Why the big swords anyway?

[Slythernite]

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Well I've always wondered and I've decided to ask. What is so attractive about swinging around an excessively and unrealistically large sword?

JRPG's are the staple of the extremely large sword, but I ask, why? Why a large sword, when a small one would probably be less unruly? Why a sword, when guns are available, even revolvers or western guns that seem to be popular in anime.

Not only why the gigantic sword, but why the sword at all?

{This is a bit short, I realize, but I don't really know how to post those nice long ones; I don't really do the forum thing.}

 

[Marter]

I believe the logic is that big swords do more damage, and look a lot more impressive.

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

There actually aren't many big swords in JRPGs, really. There are lots of swords, but not many big ones.

And why? BECAUSE BIGGER IS BETTER!

 

[EMFCRACKSHOT]

Because when you swing a big sword round in a circle you can cut loads of people in half?

 

[superbatranger]

They're clearly overcompensating for something.

 

[Kajin]

What is so attractive about swinging around an excessively and unrealistically large sword?


Because the Rule of Awesome overrides realism?

 

[DuplicateValue]

It's a symbol of power or something to that effect........I think.

And they just look cool.

 

[Magnatek]

To my knowledge, giant swords like that were once used to potentially break down the cavalry of enemy troops. The sheer force it took to swing those things could allegedly take down a horse. Would a small sword have a similar effect? That's not likely. Granted, in reality, it would be very hard to swing a giant sword like that, and would most likely require two hands. As to why one would use something like that now, I don't know. Either way, this is only to my current knowledge. If it helps explain things, then you're welcome.

 

[rekabdarb]

Because of the amount of detail you can add to it

Plus swords of this size are more iconic

 

[Timotei]

I think it has something to do with making the character look both badass and less unruly, as opposed to their gun-toting counterparts.

Its sets the precedent that they don't need the use of crude weapons to get stuff done.

 

[Zannah]

Because Japanese teenagers have big swords.

I'd probably say, it's origins are from a time where graphical impressiveness couldn't be achieved with processing power, and therefore needed more convincing arguments.

 

[AlphaOmega]

They're clearly overcompensating for something.

I was here first bro. that avatar is mine. (half joking)

Anyway lets ask this guy:

Kamina says Because its cool [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RuleOfCool]

 

[Souplex]

Because Freud was right.

 

[Snarky Username]

Why have a sword or a gun? Why not combine both and make it ridiculously big?

It started with Cloud's penis extension blade. Lately, it's gotten a little better. FFXIII's swords have gotten smaller, but now it has Transformers. People are under the impression "Bigger is always better" and think that if a sword is huge then it's awesome. It's a trend that (hopefully) is going away

 

[typhado]

cause big swords look cooler.

personally I would rather smaller swords.

of course tryinig to personalize smaller swords are harder as well, big swords like that you have a lot more area to work with and come up with some crazy z shaped design sword that might actually work. take say a fencing sword and all you can do is change the hilt.

 

[WrcklessIntent]

Because if you have a big sword, make the character have ridiculous spiked hair, and give them and amazing outfit you KNOW its gonna be cool./sarcasm

 

[arcticphoenix95]

{Search Bar Approved!}

{First actual thread!}

Well I've always wondered and I've decided to ask. What is so attractive about swinging around an excessively and unrealistically large sword?

JRPG's are the staple of the extremely large sword, but I ask, why? Why a large sword, when a small one would probably be less unruly? Why a sword, when guns are available, even revolvers or western guns that seem to be popular in anime.

Not only why the gigantic sword, but why the sword at all?

{This is a bit short, I realize, but I don't really know how to post those nice long ones; I don't really do the forum thing.}

why does the sword in pic 2 have toilet paper on it?

 

[Omikron009]

I always wondered why a character would choose to wield a sword when guns are around as well. Realistically, a gun can do just as much damage as a sword, if not more. It makes no sense.

 

[Sovvolf]

Because they have really small dicks and they need some thing big and mean to compensate for that Big swords look cool. Though in all seriousness I'm not all that into big swords, they look pretty impractical and extremely heavy. They'd have good reach however they'd probably be very slow and be pretty much useless at close range. I'd prefer a smaller sword or a dagger.