There are all sorts of tenets that video games frequently return to that have proven to be guaranteed areas of success. There are many ideas and styles of gameplay that appeal to audiences, but it should come as no surprise that video games feature a lot of swordfighters and games that contain large and powerful weapons.
Video games are plentiful with samurai, ninja, and everything in between, and it’s led to a lot of characters who are not just very adept with a blade, but practically unstoppable forces of nature. There are many impressive swordfighters in the history of video games, but some are more powerful than others.
10 Joe Musashi (Shinobi)
Ninjas have become an increasingly prevalent force in video games, but Joe Musashi from Sega’s Shinobi series helped set the standard. Often looked at in contrast to the Ninja Gaiden games, there’s also a very punishing difficulty present in the Shinobi titles. Joe Musashi has to overcome dangerous odds, but his blade is often by his side and important part of many of his biggest battles. The PlayStation 2’s Shinobi really shows what the character can accomplish in a more modern style of game and Musashi racks up an even higher body count.
9 Shulk (Xenoblade Chronicles)
Xenoblade Chronicles is an immersive RPG series that is finally getting some more attention thanks to some recent re-masters. The game doesn’t just contain a very satisfying combat system, but the games hero, Shulk, also controls a powerful blade known as the Monado. Shulk is about to use the Monado to unleash incredible energy in addition to its standard strength. Add to that its ability to see through time and it makes Shulk and the Monado an extremely powerful team who have only become more popular after being added to Super Smash Bros.
8 Marth (Fire Emblem)
The Fire Emblem series is one of Nintendo’s biggest properties and even though the games have covered a ton of ground with many different characters, it’s Marth who’s often considered to be the most recognizable hero from the games.
Swordfighters from Fire Emblem have become a recurring trend in the Super Smash Bros. series, but Marth is someone who’s truly earned the privilege. Marth’s a disgraced hero who experiences a glorious redemption arc. He and his powerful blade Falchion have taken out armies, defeated dragons, and a whole lot more.
7 Link (The Legend Of Zelda)
The scope of Link’s quests in The Legend of Zelda series continue to grow and tackle exciting areas, but the games always feature a core foundation that they can fall back on. As much as Link and his journeys have changed, the Master Sword is almost always an important tool in his arsenal. Link is skilled when it comes to any weapon, but he’s most comfortable with a blade and he can channel great power within it. Skyward Sword takes this idea to its apex where Link’s sword is actually his partner throughout the title.
6 Mitsurugi (Soulcalibur)
Soulcalibur is a fighting series that revolves around dozens of characters who all wield powerful blades that have important significance to them. Anyone from the franchise could fit in on this list, but Mitsurugi feels like a particularly appropriate selection and he’s a mainstay throughout the series. Mitsurugi is a tortured samurai who’s spent his entire life dedicated to perfecting his art as a swordsman. He’s overcome great adversity and he carries a vendetta against firearms as he commits to proving how the blade is superior.
5 The Hunter (Bloodborne)
FromSoftware have become notorious for creating some of the most punishingly difficult action games. Bloodborne centers around a protagonist who’s known only as the Hunter. He can rotate through an array of weapons, but he most commonly operates with his Saw Cleaver and Hunter Blunderbuss, both of which test his true strength against the gigantic monsters that he faces.
The land of Yharnam has been so ravaged and all that the Hunter knows how to do is to continue to fight and survive. The hordes of foes that the Hunter wards off with his blade speaks to his severe talent.
4 Haohmaru (Samurai Shodown)
Samurai Shodown is an SNK fighter series that fell into obscurity for several years, but it’s been able to recently return in an attempt to penetrate the modern market. Samurai Shodown is full of swordfighters, but Haohmaru is a powerful figure from the series that’s a pure representation of the blade. Haohmaru packs brute strength, but he’s also able to create whirlwinds and projectile bursts of air with his blade. The character has even been indoctrinated as a guest fighter in Soulcalibur, so even if Samurai Shodown fades away it’s possible that Haohmaru will still have a home.
3 Ryu Hayabusa (Ninja Gaiden)
Tecmo’s Ninja Gaiden is a beloved action franchise that’s entertained and frustrated gamers both back in the earlier generations of gaming as well as a more modern context. The reboot of the Ninja Gaiden series is exceptional and it’s refreshing to see how the titles offer a level of difficulty that’s comparable to the classic games. The series’ star, Ryu Hayabusa is a skilled ninja that’s competent with many different weapons. Ryu has taken out hundreds of enemies at once and threats that should literally be impossible, but if he’s got a blade handy he’s never going to lose.
2 Raiden (Metal Gear Solid)
Metal Gear Solid fans have taken some time to warm up to Raiden after he replaced Snake as Metal Gear Solid 2’s protagonist, but he’s come into his own as an action hero. Raiden was always quick with a blade, but after he gets transformed into a cyborg assassin his skills understandably reach unbelievable. Raiden doesn’t just boast unheard of speed, but he easily slices through Metal Gears and other equipment with zero difficulty. Raiden’s electrified katana puts a standard sword to shame, but Raiden also seriously knows how to use it.
1 Vergil (Devil May Cry)
The Devil May Cry series is full of exaggerated personalities and even though it’s Dante that’s the star and arguably the most powerful character, it’s important to not underestimate Vergil. Dante may have more versatile all around skills, but when it comes to swordplay there’s no question that Vergil is the dominant one from the series. Vergil has his primary blade, Yamato, but he has the power to conjure more swords in battle. He’s a character who’s so fast that he’s able to not just block any bullets with his sword, but also ricochet them back at his attacker.
