Sell me on Summoner.

[Starkbeaumont]

most important thing to know about smn is that it is nothing like you would imagine it from previous FF titles. It's main focus is on keeping up dots and using filler moves and your aetherflow charges in between to maximize your dps. the summon itself is just another "dot" with some added skills, which you most of the time use to simple increase your dps. though with dreadwyrm stance coming in heavensward it seems to change a bit, since it's adding a "burst phase" to the job once you used up your aetherflow. still need to see how it works. also smn do some nice aoe dmg.
all in all you get the benefits that come with every ranged class, like having better overview of the battle, but you are also not as immobile as your average blm. Though mp manage is a bit of an issue, but not as much as it used to anymore.

[Ilitsa]

If you can be a GOOD summoner, you're amazing. The tough part is getting there. I like smn a lot more than blm, personally

[Parryacg]

Pros: It's not a DRG

Cons: It's not a MNK.

-shrugs-

[Gamer3427]

Gamer3427 --
That nicely quantifies the thing I like about healers as well, and gives me something to look for the appeal in. Awareness and control over the wider situation as opposed to focus. Thank you for summing it up so well.

Xoriam --
I like the cut of your jib.

You're welcome, I encourage anyone who's willing to give the class a try rather than simply dismissing it because it doesn't have giant numbers associated with it, or because it's not exactly how fans think a "summoner" should be.....

[Averax]

Enchanted Hot Sauce
Magic Chicken Nuggets
Radioactive Cat Vomit

Need i say more?

[stina0310]

Do a bit of research on the class if you are thinking of running around as one, it is one of the hardest classes to master.

[Kuurei]

Even among all of the DoT classes I've played, ranging from EQ1 to more modern games, NONE have puzzled me so much as SMN. Its a hard job to get good at, and unlike Dotters in other games it does not have a handful of reliable DD spells to fill in the gaps. Add in the fact there are no Tick-speed effects and not controlling Garuda properly can screw your DPS, it is a job that takes serious dedication to play as.

Hopefully the Expac goodies even it out, but so far it is a puzzling beast.

[Ryuko]

Summoner is a job that is just as capable as any other job, but it is often misunderstood. Even in the best raiding groups, there is an unfair stigma AGAINST summoner because, and this is true, black mage is simply easier to play well. That's not to say BLM is easy to master. I would say BLM and SMN are just as difficult to master and optimize. BUT! I think it is easier to be decent at BLM than it is to be decent at SMN. To optimize your damage, so much has to be timed. You have to have a great understanding of the fight. SMN is not a class many people play well. Therefore, when you do well and people take notice of it... they'll say something like, "Wow, you're one of the best summoners I've ever seen. You have to teach me how to play this class!" I won't say I'm the best summoner, but I do take pride in my understanding of the class, and my drive to optimize it in every fight. I take enjoyment in people telling me these things... not because it strokes my ego, but because it means I've done my part in chipping away at that stigma that says, "Summoners aren't as good as black mages." So, the more good summoners we have... the more people take notice... and the more accepting they are.

As far as why I enjoy the class? I love a class that requires me to keep track of so many things. SMN has a lot of cooldown timers to calculate, and a lot of micromanaging to do with your pet. Knowing what to use and when is pinnacle to edging out the crazy AoE burst that makes people think BLM is better in all situations. Furthermore, make use of your utility! Even if you aren't raiding, eye for an eye and virus are very useful. SMN can heal most dungeons in a pinch (not counting big pulls), and you can heal yourself up if you are in a situation where the healer isn't going to do it. The DoTs, by their very nature, are not burst... but, I enjoy being the quiet gentle strength that keeps the fight pushing on. Oh, and when you know death is inevitable? Recast your dots, and Contagion if you can, before you die... and you keep DPSing even when you're dead.

But, it's really not something I can sell you on. It's something you should try. Summoner is often considered the 'underdog' mage... and you will either love it or hate it. I personally don't like the playstyle of BLM, although I know an excellent BLM and an excellent SMN are equal in strength.

[Xatsh]

Pros: It is good for soloing
Cons: Everything else

There is not really a good way to sell smn. It is a dot based classed with extremely weak pets (the opposite of what a smn in the franchise is).

For a final fantasy game this is the worst smn version out there by a lot. Honestly they should of just called it warlock, and the summoners spirits or something.

[RaideDuku]

If you have to be "sold" on it, then SMN probably isn't for you. With this class, you have to be good just to be decent, and excellent just to be good. If you -can- master it, you'll wreck the damage charts except for the most perfect MNKs and DRGs, plus you bring with you one of the best damage mitigation tools in the game, the SMN's version of Virus. It requires good timing (need to keep dots up at all times, but only recast right when they're about to run out), and babysitting skills (the fact that about 30% of your DPS is flying around in a easy to kill physical form with the brains and maneuverability of a flying brick).