Hey peeps. It is Zell bringing you one of my favorite topics to talk about; Final Fantasy. This time around, I am going to talk to you about my favorite summons from the Final Fantasy franchise. Whether they are called Summons, Eidolons, Aeons, or Guardian Forces, summons have played an integral role in the series since FF3. Since that time, we have had some summons continue to mainstay in the series, and some that have come in and made a huge impression. Here are my top ten summons from the series y’all.
10. Shiva
Shiva, the Ice Goddess. Shiva really is a beginner’s summon (in the nicest possible way). Her Diamond Dust and lack of clothing are a staple for the series, with multiple appearances even from the very beginning. I feel her best appearance in a Final Fantasy game is FFX. She was the mid summon of the game that carried you a lot of the journey even after attaining Bahamut soon after. She is fast, powerful, and full of appeal. Her colleague in crime is the fire summon Ifrit who is my number 9.
9. Ifrit
Ifrit, also known to by Jinn, is the Fire summon for the series. Looking like a demon in the series up until about FF8, Ifrit starts to take on a more feral look to suit his feral character. Another beginner’s summon in theory, he pretty much is the counter to summoning Shiva. The Hell Fire has taken down many a foe. I believe Ifrit’s best appearance in the series was Final Fantasy 8. Mainly due to his skill level always being the same, his mark on FF8 was legendary by being a part of Squall’s assessment to the Fire Cavern. He is the first real boss in the game and hits hard with attitude. You can always depend on Ifrit… Unlike my next choice.
8. Odin
Odin, the one hit sword master. Odin only specializes in one attack. In saying that, it is the only attack you need. Zantetsuken is the end of your foe immediately on connection from the attack. Odin always appears intimidating, yet respectful to his adversaries. He also has a sense of pride where you must earn his services. Final Fantasy 4 and 8 strike me the most with Odin, with FF8 more so due to his death via Seifer. His strongest appearance was as the King of Baron’s summon in death. Mainly because you have never experienced a battle that ends with one slash. The clock counting down is not your friend here at all, and a sense of pressure the entirety of battle. A summon that enjoys taking out your team, it is wise to keep the next summon close by.
7. Phoenix
Phoenix, the fire bird of death. Phoenix is a hall-mark of the series via the Phoenix Pinion. Phoenix is known for dealing damage to a foe, while reviving your team from downed status. The beautiful view of the Phoenix is usually in desperate times. No matter whether summoned by a summoner or item, Phoenix is handy to have. My favorite Phoenix game is Final Fantasy 7. After helping save the Fort Condor base from destruction, the bird at the top of the Fort dies. It is reborn as Phoenix. Against Sephiroth, the completion of this mini game comes with great reward. In regards to my next summon, Water beats Fire.
6. Leviathan
Good old Leviathan, the Water Serpent summon. Having Leviathan on your team ensures that enemies are sent away to sea forever. Leviathan’s Tsunami is utmost effective in the earlier games of the franchise, where Water is not easily countered. With multiple appearances, his best appearance in my opinion was in Final Fantasy 4. Leviathan, the King of the Summon World, challenges the party to battle so that Rydia can attain his services. Leviathan is fundamental in beating the game and the final summon, Bahamut. Beating Leviathan in battle is no easy feat, ensuring the title King of the Summon World a true statement. However in FFX, Leviathan cannot save you so the next three gals will.
5. Magus Sisters
The Magus Sisters, the flower puff girls.. That was a bad rhyming pun. Formerly brutal enemies from FF4, these girls turn over a new leaf as the most powerful summon in Final Fantasy X. After beating Belgemine’s Anima, the undead summoner gives you an item that enables the final summon to become available. That is if you go to Mt. Gagazet and capture every single final monster in the area. A tough thing to do, yet very rewarding at the end. Defeating Belgemine enables you to use the Magus Sisters. Not only does the trio fight at once, they fight separately with differing stats, health, and unusual commands. The only time they work together is to inflict ultimate pain with Delta Attack. Though not always holy, they get the job done. Our next summon is simply holy..
4. Alexander
Alexander, the holy summon. Forever casting Judgment on those who deserve it, Alexander is always willing to follow command of the summoner throughout its few appearances in the series. Except in the case of Final Fantasy 9, when Alexander turns, I believe its short appearance was most memorable. When Kuja was to inflict reckoning onto Alexandria, the two summoners in Eiko and Dagger combined to unleash Alexander to protect Alexandria and destroy Bahamut who was running rampage. A stunned Kuja stood in shock at this impressive feat. Garland and his corrupting Invincible took advantage of this, destroying Alexandria and acquiring the summon to never be used again. The raw strength to defeat Bahamut was a big moment of the series, though so was destroying a Blitzball stadium of fiends.
3. Anima
Anima, the dark summon. Its only appearance being in Final Fantasy X as a summon, it plays an integral part of the story. The main antagonist Seymour uses this summon to display his power before all. Anima virtually makes Seymour seem untouchable. It takes all of Yuna’s guardians and summons to take this one summon down itself. In regards to story, you find that Seymour’s mother sacrificed herself to become a summon for him to use and protect himself with. It is his corruption that makes Anima a ferocious monster. When Yuna acquires Anima, Seymour’s mother apologizes and says she will battle her son to rectify the past. The only thing I can say about Anima is Oblivion. His multiple strikes as an ultimate move leave Anima a forever strong summon for the ages, very similar to my number 2.
2. Knights of the Round
The Knights of the Round. Final Fantasy 7’s, and possibly, the series most ultimate summon in regards to power, it has the potential to take down anybody in one turn. This includes Sephiroth. With the cut scene going two minutes plus, the many knights come charging in with an assault that annihilates all. In it’s only appearance in the franchise, the knights make an impression that will forever last. Mainly due to the fact it is so hard to attain this ultimate summon. Breeding a Gold Chocobo, spending hours strengthening and winning race after race at Gold Saucer is the foundation to finally grasping the knights. As great as it is, I think the knights are surpassed by the king.
1. Bahamut
Bahamut, King of Summons. Whether you are on the receiving end of mega Flare, Giga Flare, or Tera Flare, Bahamut has one job; winning via destruction. A summon that has many appearances in the Final Fantasy series, it is hard to pin point Bahamut’s greatest appearance. In FF1, he helps you evolve to the next level, yet doesn’t join you. That honor is saved until FF3. In FF4, Bahamut is the best summon in the game bar none, however it is the fight to attain his powers that tells the story. In Final Fantasy 7, he attains new forms, such as Bahamut ZERO and Neo Bahamut. Everyone wants a Bahamut right? In FFX, he is your last summon before receiving the ultimate forbidden summons. It doesn’t stop him from being a bad ass power house though. Then in FF12 he becomes a ship.. Hmm. Anyway, Bahamut is a staple for the series as a summon that no matter what, is always there to give you a winning hand. Make sure you earn it though.
Regards peeps and thanks for reading with all your support like always. Let us know what you think and comment.
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