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The Dragon Sword (龍剣 Ryūken?, Dragon Sword) is the primary weapon used by Ryu Hayabusa in the Ninja Gaiden video game series. The ultimate form of this weapon is known as the True Dragon Sword (真龍剣 Shinryūken?, True Dragon Sword). In this state, it is a divine weapon of immense power and, canonically, one of the most powerful weapons in Ninja Gaiden.

Description[]

Ninja Gaiden[]

Dragon Sword[]

A Japanese Sword handed down in the Hayabusa Ninja Clan. It is carved from a dragon's fang.

True Dragon Sword[]

The legendary, ultimate form of the Dragon Sword, achieved by fitting the Eye of the Dragon into the hilt of the Dragon Sword.

Ninja Gaiden II[]

Dragon Sword[]

The symbol of the Dragon Ninja; passed down for generations.

This legendary Japanese sword has been passed down through generations to the Dragon Lineage’s current heir. Its amazingly sharp blade, carved from the fang of an ancient Dragon, is responsible for the deaths of evil beings too numerous to count. As long as the sword remains on this earth, it may only be wielded by a descendant of the Dragon Lineage bloodline. Ryu Hayabusa now carries the sword, just as his father, Joe Hayabusa, did before him.

During the Dark Dragon Blade Incident one year ago, Ryu took up the Dragon Sword in his father’s absence. Ryu defeated a multitude of powerful enemies and avenged his clan, but he was still not the true possessor of the Dragon Sword. Joe, still healthy and strong, did not want to needlessly rush the handing down of the sacred blade. However, after witnessing Ryu’s bravery, valor, and strength during this Incident, Joe resolved to pass down the legendary weapon to his son.

True Dragon Sword[]

The true form of the Dragon Sword, brimming with sacred power.

When the Eye of the Dragon is fitted into the Dragon Sword’s hilt, it unleashes the spiritual power of the Dragon hidden in the blade. The weapon in this state is called the True Dragon Sword, and its incredible power is unrivaled. The bearer of this divine weapon must possess the physical strength, vigorous spirit, and proficiency of technique necessary to wield it properly. If a weaker being were to attempt to use it, the blade may very well feed on the bearer’s soul.

The immense power contained within the True Dragon Sword upsets the delicate balance of a peaceful world, and it is argued that there are very few instances in which such a powerful weapon should be allowed to exist. Thus, it has become customary to store the Dragon Sword and Eye of the Dragon in separate locations.

Plasma Saber[]

  • Plasma Saber: A state-of-the-art weapon that uses a magnetic field to contain a stream of super-heated plasma.

In Ninja Gaiden (Xbox), after completing the game on any Difficulty Mode, holding Left Trigger while selecting New Game allows Ryu Hayabusa to use his newly acquired Cyber Ninja costume. This costume replaces the Dragon Sword with a new sword called "Plasma Saber". However this is merely an aesthetic change, as the two weapons shares the same exact properties of damage, speed and reach. They also possess the same Techniques and upgraded path.

Since the Cyber Ninja costume has been removed from Ninja Gaiden Black, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, and Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus, this upgradable weapon doesn't appear in these titles.

  • Plasma Saber MK.II: An upgraded version of the Plasma Saber, in which the plasma oscillator has been tuned to the maximum.

In Ninja Gaiden (Xbox), upon obtaining the Eye of the Dragon from Kureha's grave in Chapter 13, the Plasma Saber will be automatically upgraded to Lv4, becoming the Plasma Saber MK.II, just like it normally happens with the True Dragon Sword. As with the Plasma Saber, this final upgrade is simply a clone of the standard True Dragon Sword.

In Ninja Gaiden Black, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, and Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus, instead of replacing the True Dragon Sword, the Plasma Saber MK.II is a different weapon with the same properties. In Ninja Gaiden Black, it can only be obtained by bringing 49 Golden Scarabs to Muramasa on any Difficulty Mode higher than Normal, while in Ninja Gaiden Sigma and Ninja Gaiden Sigma Plus it can also be obtained on Normal by giving 50 Golden Scarabs to Muramasa.

History[]

The Dragon Sword was created at a perilous time after the Dragons were betrayed by one of their own. With their strength gone, the Dragons placed all their essence, souls, and spiritual power into one of their own fangs, creating the Dragon Sword.[1] This divine weapon was then entrusted to the strongest and most spiritually pure of mankind, a warrior who would be the start of the Dragon Lineage bloodline.[2] With the Dragon Sword, the Dragon Lineage warrior was able to slay the Dark Dragon, and his descendants the Dragon Ninja were able to banish the Evil Deities and their Fiends. As time went on, the Dragon Sword was passed down through the generations of Dragon Ninja, all the way to their modern descendants, the Dragon Ninja of the Hayabusa Ninja Clan.[3] The Dragon Sword was used by ancient warriors to slay the Black Dragons and it is handed down from generation to generation in the Hayabusa Ninja clan & the last dragon ninja who wields it is Ryu Hayabusa .

