Summoner: A Goddess Reborn
THQ and Volition bring the Summoner franchise to the GameCube.
THQ's Summoner series began a little more than two years ago on the PlayStation 2. The role-playing games were developed by Illinois-based Volition and revolved around individuals gifted with mystical powers. The franchise has spanned two games, Summoner and Summoner 2 on the PlayStation 2, and it has undergone quite a bit of refinement since the first game was available at the launch of the PlayStation 2. Following Summoner 2's release for the PlayStation 2 late last year, THQ announced that it planned to bring the franchise to the GameCube in 2003 with a conversion of Summoner 2 called Summoner: A Goddess Reborn. We got our hands on a previewable copy of the game and have come away pleased by the overhaul that's well under way.
Summoner: A Goddess Reborn's story is set roughly 20 years after the events depicted in the first game. You'll assume the role of Maia, the young ruler of a kingdom called Halassar who, according to nine out of 10 prophets, is believed to be the reincarnation of a goddess called Laharah. As if the pressures of being a reincarnated goddess and ruling a kingdom weren't enough, the prophecies also mention that Maia will fulfill a great destiny of some kind. Sadly, the exact nature of this destiny isn't covered in the prophecies, leaving Maia to her own devices. Fortunately, Maia's innate spunk sends her off to look for more information on her impending greatness. Maia's quest of self-discovery is complicated a bit by a declaration of war against Halassar from the priests of Urath. Krobelus, the leader of the priests, is pretty much set on completely wiping out Maia and her people, which rules out any kind of peaceful negotiation. While this all spells trouble for Maia, it's narrative gold for players looking for a meaty story.
In terms of gameplay, Summoner: A Goddess Reborn features a basic action adventure structure that's somewhat linear--you'll head out to different locales as the story unfolds--but it also offers some opportunities to go about your own business and revisit areas if you want. You'll go through the game with a party of three characters: Maia and two others. At the start of the game, your sole companion will be Sangaril, a Munari assassin who was originally assigned to kill Maia but ended up becoming her friend and confidant. As you progress, you'll meet and be able to swap in Taurgis, who is Maia's mentor and bodyguard; Neru, a former Urath priest who now leads a band of pirates; Iari, a machine created by an ancient race called the unseen; and Morbazan, a fighter who brings Maia information on Krobelus. You'll also cross paths with Yago, whose daughter, Rosalind--one of the main characters in the original Summoner--has gone missing. Each character will have unique abilities that can be very useful in specific situations, so choosing the right mix of characters is key to making it through the game.
Summoner: A Goddess Reborn Quick Links
Summary | Reviews | News | Previews & Features | Images | Videos | Answers | Hints & Cheats | Forum | Check Prices
- THQ
- Cranky Pants Games
- Action Role-Playing
- Release: Jan 31, 2003
- ESRB: Teen
Games you may like…
-
Lost Kingdoms II
(GC) -
Generation of Chaos Exceed
(GC) -
Darkened Skye
(GC) -
Lost Kingdoms
(GC) -
Mystic Heroes
(GC)
Users who looked at content for this game also looked at these games.
See More Similar Games
0 Comments