Does Raiden Use the Murasama? Unraveling the Blade’s History in Metal Gear

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. While Raiden does wield the Murasama in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, it’s not his signature weapon at the start of the game. The Murasama is originally the signature weapon of “Jetstream” Samuel Rodrigues, often referred to as Sam. Raiden acquires the Murasama after his final confrontation with Sam. He then uses it for the remainder of the game. So, while he does use it, it’s more accurately described as inheriting Sam’s Murasama. This inheritance adds a layer of complexity to the blade’s significance for Raiden, symbolizing his growth and acceptance of a more brutal fighting style.

The Evolution of Raiden’s Arsenal

Raiden begins Metal Gear Rising with the HF Blade (High-Frequency Blade), a standard-issue weapon for cyborgs like him. The HF Blade is a katana, as identified by Roy Campbell, and is a reliable but less powerful option compared to the Murasama. Throughout the game, players can upgrade the HF Blade, but it remains distinct from the Murasama, both in terms of stats and narrative significance. The change to the Murasama marks a significant shift in Raiden’s combat capabilities and his character arc.

The Power of the Murasama

The Murasama is renowned for its raw power and cutting ability. Its high-frequency conversion amplifies the already exceptional qualities of the original blade, making it incredibly sharp and capable of slicing through almost anything. Blade Wolf explains that this makes the Murasama a weapon of immense destruction. The Murasama’s unique construction, being derived from an actual katana (a high-grade one at that), contributes to its superior performance compared to standard HF Blades. It’s heavier, sharper, and features an overclocked processor. All of this gives it incredible chopping power. In gameplay terms, it offers superior reach, faster swing speed (10% faster than the HF Blade), and boosted energy absorption. However, the Fox Blade remains more effective against heavily armored opponents.

Why Sam’s Murasama Was Different

Sam’s HF Murasama wasn’t just a regular high-frequency blade. Its origin as a meticulously crafted katana gave it a unique edge. While the HF Blade is a reliable tool, the Murasama’s superior craftsmanship and the enhancements from its high-frequency conversion made it a weapon of unparalleled power. The term “A VT7 High-Frequency Blade” also describes it, hinting at its special design.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Raiden and the Murasama

Here are some frequently asked questions about Raiden, the Murasama, and their relationship in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance:

1. Why did Raiden initially lose to Sam?

Sam defeated Raiden primarily due to his superior sword techniques and the unique properties of his HF Murasama. Raiden was unable to match Sam’s speed and precision, resulting in damage to Raiden’s eye and left arm. He was outmaneuvered by Sam’s skill and blade.

2. How do you unlock the Murasama in the game?

While there might be cheat codes or exploits in certain game versions, the intended method of unlocking the Murasama is by defeating Sam and acquiring his blade. Some games might offer alternative unlock methods related to player names or specific achievements.

3. What is the Murasama based on in real life?

The Murasama in Metal Gear is inspired by the real-world Muramasa blades, legendary Japanese swords known for their sharpness and purported cursed nature. The game cleverly flips “MuraMASA” into “MuraSAMA” as a nod to this origin.

4. What makes the Murasama so effective at cutting?

The Murasama’s effectiveness stems from its high-frequency conversion, which vibrates the blade at an extremely high rate, allowing it to slice through materials with ease. Coupled with its exceptional craftsmanship and keen edge, it becomes an incredibly powerful cutting weapon.

5. Is the Fox Blade truly stronger than the Murasama?

The Murasama boasts higher raw damage and superior reach, making it generally the stronger weapon. However, the Fox Blade is more effective against armored enemies. This means the “strongest” designation depends on the specific combat scenario.

6. Can the Murasama cut through anything?

While the Murasama can cut through almost anything in the game, it isn’t invincible. Extremely durable materials or specific enemy defenses might resist its cutting power. However, its capabilities are significantly greater than standard HF Blades.

7. Why is the Murasama sometimes depicted as “locked” or unusable?

This refers to mechanics in other games where a Murasama is present. For example, in some games, the Murasama might require specific conditions to be met, such as defeating certain bosses or completing specific tasks, before it can be used. These restrictions are game-specific.

8. Who was the original owner of the Murasama?

The original owner of the HF Murasama in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is “Jetstream” Samuel Rodrigues. He is the one who used the blade to defeat Raiden in their initial encounter.

9. Does Raiden have other signature weapons besides the HF Blade and Murasama?

While the HF Blade and Murasama are his primary weapons in Metal Gear Rising, Raiden also uses various other weapons and tools throughout the Metal Gear series, including knives, rocket launchers, and his cybernetic enhancements. But the iconic katanas are his staples.

10. What is the significance of Raiden inheriting Sam’s Murasama?

Inheriting the Murasama represents Raiden’s acceptance of a more ruthless and pragmatic fighting style, mirroring Sam’s own philosophy. It symbolizes his growth and transformation throughout the game, as he embraces the warrior he was always meant to be.

11. Are there different versions or variations of the Murasama blade in other games?

Yes, the Murasama is a popular weapon in various games, and it often appears in different forms with unique properties and abilities. These variations can range from simple cosmetic changes to significant alterations in damage output and special effects.

12. What are the real-world origins and legends surrounding Muramasa blades?

Real-world Muramasa blades are surrounded by legends of being cursed, possessing an insatiable thirst for blood, and driving their wielders mad. These stories stem from their association with the Tokugawa shogunate’s enemies, leading to their banishment and the rise of the cursed blade myth.

13. How does Raiden’s cybernetic enhancement affect his ability to wield the Murasama?

Raiden’s cybernetic enhancements significantly enhance his strength, speed, and reflexes, allowing him to effectively wield the Murasama and fully utilize its cutting potential. Without these enhancements, he would likely be unable to handle the blade’s weight and power.

14. Is Raiden stronger than Jetstream Sam?

Sam possesses superior swordsmanship skill, but Raiden has greater raw strength due to his fully cybernetic body. The question of who is stronger is debated. Sam is more skilled but Raiden is stronger.

15. Where can I learn more about the intersection of video games and learning?

Explore the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org to discover research, articles, and resources on how video games can be used as effective tools for education and skill development.

Conclusion

While Raiden doesn’t start with the Murasama, his acquisition and use of it are pivotal to Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. It’s a symbol of his transformation, a testament to the blade’s power, and a reminder of the complex relationship between Raiden and Sam. The Murasama is more than just a weapon; it’s a character in itself, with a history and legacy that impacts the game’s narrative and gameplay.