Plot[]

Ninja Gaiden/Ninja Gaiden Sigma[]

While training in the sacred wilderness, Joe Hayabusa entrusted the Dragon Sword to his son Ryu, who had recently accepted his uncle, Murai's invitation for special training in his father's absence.[4] Upon arriving at Murai's Shadow Ninja fortress, Ryu is forced to use the Dragon Sword as he is assaulted by Murai's Shadow Ninja. Many Shadow Ninja fall to the Dragon Sword as Ryu works his way up to Murai. After their duel, Ryu and Murai have a brief discussion before he is informed of an attack on the Hayabusa village.

Rushing back to the village Ryu finds it under attack by Samurai warriors, and proceeds to kill them all with his Dragon Sword as he makes his way to the village center to face the last remaining samurai. He arrives to see the unfortunate end of his childhood friend, Kureha, who is impaled by a fiendish samurai named Doku. As she died, Kureha grasped the Dragon Eye jewel in her hand, trying to inform Ryu, but died before she could. Doku was then able to kill Ryu with the Dark Dragon Blade.

Ryu would eventually overcome death, and follow Doku's trail to Tairon, the capital city of the Vigoor Empire. In Tairon, Ryu slayed many thousands of Vigoor special ops, soldiers and fiends with his Dragon Sword in a bid to call out the Dark Dragon Blade. It was in Tairon where Ryu met the legendary blacksmith Muramasa, who informed Ryu of his Dragon Sword's potential for unfathomable spiritual power, but it was missing a special jewel in the hilt.[5] After activating the portals, Ryu took one back to his village, where upon Kureha's grave was the Dragon Eye jewel mentioned by Muramasa. Ryu fitted it into the hilt of the Dragon Sword, forming the True Dragon Sword. With it, Ryu took out the rest of the fiends to face the Vigoor Emperor, who now had powers on the level of a supreme deity after unsealing the Dark Dragon Blade.[6] After a long intense battle, Ryu defeated the Emperor with the aid of his True Dragon Sword, and the incident finally ended when Ryu shattered the once-thought unbreakable Dark Dragon Blade with the mightier True Dragon Sword.[7]

Ryu is later seen returning the Dragon Eye jewel to Kureha's grave.

Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword[]

Six months later, Ryu and the surviving Hayabusa clan would rebuild their village, repelling an invasion by the Black Spider clan. However, Kureha's younger sister, Momiji, would be taken captive by the Black Spider clan in all the confusion.

Afterwards, Ryu would journey throughout the world with his trusty Dragon Sword, following the Dark Dragonstones while slaying the thousands of fiends and Black Spider ninja who stood in his way in an effort to save Momiji. This conflict would cumulate in Hell where Ryu confronts the "captivating goddesses" Ishtaros and Nicchae. At first, Ryu is overwhelmed by Ishtaros, who has been empowered with all the Dark Dragonstones. The odds are even when Momiji releases the Dragon Eye to Ryu, enabling him to wield the True Dragon Sword once again. With the True Dragon Sword, Ryu is able to kill all the Evil Deities and rescue Momiji.

Ninja Gaiden II/Sigma 2[]

Another six months passed, now Ryu would fully inherit the Dragon Sword as Joe formally passes it on him. Soon after Ryu would end the Vampire War by cutting down the Vampire Lord Crimson with his Dragon Sword.

Ryu then journeys to Sky City Tokyo after hearing about the Black Spider clan's malicious intent in the metropolis. As he kills all the Black Spider ninja in the city, Ryu uncovers a second alliance between the Black Spider clan and the Fiends; with the Black Spider clan allying themselves to destroy their Hayabusa clan rival, and the fiend's more sinister plot to awaken a supreme Evil Deity, known as the Archfiend. Ryu quickly rushes back to his village to find it under attack once again.

While the Black Spider ninjas kept Ryu busy, Elizébet manages to slip away with the Demon statue. She would unseal the ties that bound the Evil Deities from their eternal slumber with the Demon Statue, a banishment placed on them by the Dragon Ninja of the ancient era.

