Inroduction

The Buster Sword is one of the most iconic weapons in gaming history, instantly recognizable by its massive size and unique design. In Final Fantasy VII, it serves as the signature weapon of the protagonist, Cloud Strife. But beyond its iconic status, how good is this Sword in the actual gameplay of Final Fantasy VII? Let's dive in.

The Origins of the Buster Sword

The Cloud Strife Buster Sword makes its first appearance early in Final Fantasy VII. It is the weapon Cloud starts with, making it the first weapon players will use in their journey. With its distinct shape and imposing size, this Sword has become synonymous with Cloud and, by extension, the Final Fantasy series.

Stats and Abilities

In the early game, the Buster Sword is quite useful. Here are its basic stats:

• Attack Power: 18
• Accuracy: 96%

While these stats are modest compared to weapons later in the game, they provide a solid foundation for the initial stages. The Buster Sword’s two Materia slots, both linked, offer flexibility in combining Materia to enhance Cloud’s abilities and attacks. This is crucial for players to start experimenting with different Materia combinations right from the beginning.

Advantages of the Buster Sword

1. Balanced Stats: The Buster Sword offers a balanced mix of attack power and accuracy. While not the strongest weapon, it is reliable for the initial enemies you’ll face.

2. Linked Materia Slots: The linked Materia slots allow players to pair supportive Materia (like "All" and "Restore") to cast healing spells on all party members, enhancing Cloud's versatility in combat.

3. Iconic Design: Though not a gameplay advantage, the Buster Sword’s design adds to the narrative and aesthetic experience of the game. Its size and look embody Cloud's strength and troubled past, making it a beloved part of the Final Fantasy lore.

Disadvantages

1. Limited Upgradability: The Buster Sword doesn’t upgrade like other weapons, meaning its stats become outdated as the game progresses and stronger weapons become available.

2. Low Attack Power in the Late Game: As enemies grow tougher, the Buster Sword's initial attack power becomes insufficient. Players will need to switch to more powerful weapons to deal with the increased difficulty of later battles.

3. Materia Limitations: With only two Materia slots, this Sword limits the number of abilities and spells Cloud can use. As the game progresses and more powerful Materia becomes available, this limitation becomes more pronounced.

When to Switch

As players progress through Final Fantasy VII, more weapons with higher attack power and more Materia slots become available. It's generally advisable to switch out the Buster Sword for these new weapons to maintain an edge in battles. Some notable replacements include:

• Hardedge: Found relatively early in the game, this weapon offers higher attack power.
• Rune Blade: Provides double Materia growth, allowing players to level up their Materia faster.
• Ultima Weapon: Cloud's ultimate weapon, found later in the game, offers unmatched attack power and scales with Cloud's HP.

Conclusion

The Buster Sword Replica holds a special place in Final Fantasy VII, both for its gameplay utility in the early stages and its symbolic value throughout the game. While it may not remain the best weapon for Cloud as the game progresses, its balanced stats and linked Materia slots make it an excellent starting weapon. The Buster Sword’s iconic status and association with Cloud make it an unforgettable part of the Final Fantasy experience.