When you have guns, why use a sword?

[MessiahElephant]

This topic will relate somewhat to JRPGs, and I'll be honest, I love me some Final Fantasy, but in a world filled with machine guns, rifles and rocket launchers why the hell would you use a sword? In almost every JRPG involving guns, the main character will use a sword and still not die despite hundreds of bullets ripping through him (or her). What is the logic behind this? And while some games aren't like that, I'm just curious to here what you guys think the reason for this would be.

 

[cheese_wizington]

Because it's a sword, and is therefore cooler than a gun?

 

[LiberalSquirrel]

I always theorized that the swordsman character tried guns, couldn't hit the broad side of a barn, realized that he could hit things with a sword, and stuck with that.

 

[Cpt_Oblivious]

Because you need some sort of close-quarters weapon as well as something for when you run out of ammo. Plus it looks cool.

 

[PrimoThePro]

the idea behind it is that guns cant cut you in half. (well maybe with enough bullets) your character is so strong, bullets can only hurt, not kill instantly. unrealistic, but hey, its video games.

 

[Katherine Kerensky]

I suppose the sword is still in there because it is symbolic of power, I think.
After all, you get crossed swords on walls, not so much crossed guns.
So I just think they are in there because they symbolise power, and perhaps bravery, as the person has to be willing to charge the enemy...

 

[Fappy]

Because the Japanese love their swords. Personally I think they should use combat knives when they run out of ammo... or light sabers...

 

[MiracleOfSound]

To compensate for lack of genital stature.

 

[Robert632]

I'm going to give you the only logical answer.

Games defy logic(especailly JRPGs) just to put that super stupidlly impractical awesome sword in your hands.

 

[Swaki]

i think its the power you feel when you can see a man die right before your eyes, feel the sword cut trough his flesh, crush and splinter his bones with the cold steel controlled by your hands.

you dont get the same satisfaction from a gun.

also when you do a melee kill you can teabag them right after.

 

[Nincompoop]

Suppose one fictional character could withstand a bullet shot? Then a sword could do the job. They cut, and have A LOT more kinetic energy. Even if they wouldn't cut, or any of that, the energy laid on your body could damage it severely, whereas if a bullet wouldn't cut, it would give a minor puff. No matter how good or strong you are, a bullet always has the same power, a sword on the other hand (or both, tihi) is relative.

Addendum; What are these ridiculous comments about honor and tradition? It's only in our (fragile) existence a gun is more practical. Well I suppose it's a little of that. But mine makes more sense!

 

[Deleted]

Problem solved! Also it compensates for inadequacies.

 

[jimtheviking]

Psychology.

Seriously.

In North America, victims of muggings and rapes are statistically less likely to scream for help if their attacker is armed with a blade rather than a pistol.

The rationale is that, at least in the States, firearms are relatively common and could be unloaded/safetyed, whereas you know the guy with the blade is going to thoroughly mess you up if you don't comply with him.

 

[keillord]

Well if you've seen final fantasy 7 advent children, cloud gets shot at point blank range in the head and shrugs if off like nothing, on the other hand he gets stabbed in the shoulder and is almost dead. I guess in rpgs bullets can't kill you, only cause a slight annoyance.

 

[Gigaguy64]

I suppose the sword is still in there because it is symbolic of power, I think.
After all, you get crossed swords on walls, not so much crossed guns.
So I just think they are in there because they symbolise power, and perhaps bravery, as the person has to be willing to charge the enemy...

Pretty much this.

Spoiler: And as for Logic in JRPG's.

The minuet i played my first JRPG my sense of logic flew out the window.

True there are some realistic JRPG's but, one of the things i love about JRPG's is how illogical many of them are.

I mean Ghost's that Drop food once you defeat them?

Besides, if i can charge my opponent with a sword, disappear, and then reappear behind my opponent and watch him split in two, why would i want to use a gun?

 

[The Heik]

Because it's a sword, and is therefore cooler than a gun?

This coming from a guy with a gun-toting avatar.

OT: because swords can be blinged more easily than guns (no one mention Army of Two!)

 

[Nomanslander]

Because guns eventually run out of bullets.