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The 5 Best Weapons in Retro Gaming History

Released 22 April 2023

Top 5 weapons in retrogaming history
Phil Reichert writer

by Phil Reichert

I take a look at what I consider to bethe five best weapons in gaming history. All of these weapons interact like their own character in their respective gaming franchise. I consider their effectiveness, unique abilities, aesthetic appeal and reflect on the nostalgia each weapons gives to the retrogaming community.

Introduction

Retro gaming has a special place in the hearts of many gamers. It's a world where pixelated graphics and chiptune music transport us back to a simpler time. One of the defining features of retro gaming is the use of weapons. Whether it's a sword, a gun, or a magical artifact, weapons are an integral part of the gaming experience. They provide a sense of empowerment and allow us to take on impossible challenges.

Selecting the top 5 must-have weapons in retro gaming was no easy task. We took into consideration factors such as historical significance, impact on the gaming industry, and enduring popularity. These weapons are not only iconic in their respective games, but they have also left a lasting impact on the industry as a whole. So without further ado, let's dive into the top 5 must-have weapons in retro gaming history.

Weapon Selection Criteria

There are several things that make for an enjoyable weapon in a classic computer game:

This criteria works on many levels and it is intuitively simple. My thoughts on what makes retrogaming so great follows these same lines. Without going into further detail, I list what I consider to be the top 5 best weapons in retrogaming history.


1. BFG 9000 (Doom series)

The BFG 9000, or "Big F***ing Gun," is a weapon that appears in several of the Doom games. It is a large, plasma-based weapon that fires a massive burst of energy, capable of decimating multiple enemies in a single shot. The weapon has a distinct design, with a large barrel and green energy pulsating throughout its body.

The BFG 9000 is one of the most iconic weapons in the Doom series. It first appeared in the original Doom game in 1993 and has since appeared in almost every subsequent installment. The weapon is often hidden or difficult to obtain, adding to its mystique and making it all the more satisfying to use.

The BFG 9000 has had a significant impact on the first-person shooter genre. Its sheer power and ability to clear entire rooms of enemies in a single shot have made it a favorite among gamers. The weapon's unique design and sound effects have also made it instantly recognizable and iconic.

One of the most notable moments in gaming history featuring the BFG 9000 was in the 1996 release of Quake. In the game's multiplayer mode, the weapon was so powerful that it was often banned from use, as it was seen as unfair and could easily tip the balance of a match.

There are several reasons why the BFG 9000 is a must-have weapon in retro gaming. First and foremost, its sheer power and ability to decimate multiple enemies in a single shot make it an incredibly satisfying weapon to use. Additionally, the weapon's unique design and sound effects add to the immersion and overall enjoyment of the game. Finally, its status as one of the most iconic weapons in gaming history make it a must-have for any retro gaming enthusiast.

Fun Fact: The BFG 9000 was originally called the "BFG 2704" in the original Doom game. The name was changed in later installments to make it more explicit and memorable.

2. Gravity Gun (Half-Life 2)

The Gravity Gun is a unique weapon featured in the game Half-Life 2 franchise. It is a tool that allows players to manipulate objects in the game's environment, picking them up and throwing them at enemies. The weapon is powered by a green energy field and has a distinctive design that sets it apart from other weapons in the game.

The Gravity Gun has significant historical significance in Half-Life 2, as it is the game's signature weapon. It is given to the player early in the game and is essential for progressing through the game's many challenges. The weapon's ability to manipulate objects in the game's environment is also central to the game's puzzles and combat encounters.

The Gravity Gun has had a significant impact on the first-person shooter genre. Its innovative design and unique abilities have inspired numerous other games and franchises. The weapon's ability to manipulate objects in the game's environment has also influenced other first-person shooters, encouraging developers to create more interactive and immersive game worlds.

One of the most notable moments in gaming history featuring the Gravity Gun was in Half-Life 2's "Ravenholm" level. In this level, players must use the Gravity Gun to fend off hordes of zombies while navigating a maze of traps and obstacles. The combination of the weapon's unique abilities and the challenging level design made for an unforgettable gaming experience.