Carrying on the duties of his ancient ancestors, Ryu journeys the world following Elizébet, and dealing death to all the Black Spider Ninja and Fiends in his path, including their immortal rulers. His worldly journey would take him back to his village, where Ryu encounters Ayane, who had taken back the Dragon's Eye from the Black Spider Clan's witch, Obaba. Uniting the two dragon relics, Ryu once again brings the True Dragon Sword into existence. Ryu then journeys into the depths of hell with his trusty True Dragon Sword, destroying all manner of fiends in his path to face the Archfiend, in a climatic one on one show down.

Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor's Edge[]

In London, armed terrorist open fire on the streets killing many civilians as they took over the Parliament building, holding the surviving civilians and the Prime Minister hostage. For unknown reasons the terrorist demanded Ryu Hayabusa come to London. Eventually Ryu finds himself in London, where all the terrorists are cut down with the Dragon Sword. Upon arriving at the Parliament building, Ryu finds himself too late as their leader the Regent of the Mask kills all the civilians and the Prime Minister. Ryu and the Regent then duel in a one on one sword fight. As Ryu delivers the finishing deathblow, the Regent places a curse on Ryu, causing the Dragon Sword to be absorbed into Ryu's arm.

DragonSword NinjaGaiden 3

The Dragon Sword absorbed by the Grip of Murder, as described by the Regent of the Mask.

Later in the game Cliff, revealing himself to be the instigator behind the scenes, removes the Dragon Sword from Ryu's body, showing it purified of the hatred and malice it gathered over the centuries. The Dragon Sword falls into the hands of Canna now transmuted into a creature called the Goddess. She is infused with Dragon Lineage blood taken from Ryu earlier by Cliff, this allowed her to wield the Dragon Sword without it harming her. As the Goddess went on a rampage throughout Tokyo, Ryu tracks her down and fights against the very sword his clan had treasured. After a heated battle, the Jashinken sword once held by Genshin, the Lord of the Dark Ninja of the Black Spider Clan is broken to its hilt, but the Dragon Sword returns to Ryu, who with the Dragon's Eye, uses the Dragon Sword to destroy the Goddess. Because Canna was an innocent, the True Dragon Sword spared her life, only cutting down the Goddess exterior. With his mission complete, and the Sword in safe hands once more, the Dragon Ninja disappears into the rising sun, returning to his village.

Ninja Gaiden (NES)[]

Ryu finds a letter written by his father, informing him that he has gone to a life and death duel and, if he should not return, Ryu is to take the Dragon Sword to America and talk to Dr. Walter Smith, an archaeologist friend of his. Dragon Sword in hand, Ryu swears revenge and heads to America. Once there he discovers a plot orchestrated by the Jaquio to resurrect the Demon, the Evil Deity once put to rest by ancestor of Ryu's with the same Dragon Sword. Facing his brainwashed father, Ryu cuts down both the Jaquio and the Demon.

Ninja Gaiden III: The Ancient Ship of Doom[]

Upon hearing that Irene supposedly died at his hands, Ryu takes his dragon sword in hand to uncover the truth behind Irene's death. Fighting trough bio-mechanical and genetically engineered monsters, including a copy of himself, Ryu discovers that Irene faked her death to uncover the same plot that Ryu was fighting. Ryu then proceeds to cut down H.P. Clancy and save the world from his ancient dimensional ship.

Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos[]

Ryu travels on the rooftops of New York, killing demonic forces with the Dragon Sword, while making his way to the train station. As Ryu questions these attacks, Robert T. Sturgeon appears from the shadows informing Ryu that Irene had been kidnapped, telling to head to the Tower of Lahja. Ryu makes his way to the Temple of Lahja. Scaling to the top of the tower Ryu encounters Ashtar, who was holding Irene hostage. Ashtar using Irene as a shield, opened a portal to the demon world and hoped through. Ryu and Robert then followed before the portal closed.

On the other side Ryu made his way to Ashtar, who stabbed Irene, critically injuring her. In a hard fought duel, Ryu slays the sorcerer and rescues Irene. Irene then tells Ryu that he has to destroy an altar before demon is revived. Ryu heads on further while asking Robert to escort Irene out of the Demon Realm. However Ryu senses something strange when he battles familiar enemies. At the altar of sacrifice, Ryu finds an injured Robert who informs him that the Jaquio had taken Irene, telling Ryu to head on as he held off the incoming demons. Ryu then reaches the altar of sacrifice where the Jaquio reveals that he had been resurrected by the Demon upon it's death, giving him unfathomable power. Despite this Ryu used the Dragon Sword to kill the Jaquio, but his blood flows trough the floor and eventually touches The Dark Sword of Chaos, sapping the life out of Irene as sacrifice and reviving him as the Demon of Destruction. After a hard battle Ryu defeats the Jaquio Demon. Ryu is distraught by the death of Irene when a glow coming from the Dragon Sword takes his attention. The Sword proceeded to turn into a sphere of light and entered Irene, reviving her.

