unfolding quest. Her poised yet sarcastic demeanor drives her to navigate political intrigue and personal destiny with a sense of duty to her people, making her the central figure uniting diverse allies against greater threats. Sangaril, a skilled assassin from the amphibious Munari race, acts as Maia's steadfast companion and early party member, providing stealth and in combat through backstabbing, application, and nimble strikes. Originally dispatched by her clan to assassinate Maia a decade prior, she defected upon witnessing the queen's inspirational qualities, severing ties with her people and embracing a loyal, platonic bond that offers both tactical support and emotional depth to the narrative. Her broken yet resilient personality highlights themes of redemption and cultural among the Nhuvasarim descendants. Taurgis, the Odoni warrior and younger brother of King Azraman, functions as Maia's loyal guardian, mentor, and , excelling in heavy with axes and hammers while serving as a tank-like protector. Having defected from his homeland of Galdyr to aid Halassar, he brings historical knowledge of ancient races and provides comic relief through his vitriolic banter, particularly with Sangaril, enriching party dynamics and underscoring themes of familial and unwavering . His fire-resistant physique and straightforward, honorable nature make him a reliable pillar in the group's perilous journeys. Krobelus, of Urath and a temporary member, specializes in and as a priestly figure haunted by possession and moral conflicts, often leaning toward darker impulses that challenge group alliances. Rising to power through dubious means, he harbors secrets tied to Maia's and leads crusaders against her rule, yet his inclusion in the reveals internal struggles and the between ally and adversary. His squishy yet potent spellcasting contributes to strategic depth while exploring dilemmas of and . Other key characters include Prince Neru, a revenge-driven pirate leader and archer with ancient expertise, inheriting political tensions as a former Urath seeking retribution for personal losses, which adds layers of mystery and naval intrigue to the story. Rosalind, Yago's daughter and a companion from the first game, represents a quest for lost kin, her heritage influencing alliances and lore revelations without direct playability. Jekhar, the warrior, brings raw fury and ties to prior events, aiding in searches for allies like Rosalind in a cameo role. Yago, returning as a rogue-like monk of and Joseph's former teacher, replaces fallen members with balanced combat skills, driven by grief over his missing daughter and knowledge of ancient Aosi secrets, providing continuity and moral guidance. On the antagonistic side, Azraman, the crusading King of Galdyr, poses as a formidable rival to , commanding forces with authoritarian zeal and familial ties that complicate loyalties, embodying imperial ambition and religious fervor central to the conflicts. , an ancient destructive entity akin to a primal god, shatters cosmic balance and possesses key figures, driving cataclysmic events through its chaotic influence and service by shadowy minions, representing an existential threat that tests the heroes' resolve.

Release

Launch and platforms

Summoner 2 launched exclusively on the , targeting RPG enthusiasts in the wake of major titles like Final Fantasy X. The game was released in on September 23, 2002, and in on November 1, 2002. It earned an ESRB Teen rating due to and , encompassing its fantasy elements of combat and creature summoning. Publisher promoted the title through trailers that spotlighted protagonist Maia's transformative powers and narrative ties to the original Summoner. The game was featured in 's lineup at 2002, where demos allowed attendees to experience early gameplay. Demos were also distributed via gaming magazines, such as the Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine in October 2002, to build anticipation ahead of the North American launch. Regional releases included minor dialogue adjustments for European audiences to accommodate localization, with no reported censorship. THQ positioned Summoner 2 as a mid-tier action RPG offering deep storytelling and real-time combat to appeal to fans of contemporary console RPGs like .

Ports and variants

The port of Summoner 2, retitled Summoner: A Goddess Reborn, was released in on February 4, 2003, by publisher , with development handled by Cranky Pants Games. This adaptation followed the game's initial launch in September 2002 and was designed as a direct port without adding new content, such as additional quests or features. The title change from Summoner 2 to Summoner: A Goddess Reborn was made to position it as a standalone entry on the , given that the original Summoner had not been released on Nintendo's platform. Minor graphical adjustments were implemented to accommodate the GameCube's hardware; environments appear brighter and more colorful with a smoother framerate targeting 60 FPS, though character models are blurrier and is more noticeable compared to the PS2 version. No additional ports of Summoner 2 were developed for PC, Xbox, or other contemporary platforms, nor have modern re-releases occurred as of 2025, leaving it exclusive to PS2 and hardware. In contrast, the first Summoner received an emulated re-release for and via PlayStation Plus Premium in July 2024. Preservation efforts for Summoner 2 rely on emulation, with strong compatibility through the emulator for the PS2 version, allowing play on modern PCs with enhancements like upscaled resolutions. Community-created patches, integrated via PCSX2's cheat system, enable 16:9 aspect ratios without image distortion, further improving accessibility for current displays.

