Final Fantasy: 25 Greatest Summons

Why have just a singular summon when you can have three in one?

Valigarmanda, known as Tritoch in the original translation of Final Fantasy VI, was something of an experimental creation, inflicting damage from three elements (fire, ice and lightning) in one attack. The concept was repeated with Kujata in VII before being dropped from the series thereafter, likely because an enemy being weak to one element often means they are resistant to or absorb the opposite, nullifying the attack.

Valigarmanda is nevertheless brilliant for the role that they play in VI’s story. Though not the first Esper recruited, they are the first Esper encountered, serving as the catalyst for Terra to break free from her mind control in the mines of Narshe at the beginning of the game. Kefka’s attempts to capture it then leads to a great reunion scene of separated parties later on, before it can finally be acquired upon a third encounter.

Espers in VI can be judged on the spells that they offer. Being the only source of two top-tier elemental spells is a surefire way to make yourself essential and Valigarmanda, a hybrid of Vritra, Garuda and the mythical interpretation of the Salamander, doubles down on this with a visually striking rainbow appearance that would be delightful to see recreated with modern graphics.