Advantages[]

  • Arguably the most versatile weapon in the games.
  • Effective combos.
  • Becomes considerably stronger when The Eye of The Dragon is fitted.
  • The Flying Swallow is one of the best moves in the games.
  • Legendary sword that is said to cut through anything.
  • Can be used with elemental abilities that makes its attacks more destructive.
  • Can deflect and block many elements such as titanium, diamond, plasma, etc.

Disadvantages[]

  • Average Range.
  • Ending the Flying Swallow chain leaves Ryu wide open.
  • Not much stun on large enemies.
  • Flying Swallow less effective against enemies in Ninja Gaiden Black, since many can easily dodge, block or even counter it.

Utilization[]

The Dragon Sword is the most balanced weapon in Ninja Gaiden, making it useful for every situation. However this balance gives it a lack of specialization the other weapons have, such as the Falcon Talon's speed and the Kusari-Gama's range. It is still very fast and it's True Dragon Sword form is able to deal out massive damage.

Techniques[]

Name Notation Note Level
Crimson Slash Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Tear Xbox
Lv4
PlayStation
Nintendo
Tiger Roar Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Fang of the Wolf Xbox
Lv2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Blade of the Dragon's Tail Xbox
Lv3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Fiend's Bane Kick Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Early Winter Rain Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Blade of Nirrti Xbox
Drop
Lv2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Izuna Drop Xbox
Throw
Scroll
PlayStation
Nintendo
Windmill Slash Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Blade of the Undefeatable Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Haze Straight Slash Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Extinction Straight Slash Xbox
Essence
PlayStation
Essence
Nintendo
Essence
Hundred Wing Blade Xbox
Essence Full
PlayStation
Essence Full
Nintendo
Essence Full
Storm of the Heavenly Dragon Xbox
Essence Full
Lv4
PlayStation
Essence Full
Nintendo
Essence Full
Azure Dragon Xbox
Air
PlayStation
Nintendo
Scarlet Dragon Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Blade of the Twin Dragons Xbox
Lv4
PlayStation
Nintendo
Violent Wind Xbox While running
PlayStation While running
Nintendo While running
Violent Gale Xbox While running
Lv2
PlayStation While running
Nintendo While running
Thunderclap Kick Xbox While running
PlayStation While running
Nintendo While running
Flying Crane Xbox
Lv2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Gleaming Blade Xbox
Lv3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Roaring Gleam Xbox
Essence
Lv3
PlayStation
Essence
Nintendo
Essence
Annihilating Gleam Xbox
Essence Max
Lv3
PlayStation
Essence Full
Nintendo
Essence Full
True Dragon Gleam Xbox
Essence Full
Lv4
PlayStation
Essence Full
Nintendo
Essence Full
Gleaming Cross Xbox While blocking
Scroll
PlayStation While blocking
Nintendo While blocking
Fiend's Bane Kick Xbox While blocking
Scroll
PlayStation While blocking
Nintendo While blocking
Fiend Sealer Xbox Next to a downed enemy
PlayStation Next to a downed enemy
Nintendo Next to a downed enemy
Blade of the Empty Air Xbox While jumping straight up
Air
PlayStation While jumping straight up
Nintendo While jumping straight up
Helm Splitter Xbox While jumping straight up
Drop
PlayStation While jumping straight up
Nintendo While jumping straight up
Blade of Nirrti Xbox While jumping straight up
Drop
Lv2
PlayStation While jumping straight up
Nintendo While jumping straight up
Izuna Drop Xbox While jumping straight up
Throw
Scroll
PlayStation While jumping straight up
Nintendo While jumping straight up
Air Destruction Slash Xbox While jumping forward
PlayStation While jumping forward
Nintendo While jumping forward
Falling Dragon Blade Xbox While jumping forward
Drop
PlayStation While jumping forward
Nintendo While jumping forward
Flying Swallow Xbox While jumping towards an enemy
Lv2
PlayStation While jumping towards an enemy
Nintendo While jumping towards an enemy
Guillotine Throw Xbox Near an enemy
Throw
Scroll
PlayStation Near an enemy
Nintendo Near an enemy
Cicada Slash Xbox While on a wall
or
Drop
PlayStation While on a wall
or
Nintendo While on a wall
or
Flying Swallow Xbox While wall running
or
Lv2
PlayStation While wall running
or
Nintendo While wall running
or
Divine Cicada Slash Xbox During a Flying Bird Flip
or
Drop
PlayStation During a Flying Bird Flip
or
Nintendo During a Flying Bird Flip
or
Wave Reverser Xbox While floating on the surface
or
PlayStation While floating on the surface
or
Nintendo While floating on the surface
or
Ripple Slash Xbox While swimming on the surface
or
PlayStation While swimming on the surface
or
Nintendo While swimming on the surface
or
Floating Blade Xbox While underwater
PlayStation While underwater
Nintendo While underwater
Gleaming Water Dragon Xbox While underwater
PlayStation While underwater
Nintendo While underwater
Reverse Wind Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Wind Path Xbox While jumping near an enemy
PlayStation While jumping near an enemy
Nintendo While jumping near an enemy
Wind Run Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flying Bird Flip Xbox While on a wall
PlayStation While on a wall
Nintendo While on a wall

