Murasama vs. HF Blade: Which Reigns Supreme?
The age-old question debated amongst cyborg ninjas and metal gear enthusiasts alike: Is the Murasama better than the standard High-Frequency (HF) Blade? The short answer is, it depends. The Murasama, particularly Jetstream Sam’s modified version, boasts exceptional raw damage output and superior reach, making it devastating against bosses and unarmored foes. However, the HF Blade, in its various iterations (including the Fox Blade), offers unique advantages, especially when dealing with armored enemies or prioritizing specific combat styles. The “better” blade ultimately boils down to the situation, the enemy you’re facing, and your personal playstyle.
Diving Deeper: Understanding the Blades
Let’s dissect the core elements that make each blade unique, drawing upon the lore and mechanics established within the Metal Gear universe.
The High-Frequency Blade: A Primer
The foundational element here is the High-Frequency (HF) technology. An HF blade is essentially a sword reinforced by a powerful alternating current, causing it to resonate at incredibly high vibration frequencies. This oscillation weakens the molecular bonds of whatever it cuts, dramatically enhancing its cutting power. Raiden’s standard HF Blade is a prime example, offering a balanced approach to combat, suitable for a wide range of enemies and situations.
However, HF Blades aren’t a monolith. Variations exist, each tailored for specific combat roles. The HF Machete, for example, sacrifices range for a faster attack rate, favoring a more aggressive, rapid-strike style. Other specialized HF blades may offer unique effects or damage types.
The Murasama: A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship
The Murasama stands apart. Unlike most HF blades built from generic materials, the Murasama is constructed from a high-grade, pre-existing katana. This inherent quality, combined with advanced HF technology, creates a weapon of unparalleled cutting power.
Jetstream Sam’s Murasama is a particularly potent example. It was modified into an HF blade with an ID lock, amplifying its power and giving it a distinctive red glow. Its superior reach and raw damage make it a formidable weapon against almost any opponent, especially when fully upgraded. As stated in the article, “the Murasama is extremely powerful when fully upgraded and has superior reach to the HF Blade, making it the strongest weapon in the game in terms of raw damage.”
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Comparative Analysis
To truly understand which blade reigns supreme, we need to examine their respective strengths and weaknesses:
- Murasama:
- Strengths: Exceptional raw damage, superior reach, effective against bosses and unarmored enemies.
- Weaknesses: Potentially less effective against heavily armored opponents compared to specialized HF blades like the Fox Blade.
- HF Blade (Standard):
- Strengths: Balanced performance, versatile, suitable for a wide range of enemies and situations.
- Weaknesses: Lower raw damage compared to the Murasama, less effective reach.
- Fox Blade:
- Strengths: Highly effective against armored enemies, potential for limb severing.
- Weaknesses: Lower raw damage compared to the Murasama, may require specific upgrades to maximize its effectiveness.
Context Matters: Gameplay and Enemy Types
The optimal blade choice is heavily influenced by the game you’re playing and the enemies you’re facing. In Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, for example, the Murasama is often considered the best choice for boss fights due to its speed increase and damage output. However, against regular enemies, the Armor Breaker or Gray Fox’s Sword might be more effective.
The Fox Blade’s unique ability to sever limbs can be a game-changer, particularly against heavily armored cyborgs. As the source text states, “once you upgrade the special effect, normal, non-ripper mode swings should sever limbs or bisect normal enemies.” This makes it an excellent choice for crowd control and dismembering formidable foes.
Ultimately, It’s Your Call
There’s no definitive “winner” in the Murasama vs. HF Blade debate. Both blades are powerful tools in the hands of a skilled cyborg ninja. The best choice depends on your personal preferences, combat style, and the specific challenges you face. Experiment with different blades, master their unique strengths, and find the one that suits you best.
FAQs: Sharpening Your Knowledge
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the world of HF blades and the legendary Murasama:
Q1: What makes the Murasama so powerful?
The Murasama’s power comes from its unique construction. It starts as a high-grade katana and is then enhanced with high-frequency technology. This combination of superior craftsmanship and advanced technology results in exceptional cutting power.
Q2: Why is Jetstream Sam’s Murasama red?
Sam’s Murasama was modified into an HF blade with an ID lock. This process not only amplified its power but also gave it a distinctive red glow.
Q3: What does an HF Blade do?
An HF blade resonates at extremely high vibration frequencies, which weakens the molecular bonds of anything it cuts, thereby increasing its cutting ability.
Q4: Is the Fox Blade better than the Murasama?
The Fox Blade excels against armored enemies due to its ability to sever limbs. The Murasama is better for raw damage output, particularly against bosses. As such, it’s situational.
Q5: How do you get the HF Machete?
The High Frequency Machete can be purchased for 5000 BP. You must collect 10 Data Storage units and complete the associated mission to unlock it.
Q6: Can the Murasama cut through anything?
The Murasama’s high weight, keen blade, and overclocked processor give it enough chopping power to dice up nearly anything.
Q7: What is Jetstream Sam’s sword called?
Jetstream Sam’s weapon is his HF Murasama blade, also referred to as the “A VT7 High-Frequency Blade”.
Q8: How did Raiden lose his jaw?
The Patriots used Raiden as a test subject for experiments in exoskeletal enhancement surgery, during which he had his head and spine excised from his body from his lower jaw down and subsequently grafted into an enhanced synthetic body.
Q9: What is the secret name to use Murasama in some games?
The Murasama may be automatically unlocked if the player’s name is “Jetstream Sam” or “Samuel Rodrigues.”
Q10: Why does Sam call Raiden pretty boy?
The term “pretty boy” is often used to insult effeminate men. It’s likely a derogatory term used by Sam to taunt Raiden.
Q11: What is the most overpowered sword in Terraria?
The Zenith is often considered the most powerful sword in Terraria, an amalgamation of many other cool swords that can obliterate any enemy with ease. Although the article mentions Murasama appearing in Terraria mod versions.
Q12: What is Raiden’s sword called in Genshin Impact?
The Electro Sword wielded by the Raiden Shogun in Genshin Impact is called the “Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi,” which is a legendary sword from Japanese mythology.
Q13: Is Murasama true melee in Terraria?
Yes, the Murasama (as implemented in Terraria mods) is a post-Moon Lord melee weapon resembling a sword.
Q14: How do you get the Fox Blade?
The FOX Blade can be purchased for 200,000 BP and is the weapon included with the Gray Fox skin DLC.
Q15: What weapons does Monsoon have?
Monsoon used a pair of sais called “Dystopia” and a belt with pouches containing red phosphorous grenades.
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