Quote Originally Posted by Amnestic View Post
Summon Celestial for me has definitely performed generally equally to Animate Objects would have. It being a ranged damage option of up to 600ft (with disadvantage) has been immensely beneficial in a number of fights, whereas AO is melee only. However, we've also had a few fights where blindsight in close quarterswould have reined as king, and 8 tiny objects with advantage would've had far superior damage output.

I'm not dissatisfied with SC vs. AO, though I believe in most typical dungeon explorations (tighter quarters, especially where a Large creature might be squeezing) AO would be better.

I'm quite sure it would pale in comparison to Conjure 16 Giant Owls though.
Over the years I've realized that I as the GM use AoEs a lot more frequently than most tables so those hordes of lower HP summons just aren't as impactful at my tables. They're not useless by any means but they're also not running away with anything.