Name Input Level
Piercing Dragon's Fang
Dragon Tear
Steel Splitter
Tiger Roar
Fang of the Wolf
Fortuitous Phoenix
Ikaruga
Seal of Ten
Three Lights
Wrath of Izanagi
Blade of Empty Air
Blade of Susano'o
Izuna Drop
Scarlet Dragon
Cloud Dragon Flying Swallow
Windmill Slash
Violent Wind
Violent Gale
Piercing Wind
Dragon of Heaven
Dragon of Earth
Crimson Tempest
Undefeatable Demon
Haze Straight Slash
Oblivion Cross Cut
Blade of the Dragon's Scales
Azure Dragon
Scarlet Dragon
Violent Wind While running
Violent Gale While running
Piercing Wind While running
Dragon of Heaven While running
Dragon of Earth While running
Flying Crane
Gleaming Blade
Roaring Gleam
True Dragon Gleam
Deep Crimson While blocking
Gleaming Cross While blocking
Rising Dragon Next to downed enemy
Blade of Nirrti While jumping
Izuna Drop
While jumping
Helm Splitter While jumping
Air Destruction Slash While jumping forward
Falling Dragon Blade While jumping forward
Flying Swallow While jumping forward
Azure Swallow While jumping forward
Divine Flying Swallow While jumping forward
Spinning Blade While landing jump
Guillotine Throw
While jumping near enemy
Flying Swallow While wall running
Flying Dragon Blade On wall
Cicada Slash On wall
Divine Flying Dragon During Flying Bird Flip
Divine Cicada Slash During Flying Bird Flip
Divider of Waves While running on water
Blade of Empty Water While running on water
Blade of Empty Seas While running on water
Aquatic Flying Sparrow While running on water
Heavy Mists At water surface
Flying Osprey At water surface
Demon Shark Underwater
Great Demon Shark Underwater
Reverse Wind
Wind Path While jumping near enemy
Wind Run
Flying Bird Flip On wall
Calm Water Run While running on water
Calm Water Break While running on water

