* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
メタルギアライジング リベンジェンス
A 2013 action game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Konami. Rival swordsman "Jetstream" Sam wields Murasama, a centuries-old family katana upgraded with high-frequency blade technology, making it one of gaming's most iconic sword-fighting showcases.
Description
Overview
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is a 2013 action game developed by PlatinumGames and published by Konami, a spin-off of the Metal Gear Solid series.
Murasama and the Name Muramasa
Protagonist Raiden, a cyborg ninja, fights with a high-frequency blade, while his rival, Brazilian swordsman "Jetstream" Sam, wields Murasama — a centuries-old family katana upgraded with high-frequency blade technology. The weapon's name references the real Japanese swordsmith Muramasa, whose blades were historically renowned — and mythologized as "cursed" — for their extraordinary sharpness. Sam's sword is even built with a spring-loaded sheath mechanism that lets him draw it iaido-style with tremendous force, reflecting character design steeped in Japanese sword aesthetics and legend.
Reception as Sword-Combat Action
In the story, Murasama is depicted as one of the sharpest blades in the game, capable of cutting through Raiden's own high-frequency blade, and the duel between the two swordsmen is one of the title's most iconic scenes. Renowned for its refined sword-combat mechanics, the game is widely regarded as a benchmark for blade-focused action design.
Real Swords Featured
Muramasa (swordsmith)
The in-game blade "Murasama" takes its name from the real Japanese swordsmith Muramasa, known in legend for producing exceptionally sharp — and supposedly "cursed" — blades (the in-game sword itself is fictional, not an extant historical artifact).
See authentic Japanese swords
See authentic Japanese swordsRelated Content
Nobunaga's Ambition
Game信長の野望
Japan's longest-running historical simulation game series by Koei Tecmo (1983–). Players control Sengoku warlords including Oda Nobunaga in a quest for national unification. The series systematically parameterizes warriors' swords and equipment, providing one of the most comprehensive frameworks for learning about Japanese sword history, distribution, and connections to historical figures.
Seven Samurai
Film七人の侍
Akira Kurosawa's timeless masterpiece that introduced the world to Sengoku-era warriors and swords, influencing all subsequent action cinema.
Legend & Butterfly (Film, 2023)
Filmレジェンド＆バタフライ（映画・2023年）
Toei 70th Anniversary commemorative work (directed by Otomo Keishi, screenplay Furusawa Yoshita, released January 2023). Kimura Takuya portrays Oda Nobunaga and Ayase Haruka portrays his primary consort Nōhime (Kicho), depicting the unknown bond between Nobunaga and Nōhime. A large-scale historical film with a total production cost of 2 billion yen and cumulative attendance exceeding 1.8 million. Rooted in the historically documented famous swords of Nobunaga — Sozan Samonji (Yoshimoto Samonji) and Heshikiri Hasebe — this is an important work from the perspective of sword culture, in which Nobunaga's sword aesthetics under the banner of 'Tenka Fubu' (Rule the Realm Through Arms) intersect with Nōhime's strength.
Blue Exorcist
Anime and Manga青の祓魔師
A shonen manga where exorcists who banish demons battle with swords. The protagonist's holy sword is central to the story.
This page is intended to introduce Japanese sword culture and is not affiliated with any of the works mentioned.