The Keyblade is arguably one of the most iconic weapons in gaming. From the 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:very first moment Sora swung his oversized door-unlocker in the original 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:Kingdom Hearts, we were enamoured. But little did we know, as we bashed our way through horde after ℱhorde of Heartless, that it would only be the first Keyblade of many.
It seems everyone and their mother can use a Keyblade these days; to the point where, in the series' backstory, an entire war was waged with thousands of the things. However, the Kingdom Hearts series also has many awesome weapons on offer that isn't key-shaped. Here's a look at 10 of them.
10 Xigbar's Arrowguns
Everyone's favourite eye-patched mysterioso kicks off the list with his gunslinging fighting style. With a sleek, angular design that calls to mind the Nobody sigil, these dual-wielders pack a punch and are notable for being one of the few instances of a ranged weapon in Kingdom Hearts.
Granted, Sora and company are more than capable of launching fireballs, water balls, and other assorted balls across a fair distance; but that doesn't really compare to a good blaster at your side.
Xigbar's guns of choice are particularly fearsome in his boss battles, which will occasionally switch to his POV as you dodge spraying bullets. R for 'reload', indeed.
9 Larxene's Claws
In a manner befitting her 'catty' personality, Larxene comes armed with a series of throwing knives between each finger, giving her the appearance of claws. Up close, she'll swipe at you like an enraged feline; but don't go thinking you can put some space between you and her to avoid this, as you'll quickly discover the significance of the word 'throwing'.
Larxene's alternation between melee and ranged does prove to be her downfall in 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:her boss rush 'data fight', as liberal use of the Reflect spell will ward off most of her slashes – and even redirect her shots back into her own face. Ouch. Perhaps she shouldn't have bothered with that Organization coup.
8 Marluxia's Scythe
Appropriately enough, Larxene's series-long partner in crime Marluxia comes next on the list. Like a notably more floral Grim Reaper, he rocks a badass scythe that produces, erm, flower petals when swung.
It's certainly unique visually and would prove extra deadly in hay fever season to be sure.
The scythe has a particular function that's not to be laughed at, however. When Marluxia's health is low, a countdown appears above the blade.
You have precisely that many seconds to finish him off, or it's instant curtains (just add water) for Sora. Making matters worse, taking damage reduces the number even further! What a beast.
7 Luxord's Cards
Are you a fan of minigames? Well, if not, tough; because Luxord will force you into one anyway. As a character who's totally obsessed with gambling and leaving things to chance, he quite literally tosses out the traditional health bar system and replaces it with a two-sided timer – one for each of you.
How do you depl♚ete his timer? By dealing (heh) with his form-ch🌠anging cards, of course.
Whether it's a slot machine you have to stop at precisely the right moment; a matching game that'll test Sora's memory; or a hypnotic swirl of clubs and spades that you have to pick the correct card out of, Luxord's fights are sure to wake up players who've gotten used to mashing attack to win every other battle. Now, if only the fanbase could agree on how to pronounce his name (luck-sword, surely.)
6 Demyx's Sitar
Given that Demyx can, charitably, be described as a fairly quirky member of the Organization, it's appropriate that his weapon of choice should be as bonkers. How does a musical instrument sound? Depends how you tune it. And does Demyx ever know how to tune his?
This dude will crank out deadly ditty after sinister sonata, so make sure you have your audio turned up – you wouldn't want to miss the sound cues that dictate what move he'll be deploying. The phrase you absolutely don't want to hear is "dance, water, dance!".
This move co😼njures an army of dancing water clones, all of which you must dispatch or face immediate failure.๊ Rock on!
5 Saix's Claymore
Saix is one of the 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:more interesting characters in the Kingdom Hearts saga. Though initially seeming to be little more than a cold, calculating villain, we soon uncover his story; from his childhood as Isa to his friendship with Axel, and his ultimate goal to rise through the Organization's ranks.
And what bet🌃ter weapon to do that with than a lunar claymore? This large bashing implement, accurately named Lunatic, channels moon ওenergy and feelings of strife to send its user into a charged-up state.
Its serrated edges and cool blue hues make for a very imposing weapon to have smacked upside your head – and you'll feel that sting in Saix's fights, wherein if you're not careful, you'll fill Lunatic's meter and have to contend with a nigh-invincible opponent for a while. Watch those Keyblade swings!
4 Lexaeus' Axe Sword
Despite having essentially no screen time in any Kingdom Hearts game past Chain of Memories, the imposing Lexaeus nonetheless makes his ♏presence known. Silent, meditative, and positively ripped, his image is only assisted by his weapon: an Axe Sword.
As in, an axe blade taped to a sword. Doesn't get much cooler than that.
Technically, it also sports a hammerhead, but 'Axe-Hammer Sword' didn't sound as catchy, presumably. This awesome amalgamation of three weapon types makes Lexaeus a triple threat.
Will he skewer you, slice you in two, or shake the earth with the hammer? Choices, choices. About the only thing this weapon can't do is ranged moves; so you're best off keeping your distance and waiting for an opening.
3 Axel's Chakrams
A firm fan favourite, the ever-confident Axel certainly makes an impression with his blazing spiky hairdo a⛄nd teardrop makeup. For such an over-the-top personality, you need a one-of-a-kind weapon, and his Chakramꦓs more than fit the bill.
Picture shurikens, except held in the hand like knu🐬ckle-dusters and twice their usual size. Also, they can produce ꧂fire.
As Axel flips across the battlefield with these beauties in hand, you'll see why he's nicknamed the Flurry of Dancing Flames. Whether it's bringing a solid wall of fire down onto you, encircling you with spinning blades or just getting up in your face melee-style, the Chakrams are not to be messed with.
It's just a shame Axel switches to good-guy status so early in the franchise and gets a Keyblade instead – we don't get many chances to take him, and his sick equipment, on.
2 Riku's Soul Eater
Taking a quick break from the Organization, we have Riku, one of Sora's closest friends. He's had his moral ups and downs over the course of the saga – but by Kingdom Hearts 3, he's earned his Keyblade as one of the seven guardians of light.
Before that, though? He used the Soul Eater; the edgiest dagger ever designed. And it's fantastic.
Almost batlike in its winged style, and colored with deep red, the Soul Eater perfectly encapsulates Riku's character. On the occasions where you're able to play as him, its versatility becomes clear – you can chuck it, use it to keep Riku airborne for longer combos, or just go on an all-out rapid slashing spree.
If Sora's Keyblade is cumbersome, this is anything but; the speed with which you can attack using it is empowering.
1 Xemnas' Ethereal Blades
Who else should take the top spot but the big cheese of the Organization himself, Xemnas? Whilꦍe his Heartless counterpart, Ansem, amounted to little more than a cartoony figure opining🐬 about the futility of friendship, this Nobody sticks with you from the moment he opens his mouth.
You'll never forget that chilling, deep voice of his. Good thing he has some stellar weapons to back it all up.
Let's clear the air here. They're lightsabers. Yes, they had to be kept legally distinct – until Disney purchased Star Wars, anyway – and Square insists they're 'Ethereal Blades'.
But really: they're beams of light that extend from the hand and hum when swung. Xemnas' 168澳洲幸运5开奖网:final battle in Kingdom Hearts 2 is a candidate for one of the greatest in gam🅰ing, and the moments where these sizzling sabers pass just inches over your throat in quick-time events are a large factor in that. Can you spare a heart?