Top 10 Video Game Swords

When it comes to video game weapons, I have a weakness for swords. Whenever I customize a character in an RPG, I always choose a sword and shield combo, never a two-handed lance or heavy weapon like a mace or axe. There is just something heroic and classic about swords. Since video games are often set in fantasy worlds and revolve around archetypal heroes, swords are ubiquitous. They appear in almost all genres: action, adventure, RPG, strategy, platform, etc. For some games -- Strider for instance -- a single sword is sufficient. For others, like Monster Hunter, dozens are required (and upgradable).

Below please find a list of the ten best video game swords. In an industry dominated by action games, and therefore weapons, there is no shortage of swords. But these ten are among the most unique, the most cleverly designed, and the most full of meaning.

10. 

Alucard Sword 

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

The Alucard Sword is one of the most powerful swords in Symphony of the Night. A family heirloom from Alucard's human mother, the sword is taken from Alucard early in the game by Death, Dracula's servant. Only later can he reclaim it, along with other heirlooms. The Alucard Sword allows Alucard to warp beyond his enemies and attack from behind.

9. 

Dragon Sword

Ninja Gaiden

Although there is a host of useable weapons in Ninja Gaiden, the Dragon Sword is the most balanced and dependable. Handed down in the Hayabusa ninja clan, the sword finds its way to hero Ryu Hayabusa at the beginning of Ninja Gaiden. Toward the end of the story, Ryu begins to understand its true potential. The Dragon Sword is carved out of the fang of a dragon.

8.

Heavenly Sword

Heavenly Sword

The Heavenly Blade is wielded by the heroine Nariko, who defies her clan's traditions in order to prevent a ruthless warlord from using its devastating power. Nariko uses the blade in three forms depending on her stance: in "speed stance," for example, the sword takes the form of two separate blades and provides a balance between power and speed; in "power stance" the blades merge together for powerful (but slow) attacks.

7.

Quietus

Hexen

The final weapon obtained by the warrior Baratus in Hexen, Quietus is a longsword bathed in a fiery green aura. Although it is clearly a sword, Quietus is actually a projectile weapon; it shoots five green energy orbs which deal heavy damage to enemies. Like other final weapons in Hexen, the pieces of Quietus must be found before it can be assembled.

6.

Beam Katana

No More Heroes

For an unorthodox game like No More Heroes, one needs an unorthodox weapon. Enter the Beam Katana, one part samurai sword, one part lightsaber. Pictured above is Tsubaki, one of many beam katanas found in the game. They are capable of cutting through most matter and deflecting bullets and other explosive projectiles.

5. 

Valentine

SoulCalibur II

Certainly one of the most unique swords ever imagined, Valentine is the snake sword used by the deadly fighter Ivy in the SoulCalibur series. Valentine is a cross between a broadsword and a multi-segmented whip. It can expand and contract during battle, allowing players who choose Ivy to attack opponents from almost any range.

 4.

Energy Sword

Halo 3

Probably the greatest melee weapon from any first-person shooter, the Energy Sword is a Covenant weapon that is deadly at close range. It has two attacks: lunge, which homes in on enemies once the targeting reticle turns red; and slash, which is similar to a standard melee attack. The energy Sword in Halo 3 has a battery that exhausts after ten kills, so use wisely.

3.

Blades of Chaos

God of War

Rarely does a character's weapon speak so accurately to his personality. In God of War, the antihero Kratos earns the Blades of Chaos from Ares himself. A pair of chained blades that can stretch out to a set distance, the Blades allow Kratos to perform eye-popping and destructive combo attacks. With each level upgrade, the blades change color and shape slightly.

2.

Buster Sword

Final Fantasy VII

At every comic convention, you will spot at least one cosplayer dressed up as Cloud Strife with a huge foam or cardboard sword behind his back. This is a law as immutable as gravity or the speed of light. He's a very popular character, after all, and his Buster Sword may be the most iconic in video game history.

1.

Master Sword

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword

Was there any doubt? Blade of Evil's Bane. Sword of Time. The Master Sword. Whatever you wish to call it, this is the ultimate weapon, an unparalleled sword capable of striking down evil in its physical form. Portrayed as a double-edged longsword, the Master Sword has appeared in several Zelda games since its first appearance in A Link to the Past.