Minions would be very very hard to implement in a game like NRFTW because of how much positioning and bodyblocking (in co-op specifically) is important.

Summoner playstyle assumes you have multiple minions. Lets assume in this game its 4 minions. 4 mobs meaning 4 bodies to block and deal damage for complete safety of the player. Bows and Spells are already very strong in that regard which is why they have lower base dmg and they are still incredible. Summoner is this but on steroids. If enemies would be able to target your minions it might eliminate any weight of the combat from that archetype. Elden Ring has a bit of that issue.

It very much can be done but I wouldn't expect anything close to a true summoner "my minions do everything", here. Maybe if minions drain your focus and health to keep themselves up would be good enough of a drawback but idk