While you may just "stick 'em with the pointy end", a fashionable and powerful sword in the hands of a skilled character can put awe into those around them. Suggested by https://www.trueachievements.com/HolyMoses81.htm, this week we've taken a look at some of the best swords in video games.
To keep this list tidy, the only rule that I put in place was that the sword in question needed to be "best known" for being in a game franchise that's available on a platform with achievements. Feel free to pour one out for lightsabers, as they would win every time and Link's Master Sword because... well... Nintendo.
Honorable Mentions
Urfael - Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Achievements
On its own, Urfael isn't terribly special, but in the hands of Talion/Celebrimbor it becomes amazing. By killing Orc Captains and Warchiefs Urfael can be forged with runes that give special abilities, everything from increased damage to health recovery. By completing the specific Urfael missions it even gains new looks... which made me feel all funny inside, like when I used to climb the rope in gym class.
Corvo's Folding Blade - Dishonored Achievements
It's hard to be super sneaky when hauling around a full-sized sword. Enter Corvo's Folding Blade. Designed by one of our favorite scientists, Piero Joplin, Corvo's blade collapses down to become discrete and unfolds to become highly functional. While it may not be as powerful as other swords on the list, it definitely carries a cool factor.
Shishkebab - Fallout 3 Achievements & Fallout: New Vegas Achievements
It's a sword... that's on fire. Come on! While other games feature flaming swords and may even give you achievements for using them (looking at you, Dying Light Achievements), the Shishkebab ise one of the progenitors of the "make a flaming sword" movement in open-world RPGs.
Top Five
5 - HF Blade - Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance Achievements
Using oscillating frequencies that weaken molecular bonds, the HF Blade can (in theory) cut through anything. While this does create something of a "lightsaber dilemma" (something that can cut through anything should be a one-hit kill), it doesn't lessen the cool factor, especially when Raiden can slice up almost anything by using Blade Mode.
4 - Sword of Crota - Destiny Achievements
I've started to come around on Destiny a bit since writing our official review back in September. While it's still woefully repetitive with a lacking story, it does have some really high points. One of them is when you actually get to pick up the Sword of Crota and go a-whackin on the moon.
3 - Rebellion - Devil May Cry Series
Not many (if any) swords on this list have actually stabbed their wielders, but Rebellion did just that and brought Dante up to a whole new level. After being stabbed by the sword, Dante became empowered to unleash his Devil Trigger whenever he liked... which is kind of excellent.
2- Soul Edge - Soul Calibur Series
Originally, I was going to give this spot to the eponymous Soul Calibur, but upon further examination, Soul Edge is a MUCH crazier/better choice. Soul Edge conforms itself to its wielder taking different forms, and CONSUMES SOULS. I don't want to get too deep into Kierkegaard, but if something can eat your soul, that's probably bad for you.
1 - Energy Swords - Halo Series
Let's be honest, the first time you saw an Elite coming towards you with one of these things, you pooed in your pants a bit, didn't you? No? Just me then. Alright.
Regardless, much like how the (ineligible) lightsaber was an elegant weapon of a more civilized day, the Energy Swords of Halo represent the most elegant and efficient way of cutting down your opponents like cheap cold cuts... if you can get close enough that is.
The TA Team will be bringing you The TA Top Five every Sunday until we run out of coolness to debate and discuss. If you have an idea for a Top Five you'd like us to do, be sure to let us know in the comments!