The Best Weapons in Video Games!

In a week completely dominated by the release of the mysterious "Silkong," the crew at The Game Locker decided to take a stand and talk about literally anything else. After a quick news roundup, they dove into the ultimate barroom debate: what are the most iconic, coolest, and most impactful video game weapons of all time?

The News: Final Fantasy 7 and Kingdom Hearts 4 Updates
Kicking off the show, Andy delivered some encouraging updates for RPG fans straight from Tetsuya Nomura. Development on Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 is reportedly "coming along smoothly." The team has an internal release date and is confident they can hit it, potentially even releasing earlier than expected. While Andy speculates a 2027-2028 window based on the previous games' cadence, the news is positive.

Furthermore, Kingdom Hearts 4 is also said to be progressing well. The team hinted at additional FF7 projects, potentially even a new movie. The hosts unanimously agreed that if a new movie happens, it should stick to the incredible animation style of Rebirth and avoid live action at all costs, citing the Advent Children dub and Cowboy Bebop as cautionary tales.

Segment 2: The Ultimate Weapon Tier List
The main event was a passionate discussion about the most legendary weapons in gaming history. The criteria were broad: iconic status, pure fun factor, innovation, and personal impact. After much debate, each host presented their top three.

Here is the definitive list of weapons mentioned and why they were appreciated and compared:

Andy's Picks:

Gravity Gun (Half-Life 2): Appreciated not just as a weapon but as a revolutionary tool that changed how players interact with a game world. It was a landmark in physics-based gameplay, making the environment itself a weapon and creating unforgettable emergent moments.

Lancer (Gears of War): Celebrated for its brutal, visceral satisfaction. The chainsaw bayonet is an iconic piece of design that never gets old, and the weapon itself was a reliable workhorse, especially in the clutch moments of Horde Mode.

Buster Sword (Final Fantasy VII): Chosen for its immense cultural impact and iconic status. It’s a weapon tied deeply to character and story (Cloud and Zack), and for many, it was the first introduction to the "giant anime sword" trope. It represents the cool factor above all else.

Nick's Picks:

Super Shotgun (DOOM): Appreciated as the ultimate power-fantasy weapon. It represents a massive spike in player power, turning the tide from being prey to becoming the predator. Its chunky sound and over-the-top reload animation make it perpetually satisfying.

Plasma Grenade (Halo): Loved for its pure, chaotic fun factor. The "fuzzy blue spider" is iconic, and the gamble and subsequent hilarity of sticking an enemy is a unique thrill that has created countless memorable multiplayer moments.

Master Sword (The Legend of Zelda): Revered for its unparalleled narrative weight and symbolic importance. It’s not just a tool; it’s a reward earned through puzzle-solving, representing the hero's transformation. Its design, lore, and the moment of acquiring it across multiple games are legendary.

Josh's Picks:

Lightsaber (Star Wars Games): Appreciated as the grandfather of all energy melee weapons and a cultural touchstone. Its versatility across games—from Jedi Knight to Jedi: Survivor—and the profound feeling of empowerment it gives the player make it timeless.

Fat Man (Fallout): Chosen for its sheer, ridiculous spectacle and iconic status within the franchise. The joy of finally using the mini-nuke you’ve been saving is a unique feeling. It’s a weapon that embodies the dark humor and over-the-top nature of the Fallout universe.

Lancer (Mass Effect): Selected as a nod to a favorite franchise. While not the flashiest, it’s appreciated for its cool sci-fi premise (shaving tungsten at near light-speed) and its evolution as a reliable staple throughout Commander Shepard's journey.

The Final Verdict
In the end, the debate narrowed to a final three: the Buster Sword, the Master Sword, and the Lightsaber. The arguments were fierce:

The Buster Sword was championed for its raw, rule-free "cool" factor and deep connection to a single character's story.

The Master Sword was praised for its deep lore, symbolic meaning as an ideal, and its role as a transformative narrative device.

The Lightsaber was defended for its versatility, cultural permeation, and the decorum and power it represents.

While they agreed to disagree, the discussion proved that whether it’s through narrative weight, pure fun, or iconic design, the right weapon can define a game and stay with a player forever.

What’s your top three? Let us know which iconic weapons we missed!