Name Notation Note Level
Piercing Dragon's Fang Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Tear Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Steel Splitter Xbox
Level 4
PlayStation
Nintendo
Tiger Roar Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Fang of the Wolf Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Fortuitous Phoenix Xbox
AIR
PlayStation
Nintendo
Ikaruga Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Seal of Ten Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Three Lights Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Wrath of Izanagi Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Blade of the Empty Air Xbox
AIR
PlayStation
Nintendo
Whirlwind in Empty Sky Xbox
AIR
PlayStation
Nintendo
Triple Whirlwind in Empty Sky Xbox
AIR
PlayStation
Nintendo
Blade of Nirrti Xbox
DROP
PlayStation
Nintendo
Izuna Drop Xbox
THROW
PlayStation
Nintendo
Scarlet Dragon Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Cloud Dragon Flying Swallow Xbox
AIR
Level 4
PlayStation
Nintendo
Windmill Slash Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Violent Wind Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Violent Gale Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Piercing Wind Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon of Heaven Xbox
AIR
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon of Earth Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Crimson Tempest Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Undefeatable Demon Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Haze Straight Slash Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Oblivion Cross Cut Xbox
Essence
PlayStation
Essence
Nintendo
Essence
Blade of the Dragon's Scales Xbox
Essence Full
Level 4
PlayStation
Essence Full
Nintendo
Essence Full
Azure Dragon Xbox
AIR
PlayStation
Nintendo
Scarlet Dragon Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Violent Wind Xbox While running
PlayStation While running
Nintendo While running
Violent Gale Xbox While running
PlayStation While running
Nintendo While running
Piercing Wind Xbox While running
PlayStation While running
Nintendo While running
Dragon of Heaven Xbox While running
AIR
PlayStation While running
Nintendo While running
Dragon of Earth Xbox While running
PlayStation While running
Nintendo While running
Flying Crane Xbox
AIR
PlayStation
Nintendo
Gleaming Blade Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Roaring Gleaming Xbox
Essence
PlayStation
Essence
Nintendo
Essence
True Dragon Gleam Xbox
Essence Full
PlayStation
Essence Full
Nintendo
Essence Full
Rising Dragon Xbox Next to downed enemy
PlayStation Next to downed enemy
Nintendo Next to downed enemy
Blade of the Empty Air Xbox While jumping
AIR
PlayStation While jumping
Nintendo While jumping
Blade of Nirrti Xbox While jumping
DROP
PlayStation While jumping
Nintendo While jumping
Izuna Drop Xbox While jumping
THROW
PlayStation While jumping
Nintendo While jumping
Helm Splitter Xbox While jumping
DROP
PlayStation While jumping
Nintendo While jumping
Air Destruction Slash Xbox While jumping forward
AIR
PlayStation While jumping forward
Nintendo While jumping forward
Falling Dragon Blade Xbox While jumping forward
DROP
PlayStation While jumping forward
Nintendo While jumping forward
Flying Swallow Xbox While jumping forward
AIR
PlayStation While jumping forward
Nintendo While jumping forward
Azure Swallow Xbox While jumping forward
AIR
PlayStation While jumping forward
Nintendo While jumping forward
Divine Flying Swallow Xbox While jumping forward
PlayStation While jumping forward
Nintendo While jumping forward
Spinning Blade Xbox While landing jump
PlayStation While landing jump
Nintendo While landing jump
Guillotine Throw Xbox While jumping near enemy
THROW
PlayStation While jumping near enemy
Nintendo While jumping near enemy
Flying Swallow Xbox While wall running
or
AIR
PlayStation While wall running
or
Nintendo While wall running
or
Flying Dragon Blade Xbox On wall
AIR
PlayStation On wall
Nintendo On wall
Cicada Slash Xbox On wall
DROP
PlayStation On wall
Nintendo On wall
Divine Flying Dragon Xbox During Flying Bird Flip
DROP
PlayStation During Flying Bird Flip
Nintendo During Flying Bird Flip
Divine Cicada Slash Xbox During Flying Bird Flip
DROP
PlayStation During Flying Bird Flip
Nintendo During Flying Bird Flip
Divider of Waves Xbox While running on water
PlayStation While running on water
Nintendo While running on water
Blade of Empty Air Xbox While running on water
AIR
PlayStation While running on water
Nintendo While running on water
Blade of Empty Seas Xbox While running on water
AIR
PlayStation While running on water
Nintendo While running on water
Aquatic Flying Sparrow Xbox While running on water
AIR
PlayStation While running on water
Nintendo While running on water
Heavy Mists Xbox At water surface
PlayStation At water surface
Nintendo At water surface
Flying Osprey Xbox At water surface
AIR
PlayStation At water surface
Nintendo At water surface
Demon Shark Xbox Underwater
PlayStation Underwater
Nintendo Underwater
Great Demon Shark Xbox Underwater
PlayStation Underwater
Nintendo Underwater
Reverse Wind Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Wind Path Xbox While jumping near enemy
PlayStation While jumping near enemy
Nintendo While jumping near enemy
Wind Run Xbox
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flying Bird Flip Xbox On wall
PlayStation On wall
Nintendo On wall
Calm Water Run Xbox While running on water
PlayStation While running on water
Nintendo While running on water
Calm Water Break Xbox While running on water
PlayStation While running on water
Nintendo While running on water

Xbox Notation PlayStation Notation Note Day
STANDING
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
DROP
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
THROW
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
DROP
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
THROW
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
DROP
AIR
AIR
AIR
THROW
AIR
DROP
AIR
AIR
AIR
THROW
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
DROP
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
THROW
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
DROP
AIR
AIR
AIR
THROW
RUNNING
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
THROW
Day 5
AIR
DROP
AIR
AIR
AIR
THROW
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
STANDING JUMP
AIR
DROP
AIR
AIR
DROP
THROW
DROP
DROP
Day 5
RUNNING JUMP
DROP
SLIDING
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
DROP
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
THROW
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
DROP
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
Day 5
THROW
Day 5
Day 5
AIR
DROP
AIR
AIR
AIR
THROW
AIR
DROP
AIR
AIR
AIR
THROW
AIR
DROP
AIR
AIR
AIR
THROW
SLIDING HIT
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
LAND
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5
WALL JUMP
DROP
FLYING SWALLOW BLOCKED
FLYING BIRD FLIP
DROP
DROP
SABAKI