There are several reasons why the Gravity Gun is a must-have weapon in retro gaming. First and foremost, its ability to manipulate objects in the game's environment is incredibly fun and satisfying. The weapon's unique design and abilities also add to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game. Finally, its historical significance in Half-Life 2 and impact on the first-person shooter genre make it a must-have for any retro gaming enthusiast.

Fun Fact: The Gravity Gun was originally conceived as a tool for game developers to test physics models in Half-Life 2. However, the developers soon realized that the tool was incredibly fun to use and decided to include it as a weapon in the game.

3. Master Sword (Legend of Zelda series)

The Master Sword is a legendary weapon that appears in various installments of The Legend of Zelda series. It is a sword with a distinctive blue hilt and a blade that glows with a powerful aura. The sword's design is both elegant and functional, making it a formidable weapon in the hands of Link, the game's protagonist.

The Master Sword is one of the most significant weapons in The Legend of Zelda series. It first appeared in The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and has since appeared in almost every subsequent game in the series. It is often considered the ultimate weapon in the games and is central to the game's lore and storyline.

The Master Sword has had a significant impact on the action-adventure genre. Its iconic design and powerful abilities have inspired numerous other games and franchises. The weapon's role in the Zelda games as a symbol of heroism and the ultimate weapon has also influenced other action-adventure games.

One of the most notable moments in gaming history featuring the Master Sword was in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. In the game, the player must obtain the Master Sword in order to progress through the game's story. The scene in which Link pulls the sword from its pedestal is one of the most memorable moments in the entire Zelda series.

There are several reasons why the Master Sword is a must-have weapon in retro gaming. First and foremost, its powerful abilities make it a formidable weapon against the game's enemies. The sword's design is also iconic and instantly recognizable, adding to the overall enjoyment and immersion of the game. Finally, its status as a legendary weapon and symbol of heroism make it a must-have for any retro gaming enthusiast.

Fun Fact: In some versions of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, the Master Sword is referred to as the "Tempered Sword" after it is upgraded. This was likely done to avoid religious connotations, as "master" could be interpreted as a reference to Jesus Christ.

4. Keyblade (Kingdom Hearts series)

The Keyblade from the Kingdom Hearts series is a unique weapon that resembles a sword with a key-like shape at the end. It is not just a simple weapon, but a symbol of the heart and soul of its wielder. Each Keyblade has its own unique design, attributes, and abilities.

The Keyblade is the signature weapon of the Kingdom Hearts series, which is a crossover between Disney and Square Enix's Final Fantasy series. The weapon's origin and purpose are tied to the series' story, which revolves around the battle between light and darkness, and the power of the heart.

The Keyblade is an iconic and innovative weapon that has had a significant impact on the action role-playing genre. It is not just a tool for combat, but also a means of accessing different worlds and unlocking the mysteries of the Kingdom Hearts universe. The game mechanics of the Keyblade, such as the ability to change forms, use magic, and interact with the environment, have inspired other games in the genre.

The Keyblade has appeared in all mainline Kingdom Hearts games and has become a symbol of the series. Some notable moments include the first appearance of the weapon in the original Kingdom Hearts game, the transformation of the weapon in Kingdom Hearts II, and the introduction of Keyblade transformations in Kingdom Hearts III.

The Keyblade is a must-have weapon in retro gaming because of its unique design, abilities, and significance in the Kingdom Hearts series. It is not just a weapon, but a symbol of the heart and soul of its wielder, and it has had a significant impact on the action role-playing genre. Players who wield the Keyblade can experience a one-of-a-kind combat system, explore different worlds, and unlock the secrets of the Kingdom Hearts universe. A little-known fact about the Keyblade is that the design of each Keyblade is based on a specific world in the game, such as the Pumpkinhead Keyblade being based on Halloween Town from The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Fun Fact: The design of the Keyblade was actually inspired by a keychain. The game's creator, Tetsuya Nomura, was looking for a unique design for the weapon and happened to see a keychain on his desk. He then decided to base the design of the Keyblade on that keychain, which has now become an iconic symbol of the Kingdom Hearts series.

