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true In the world of video games, swords are as ubiquitous as save points, invisible walls and sequels.  Fantasy RPGs are the most likely genre to include bladed weapons, but they’re also commonly found in beat em ups, platformers, fighting games and even FPSs.  There’s just something about a sword that evokes images of both visceral, bloody combat and refined elegance; something no other weapon can manage.  Whether you’re talking about sleek katanas, massive claymores or futuristic plasma blades, swords have been an integral part of video games since the beginning.  Certain swords, of course, stand out from the rest.  Some are recognized because of their outrageous power, others because of their gorgeous design, and still others become famous based on a certain mystique.  Regardless, among the myriad sabers out there in the digisphere, we came up with the ten most bad-ass swords ever to grace a game system.  Enjoy.  (And to all you No More Heroes fans, sorry, but the beam katana came in at #11.) 10 – Cypher – Strider series<img src="/contributed/1204152416PqmEhOxqHS.jpg" width="440" height="190"> I have to admit, this is kind of my “pet pick” of the list.  For those too young to remember, Strider was a ninja action arcade game from Capcom that got ported over to the NES and SNES in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.  In the games, you play as Strider Hiryu, a high tech ninja who carries a killer baton-grip sword called a Cypher.  When swung, the sword would flash with energy, and could even be charged up to release a devastatingblast of energy.  Some of you may remember Strider Hiryu from the excellent Marvel Vs. Capcom fighting games, where he retained his deadly blade and was one of the top-tier characters in the game.  The Cypher makes the list for its unique design and flashy energy abilities.  Oh Strider, how I miss thee.</img> 9 – Dawnfang/Duskfang – Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion<img src="/contributed/1204152432AK7YdW0o47.jpg" width="440" height="147"> Like most fantasy settings, the world of the Elder Scrolls is chock full of melee weapons, but none are as powerful, coveted or flat-out creepy as the Dawnfang/Duskfang.  The sword has two forms; one at night and one during the day.  In addition to its metamorphic abilities, this weapon, found in the Shivering Isles expansion, has the ability to drain soul energy from its victims to recharge its enchantments.  It also has teeth.  No other sword on the list has teeth.</img> 8 – Red Queen – Devil May Cry 4<img src="/contributed/1204152267Dyrb0H4BU1.jpg" width="440" height="217"> Plenty of video game swords have energy blasts, force fields, enchantments, etc. to amp up their power levels.  How many of them, though, have an engine?  Only Red Queen.  Nero’s weapon of choice in Devil May Cry 4 has a motorcycle-style ignition on its handle that powers the sword up to insane levels.  In the hands of an expert, it is an absolutely brutal weapon.  It also lets you ride your enemies around like motorized skateboards, which ranks it pretty high on the cool scale, but low on the realism scale.</img> 7 – Keyblade – Kingdom Hearts series<img src="/contributed/12041527072ImEQLFu7u.jpg" width="440" height="242"> It’s not really a sword, since it has no bladed edge, but Sora’s Keyblade from Kingdom Hearts is such an endearing and unique design that it just had to make the list.  The idea of a weapon that chooses its wielder and can open doorways (both physical and metaphysical) is just too cool to ignore.</img> 6 – Soul Calibur – Soul Calibur series<img src="/contributed/1204152277B5P7XgKKHd.jpg" width="440" height="298"> Created to destroy the evil Soul Edge blade, the Soul Calibur is a mighty weapon that has seen many owners.  The blade can take several forms, depending on the user, and has even taken on evil forms for returning character, Nightmare.  How bad is this sword, you ask?  The mere act of forging it killed its creator.  That’s hardcore.</img> 5 – Frostmourne – World of Warcraft<img src="/contributed/1204152390Pd3oxJP43C.jpg" width="440" height="136"> Originally found in Warcraft III, the runeblade of Arthas will soon be making its way onto World of Warcraft servers.  When it does, players will have the opportunity to use one of the most powerful weapons ever conceived for a video game.  Not only does it boast outrageous stats, but it also makes its user a thrall of the Lich King.  If you don’t know what that means, I pity you. 4 – Gunblade – Final Fantasy VIII</img><img src="/contributed/1204152234elO5LS45He.jpg" width="440" height="313"> It’s a gun and a blade.  What else do you want?   Sorry, Cloud, but Squall’s Gunblade beats your Buster Sword ten times out of ten.</img> 3 – Dragon Sword – Ninja Gaiden series<img src="/contributed/1204152404Ul1nbSNXw1.jpg" width="440" height="271"> The greatest ninja in gaming just has to have one of the greatest swords.  The legendary sword of the Dragon Lineage was crafted from the fang of a dragon thousands of years ago, and has since been passed down form generation to generation, until it lands in the capable hands of Ryu Hayabusa.  Simple, sleek, and absolutely deadly, the Dragon Sword has one of the greatest legacies in all of gaming.</img> 2 – Energy Sword – Halo series<img src="/contributed/1204152200JwgXtsdbQz.jpg" width="440" height="316"> You don’t bring a knife to a gunfight.  That axiom is true in about 99% of situations.  Halo is the other 1%.  With a ridiculous range, one-hit-kill capability and a super-cool electric-blue glow, the Energy Sword outranks just about every ranged weapon in the series.  Call me cheap if you want, but I’m gonna keep on cutting people down every chance I get.</img> 1 – Master Sword – Legend of Zelda series<a href="/gamer/veggie_jackson/blog/article/top_tensday10"><img src="/contributed/120415225703qdAd3PA4.jpg" width="440" height="352"></img></a> Without the Master Sword, Link couldn’t have collected the Triforce, rescued Zelda, or reunited with Tetra.  Hell, he’d have been Octorock food long ago if it weren’t for that sword.  It’s been in every Zelda game to date (Crossbow Training doesn’t count), and it’s easily one of gaming’s most recognizable and beloved icons, as well as the #1 bad-ass sword  in video game history. RELATED ARTICLES<a href="/gamer/veggie_jackson/blog/article/top_tensday10">Top Tensday - 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