Name Notation Note Level
STANDING
Divine Moon Crush Slash Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Falling Swallow Blade Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Divine Swallow Izuna Xbox
THROW
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Divine Swallow Underworld Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Divine Swallow Izuna Xbox
THROW
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Divine Swallow Underworld Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Divine Swallow Izuna Xbox
THROW
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Divine Swallow Underworld Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Moon Crush Scarlet Dragon Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flame Wheel Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Crimson Slicer Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Falcon Rising Slash Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Phoenix Ambush Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Phoenix Ascendant Xbox
AIR
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Bloody Falcon Rising Slash Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Bloody Crimson Slash Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Rending Drill Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Aftershadow Flash Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Aftershadow Gleam Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Gleaming Dragon Ring Slash Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Ascendant Xbox
AIR
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Gleaming Dragon Ring Slash Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Ascendant Xbox
AIR
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Piercing Dragon Ring Slash Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Ascendant Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Razing Demon Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Razing Demon Fury Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Demon Horde Slash Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Bloody Demon Horde Slash Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Tiger Punishment Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Ascent of the Wisdom King Xbox
AIR
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Severing Guardian Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Light of Fury Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Light of Wrath Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Tiger Wrath Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Tiger Fury Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Crouching Dragon Tiger's Wrath Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Azure Dragon Xbox
AIR
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Blade of Nirrti Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Izuna Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Underworld Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Scarlet Dragon Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flame Wheel Drop Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Blinding Wolf Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Tail Slash Xbox
AIR
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Heavenly Slash Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Raze Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Ring Slash Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Ascendant Xbox
AIR
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Bloody Storm Xbox
AIR
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Annihilating Demon Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Raze Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Ring Slash Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Ascendant Xbox
AIR
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Bloody Storm Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Crouching Crane Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Annihilating Demon Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Raze Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Ring Slash Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Dragon Ascendant Xbox
AIR
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Bloody Storm Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
RUNNING
Violent Gale Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Twilight Falling Xbox
DROP
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Rending Fall Xbox
THROW
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Moon Crush Azure Dragon Xbox
AIR
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Moon Crush Scarlet Dragon Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flame Wheel Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Azure Wind Dragon Xbox
AIR
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Scarlet Wind Dragon Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flame Wheel Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Azure Dragon Xbox
AIR
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Scarlet Dragon Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flame Wheel Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Piercing Wind Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Piercing Falcon Ring Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Piercing Phoenix Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Phoenix Ascendant Xbox
AIR
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Bloody Falcon Ring Slash Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Piercing Demon Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
STANDING JUMP
Blade of Nirrti Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Izuna Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Underworld Drop Xbox
THROW
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
Helmet Splitter Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Suffering of the Asura Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
RUNNING JUMP
Falling Falcon Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Falling Dragon Blade Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flying Swallow Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
SLIDING
Slant Slash Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Heavenly Slash Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
SLIDING HIT
Strike of the Rising Sun Xbox
AIR
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Twilight Falling Xbox
DROP
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Rending Fall Xbox
LV.3
PlayStation
Nintendo
Severing Heaven Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
LAND
Spinning Blade Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flying Crane Xbox
LV.2
PlayStation
Nintendo
WALL JUMP
Falling Falcon Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flying Swallow Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
WALL RUN
Falling Falcon Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Flying Swallow Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Helm Splitter Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Suffering of the Asura Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
FLYING SWALLOW BLOCKED
Falling Falcon Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Azure Swallow Xbox
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
FLYING BIRD FLIP
Falling Falcon Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Divine Cicada Slash Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
SABAKI
Corona Wrath Xbox
DROP
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo
Reverse Scale Gleam Xbox
AIR
LV.1
PlayStation
Nintendo

Trivia[]

  • Ninja Gaiden was originally titled "Ninja Ryukenden", which means Ninja Dragon Sword Legend. It was changed to "Ninja Gaiden" (Ninja Side Story) when translated to English because Japanese developers thought Gaiden was easier for westerners to pronounce than Ryukenden.
  • The True Dragon Sword has a blueish purple aura, however in Ninja Gaiden 3 this is not present.
    TruedragonswordNG3

    The True Dragon Sword in Ninja Gaiden 3, note the lack of the violet aura on the blade.