5. Hidden Blade (Assassin's Creed series)

The Hidden Blade is a weapon that has become synonymous with the Assassin's Creed series, known for its stealthy and deadly nature. The Hidden Blade is a retractable dagger that is worn on the wrist of the Assassin. It is designed to be concealed and only revealed when necessary, allowing the Assassin to surprise their enemies and strike with deadly accuracy. The blade is typically made of a durable metal and can be extended and retracted with a flick of the wrist.

The Hidden Blade has been a staple of the Assassin's Creed series since the first game was released in 2007. It is the signature weapon of the Assassins, a secret society that has been fighting for freedom and justice throughout history. The Hidden Blade has been used by many of the game's protagonists, including Altair, Ezio Auditore, and Bayek, to name a few.

The Hidden Blade has had a significant impact on the action-adventure genre, introducing a unique approach to stealth combat that has since been imitated by other games. The ability to sneak up on enemies and take them out with a quick strike to the throat or back has become a hallmark of the Assassin's Creed series, and has inspired other games to incorporate similar mechanics.

One of the most memorable moments in gaming history featuring the Hidden Blade was the assassination of Julius Caesar in Assassin's Creed: Origins. This sequence was highly praised for its attention to detail and historical accuracy, as well as its dramatic presentation. Another notable moment was the reveal of the Hidden Blade in the original Assassin's Creed game, which caught many players by surprise and became an instant fan favorite.

The Hidden Blade is a must-have weapon in retro gaming due to its iconic status and unique gameplay mechanics. Its use of stealth and surprise attacks makes for thrilling gameplay, and the ability to customize and upgrade the weapon adds a layer of depth and strategy. Additionally, the Hidden Blade's historical significance and impact on the action-adventure genre make it a weapon that any retro gaming enthusiast should experience.

Fun Fact: In the first Assassin's Creed game, the Hidden Blade was designed to be a one-hit kill weapon. However, this feature was later removed to balance the gameplay and prevent the player from relying too heavily on the weapon.


Wrap Up

The top 5 must-have weapons in retro gaming history have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. These weapons have not only provided players with memorable gaming experiences, but they have also influenced the development of the gaming industry as a whole. From the BFG 9000 in Doom to the Hidden Blade in Assassin's Creed, each of these weapons has unique features that make them a must-have for any retro gaming enthusiast.

The BFG 9000's ability to take out multiple enemies at once and its unique design make it a classic weapon in the first-person shooter genre. The Master Sword's ability to evolve and its role in the narrative of The Legend of Zelda series has made it an innovative and beloved weapon in the action-adventure genre. The Gravity Gun in Half-Life 2 has revolutionized the way players interact with objects in first-person shooters. The Keyblade in the Kingdom Hearts series has not only impacted the action role-playing genre, but it has also created a unique blend of Disney and Final Fantasy characters. Finally, the Hidden Blade in Assassin's Creed has allowed players to experience the thrill of being an assassin with its stealth and close-combat abilities.

These weapons have influenced the gaming industry by inspiring new game mechanics, shaping the narrative of video games, and captivating players with their unique designs and abilities. Even today, developers continue to draw inspiration from these weapons when creating new games.

In conclusion, retro gaming and its must-have weapons continue to endure as a beloved and influential part of the gaming industry. These weapons will always hold a special place in the hearts of gamers and their impact on the industry will continue to be felt for years to come.

Guest Comments

Contributor Maxwell P Lee
Maxwell P Lee
Writer @ Phillaneum.com

Best-of Lists are always popular and this one is no less exciting. I consider the player's weapon of choice to be critical to the outcome of the game. If your weapon is too weak then it takes away from the gameplay. If your weapon is overpowering then the story line suffers. There are plenty of gaming weapons than find an excellent balance. However, these five weapons take the experience to a memorable level. And I love all of them.

I do think that there is room for one more in the list of memorable weapons. The game franchise that I am pointing to is Elite. Fighting off bandits and other no-do-gooders is a constant challenge. The point in your space trading career when you aquire the military laser is amazing. The military laser, which is the most powerful and expensive laser in the game, but also has a high energy consumption and is illegal in some systems.

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