Summary
Summons are one of the core pillars of theFinal Fantasyfranchise, being an iconic element since their introduction inFinal Fantasy 3. Manysummons have become extremely popular, with massive fanbases and appearances in most mainline games. On the other hand, some summons go largely forgotten by fans and developers alike.
In many cases, these overlooked summons are just as powerful or visually impressive as mainstays like Bahamut or Shiva. Whether their game was just poorly received, or a more popular summon fills a similar niche, these summons feel like they were never given the chance to shine. But with more care and exposure, these underrated summons have the potential to become true fan favorites.
10Chocobo
A Reliable, If Predictable Franchise Staple
While Chocobo summons are certainly underrated, the reason is fairly understandable. Chocobos are already an iconic element inFinal Fantasy, and it’s more likely than not that they’ll appear in any given game. With so many incredible-looking creatures that can be summoned, the humble Chocobo can feel like a wasted slot.
But it’s the Chocobo’s iconic nature that makes it such a worthy inclusion in any roster of summons. Chocobos are familiar to old fans and welcoming to new ones. This makes them a perfect candidate for a first summon tohelp introduce playersto that game’s summoning system.
9Valefor
A Basic Summon With Tons Of Personality
The first summon in everyFinal Fantasygame always runs the risk of being ignored by fans as the “weakest.” And with Valefor debuting as the first summon in the divisiveFinal Fantasy 10, it gets hit with this stigma twice as hard. Valefor has only appeared in a handful of other games as a summon, mostly in spinoff games.
Despite this, Valefor sports an awesome design and fills the screen with some awesome attacks. Its moments of tender affection with Yuna have helped win it its share of fans for exhibiting more personality than most summons. With these elements, Valefor has great potential to be just as popular as the more iconic summons.
8Hecatoncheir
A Unique Summon Who Couldn’t Outrun Its Game’s Reputation
Many ofFinal Fantasy 13’selements have received a mixed reaction, and its mechanized, scaled-down take on summons is no exception. That being said, the game deserves credit for introducing two brand new summons. Among these newcomers is the earth-elemental Hecatoncheir.
Named after the multi-armed giants ofGreek mythology fame, Hecatoncheir boasts the multitude of arms that the name implies. These arms not only give the summon a striking and creative appearance, but make it a menace on the battlefield. With its cool appearance and attacks, Hecatoncheir could become hugely popular if given a chance.
7Sylph
A Simple-Looking Summon With An Awesome Ability
Before Garuda carved out her place asFinal Fantasy’siconic wind-themed summon, that role belonged to the fairy Sylph. When summoned, one to three Sylphs would appear and cast the powerful Whispering Wind or Whisperwind spell. This spell would steal health from the enemy and distribute it among the party.
While it’s understandable that the more striking-looking Garuda would supplant the relatively plain-looking Sylph, the HP-draining effect of Whispering Wind helped Sylph to stand out. This unique nature makes Sylph worth revisiting. With how scary fairies can be in some folklore, Sylph could do with a redesign to help it win more fans.
6Fenrir
A Forgotten Summon With Ties To A Recent Fan-Favorite
Despite debuting inFinal Fantasy 6, Fenrir’s most famous appearance as a summon was as one of Eiko’s Eidolons inFinal Fantasy 9. Though Fenrir shared the spotlight withthe more well-known Titan, its amazing appearance and unique attacks helped it stand out. Though it sadly hasn’t had many appearances as a summon since.
With Fenrir’s awesome design and connection to Norse mythology, it has the potential to stand alongside Odin as one of the franchise’s most iconic summons. Though it wasn’t a summon, Fenrir was referenced inFinal Fantasy 16as an ancestor to fan-favorite Torgal. With Fenrir being teased in such a modern entry, it’s high time for it to make its glorious return to the franchise.
5Ixion
An Epic Lightning Summon Lost In Ramuh’s Shadow
WhenFinal Fantasyfans think of lightning-elemental summons, Ramuh is usually the first and last name they think of. But there have been other electric-themed summons in dire need of the spotlight. One of the coolest looking of these summons is the thunder unicorn Ixion.
While unicorns are a common sight in fantasy fiction, Ixion stands out from the herd with an awesome hook-shaped horn. This intimidating appearance coupled with its awesome lightning powers made Ixion a favorite amongFinal Fantasy 10fans. Though it’s sadly gone mostly forgotten due to lack of appearances, it would be a welcome sight in a new mainline game.
4Hades
A Forgotten Summon That Inflicts Status Effects
Greek mythology is a popular subject matter in a lot of video games, so, surprisingly,Final Fantasyhasn’t utilized it more in its summons. One of the rare examples of a Greek-themed summon isFinal Fantasy 7’s Hades. While his appearance as a robed skeleton has more in common with Charon, few can argue with the usefulness of his Black Cauldron attack.
Not only does this attack do a high amount of damage to all enemies, but it also inflicts the survivors witha variety of status effects. This makes Hades more useful than a pure damage dealer and helps it to stand out among other summons.
3Madeen
An Awesome-Looking Summon Overshadowed By Alexander
Serving as Eiko’s ultimate summon inFinal Fantasy 9, Madeen is one of the franchise’s rare Holy-elemental summons. Just like Ramuh with the lightning element, Alexander is usuallyFinal Fantasy’sgo-to summon when it comes to the light element. This unfortunately means that Madeen hasn’t had many opportunities to shine.
This is a true shame since as a humanoid lion with demonic wings, Madeen is one ofFinal Fantasy’scoolest-looking summons. Not only is it visually impressive, but asEiko’s most powerful summon, its too good of a summon to let go underutilized.
2Diabolos
A Demonic Summon Hobbled By A Divisive Ability
Diabolos, or Diablos as it is sometimes called, is one ofFinal Fantasy’srare darkness-themed summons. Its appearance as a red and black-winged devil has remained largely consistent throughout its limited appearances. As has its Dark Messenger attack, which usually reduces enemy health to a set percentage.
While some fans argue about the usefulness of this attack, very few can argue that Diabolos is one ofFinal Fantasy’scoolest-looking summons. Its dark and sinister appearance would definitely make it a popular choice. If Dark Messenger is tweaked to become a little more useful in combat, Diabolos could become a new fan favorite.
1Ark
A Summon With An Awesome Animation That’s Gone Forgotten For Too Long
ManyFinal Fantasy 9fans cite Ark as one of the coolest things in an already impressive game. Its jaw-dropping transformation from airship to giant robot looks like something out of an old-school mecha anime. If that wasn’t enough to wow fans, its devastating Eternal Darkness attack certainly was.
Ark’s epic, lengthy summon animation, awesome appearance, and powerful attack have drawn it comparisons withFinal Fantasy 7’siconicKnights of the Round. Unlike the Knights, Ark lacks their many spinoff appearances or recognition from the larger fanbase. With Ark’s immense appeal, its sure to become one of the franchise’s most popular summons with more appearances.