Reception

Critical response

Summoner 2 received generally favorable reviews upon release, with the PlayStation 2 version earning a Metacritic score of 76/100 based on 20 critic reviews. The GameCube port, titled Summoner: A Goddess Reborn, scored slightly lower at 72/100 from 19 reviews, indicating mixed or average reception. Critics praised the game's improvements over the original Summoner, particularly in its real-time combat system, which allowed for dynamic party switching and strategic depth. IGN awarded the PS2 version 8.4/10, calling it "an improvement on the original in every way" and highlighting the engaging storyline centered on Maia, the queen with unique summoning mechanics that let her transform into mythical creatures. GameSpot gave the PS2 edition 7.9/10, describing it as "a very good adventure role-playing game" with a memorable cast of characters, plenty of action, and an expansive world filled with quests. Electronic Gaming Monthly scored it 7/10, appreciating the solid plot and role-playing elements despite some interface shortcomings. Common praises included the lengthy main quest—often exceeding 30 hours—and the intricate lore drawn from mythology, which added conceptual depth to progression and party management. Critics noted several flaws, including unpolished visuals and occasional design issues that hindered immersion. pointed out interface problems, such as awkward camera controls during combat, while criticized repetitive side quests that felt padded despite their volume. Electronic Gaming Monthly echoed concerns about the combat's occasional clunkiness, though it still found the overall experience worthwhile. Platform-specific feedback varied: the version was lauded for smoother frame rates and cleaner graphics, addressing PS2 performance dips in busy battles, but criticized for clumsier controls that made navigation less intuitive. scored it 8/10, praising the real-time party-based combat as a "genius" blend of action and RPG elements, though it noted the port's linearity as a persistent issue. highlighted the improved technical qualities but lamented the control scheme's shortcomings relative to the PS2 original. In the 2020s, Summoner 2 has gained recognition as an underrated PS2 RPG through retrospective analyses, with emulation enabling renewed access and appreciation for its narrative ambition and combat innovations amid the era's crowded genre.

Commercial performance and legacy

Summoner 2 achieved modest commercial success, with global sales estimated at approximately 210,000 units, the vast majority on the platform. The title's performance was described as a financial disappointment by publisher , falling short of broader market expectations during a period of robust PS2 RPG releases that included competitors like .hack//Infection. In the years following its release, Summoner 2 developed a dedicated , often highlighted as a hidden gem within the PS2's extensive RPG library for its innovative transformation mechanics allowing the to into summoned creatures. Fans have praised its through multiple character builds and party configurations, contributing to ongoing discussions in gaming communities. No direct sequels were produced after the original Summoner series concluded with this entry, though petitions and fan campaigns emerged in the calling for remasters or reboots, none of which have materialized as of November 2025. The game's legacy endures through emulation, as it remains playable on modern systems via PS2 emulators, preserving access to its content without official re-releases. Developed by Volition prior to their pivot to action titles like the series, Summoner 2 stands as a notable example of the studio's early experimentation with action-RPG elements in a competitive era.

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  33. https://www.metacritic.com/game/summoner-a-goddess-reborn/
  34. https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/04/summoner-a-goddess-reborn
  35. https://www.neogaf.com/threads/what-is-the-difference-between-summoner-2-ps2-and-summoner-a-goddess-reborn-gc.1209630/
  36. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/summoner-a-goddess-reborn-review/1900-2910626/
  37. https://steamcommunity.com/app/275570/discussions/0/540738052699411690/
  38. https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/07/forgotten-ps2-launch-rpg-summoner-resurrected-for-ps5-ps4
  39. https://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-PCSX2-Widescreen-Game-Patches
  40. https://www.metacritic.com/game/summoner-2/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-2
  41. https://www.metacritic.com/game/summoner-a-goddess-reborn/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube
  42. https://sagaofthejasonite.wordpress.com/2025/08/29/the-most-underappreciated-underrated-playstation-2-games-part-3/
  43. https://www.vgchartz.com/game/2269/summoner-2/sales
  44. https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/02/20/thq-reports-disappointing-q4-fiscals
  45. https://culturedvultures.com/ps2-hidden-gems-that-time-forgot/
  46. https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/summoner3
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