Game Details
| Size | 228 MB |
| Region | USA |
| Genre | RPG |
| Format | 7z / ISO |
| Year | December 15, 2015 |
| Console | PSP |
Summon Night 5 (2013 in Japan, 2015 localized by Gaijinworks) holds a special place in handheld RPG history as the last official UMD game physical release for the PSP in North America. Developed by Felistella and published by Bandai Namco (with Gaijinworks handling Western localization), it serves as a mainline entry in the long-running strategy JRPG series, blending tactical grid combat with visual novel-style storytelling and relationship building.
🔮 Story & Setting: The City of Saisen
Set roughly 300 years after the events of Summon Night 3, the world of Lyndbaum has undergone a massive transformation. The boundaries separating Lyndbaum from the four otherworldly realms have collapsed, merging into a single harmonious world.
You choose between two main protagonists: Folth (male) or Arca (female). You play as an Erugo Summoner working for the Summoners Association in the melting-pot city of Saisen. Alongside your chosen Cross (a spirit partner bound to you from one of the four legendary worlds), your job is to maintain peace between humans, spirits, and monsters while investigating a sinister conspiracy threatening to sever the magic bridging the realms.
⚔️ Tactical Grid Combat & Mechanics
While staying true to the series’ TRPG roots, Summon Night 5 modernized the combat presentation by transitioning from 2D sprites to vibrant 3D cell-shaded character models on 3D isometric battlefields.
- Bonds & Cross Synergy: Your choice of Cross partner (from Silvarn, Loreilal, Phantom, or Maetia) directly defines your character’s combat role, magic elemental affinity, and skill tree progression throughout the game.
- Brave Order System: Battles award Brave Points (BP) for completing dynamic mid-combat tactical conditions (e.g., “defeat 3 enemies using magic” or “don’t let an ally drop below 30% HP”). Amassing BP lets you execute high-tier party buffs or devastating Summon Burst ultimate attacks. Be careful: letting party members fall in battle depletes your BP, and reaching zero results in an instant Game Over.
- Night Conversations & Relationship Endings: At the end of every chapter, you select a party member or Cross partner to sit down with for a private chat. These intimate visual novel-style conversations raise affinity levels, unlock unique character skills, and determine which companion’s ending you unlock.
⭐ Short Review: A Charming Farewell to the PSP
The Good
- Exceptional Localization Quality: Gaijinworks delivered a stellar, humor-packed English script with solid dialogue presentation, preserving the warm charm of the franchise.
- Gorgeous 3D Engine: The shift to 3D models paid off—animations are smooth, unit models are vibrant, and special attack cinematics look incredible on the PSP screen.
- Replay Value: Choosing different Cross partners, opposite gender main characters, and targeting different companion endings makes running through New Game+ highly rewarding.
The Bad
- Spurt of Difficulty Spikes: Certain late-game story maps require strict unit positioning; going in without grinding optional side missions can leave your team severely under-leveled.
- Linear Story Progression: Despite branching relationship dialogue choices, the overarching main plot remains fairly linear until the final chapters.
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