    • Ryu also cannot use the True Dragon Sword in gameplay.
  • The Dragon Sword, know as Ryuken (龍剣) in Japanese, is imbued with the essence of the 12 Dragons who defeated Vigoor. In Japanese, Ryu (龍), meaning "dragon", can also be translated to its plural "dragons".
  • Because of the immense spiritual power of the Sword, only the Dragon Ninjas such as Ryu and his father Joe Hayabusa can actually wield it without harming themselves. However, normal people will not be harmed if they simply hold it, such as Muramasa when he asked Ryu to let him take a look at the Sword, the other being Cliff Higgins, as he simply grabbed the Sword and threw it to the Goddess Chamber.
  • By getting 1,000 Gamerscore in Halo 3, one unlocks the dragon sword on the back of the Hayabusa Chest Armour.
  • In the OVA, the Dragon Sword is a Ninjato (Short Ninja Sword) with a dragon engraved onto the blade, causing the blade to glow when Ryu focuses his energies.
  • In the original Ninja Gaiden series, the Dragon Sword shows it has the power to restore life, as it resurrected the murdered Irene Lew.
  • In Ninja Gaiden 3, Jo Hayabusa reveals that the Dragon Sword was originally a gift for the descendants of the Dragon God to slay the Archfiends, but was corrupted by the malice and hate it encapsulated into the blade over the millennia. A dragon ninja from ancient times suffered a curse similar to Ryu's Grip of Murder, but that Dragon Ninja died, only the Dragon Sword was left.
  • The True Dragon Sword can only kill that which is truly evil. Since Canna wasn't evil, the sword spared her life. In its dormant state however, the Dragon Sword is in discriminant, killing any and all that is cut by its keen edge.
  • The Sword can only be used by the Dragon Ninja because they possess the blood of the Dragon God in their veins.
  • In Ninja Gaiden 3, player's Unknown Ninja can use the Dragon Sword when their katana skill level is level 10.
  • During Chapter 14 of Ninja Gaiden II, it is dual-wielded with the Blade of the Archfiend replacing Dragon's Claw and Tiger's Fang.
  • The Dragon Sword is said to be able to slice through anything, and this has been proven to be true, so far. It should be noted that the Dragon Sword has, in very few occasions, clashed with other extremely powerful blades. Such as the Tempest Blade, which was cut in half by the Dragon Sword.
  • As shown in Dead or Alive Dimensions, the Dragon Sword can negate healing factors, seen when Ryu stabbed Omega, who can heal at a Superhuman rate.
  • Apparently, the True Dragon Sword can destroy evil beings in one blow. Suggested by Ryu's defeat of Crimson in the Vampire Wars prologue motion comic. This, however, is obviously not present in terms of gameplay, but perhaps in story canon.
  • The power of the True Dragon Sword is shared with Ryu. Evidenced by the intro screen of chapter 11 of Ninja Gaiden 2.
  • In the Ninja Gaiden demo bundled with Famitsu Xbox Issue 24, the True Dragon Sword had a slightly different appearance: the violet aura was missing, instead the blade itself was a shining blue color and, despite the description mentioning the Eye of the Dragon, the jewel itself was absent from the model.

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. " Their strength drained by the evil of the Dark Dragon, the remaining dragons placed their last hope in the hands of the humans in the form of one of their own fangs. Thus was born the Dragon Sword, a formidable weapon inhabited by the very essence of the powers of the dragons." -Intro, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
  2. "Among the strongest of mankind, Dragons’ blood courses through their veins. Members of this bloodline, the Dragon Lineage, have vowed to stay vigilant and protect our world from the threat of the Archfiends." -Ninja Gaiden 2 instruction booklet
  3. "In the countless millennia since, the dragons have long since perished. But their spirit remains in the form of that sword, now carried by the descendants of the humans that fought by the side on that fateful day." -Intro, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword
  4. "He has entrusted me with the sword while he continues his training." -Ryu Hayabusa, Ninja Gaiden
  5. "It has the potential for unfathomable spirit power... But this sword alone will not do. There is a place to fit a jewel here, you see; a curved jewel carved out of a dragon's eye... with it, in the right hands this sword will prove more than a match for the Dark Dragon Blade." -Muramasa, Ninja Gaiden
  6. "If a new warrior of the Dragon Lineage shall appear, the Holy Emperor shall be infused with the power of the Evil Deities." -The Book of the Future, Ninja Gaiden
  7. "A young Ninja named Ryu Hayabusa, survivor of the Hyabusa Clan and descendant of the Dragon Lineage, took up his family's legendary birthright, the Dragon Sword, to face this threat alone. At the end of an intense battle, Ryu shattered the evil Dark Dragon Blade into countless shards with a blow from his Dragon Sword. -The Dark Dragon Blade Incident, Ninja Gaiden: Dragon Sword