The Cypher (サイファー, alternatively translated as Cipher^[1] or Sypher^[2]) is the iconic weapon of the Strider franchise, appearing on all its different incarnations, and serving as Hiryu's signature weapon.

The Cypher, also known as the Light Sword Cypher (光剣サイファー)^[3][4][5], is a highly advanced melee weapon employed by the Striders. It looks mostly like a broadsword in shape and size, but it's hilt is similar to a tonfa, having a short handle perpendicular to the main grip. The weapon makes use of plasma energy, releasing it from an opening located on the tip of the edge, in order to greatly enhance its cutting power^[6]. Because of the speed at which the blade travels, it gives off a high pitched sound whenever it is swung. This weapon is only issued to those agents who reach the elite Special A-Class^[6], and it's said very few members of the group are actually able to properly handle it^[3][4]. It is the favored weapon of Hiryu^[3][4], and he's become known as an expert on its use, being said that no one can surpass him on its mastery.^[7]

Contents 1 Abilities 2 Variations 2.1 Range Cypher 2.2 "Long" Cypher 2.3 Sweep Cypher 3 References

AbilitiesEdit

The Cypher can generate plasma energy and use it in a number of ways. Its main use is to generate a blade of accelerated high-voltage plasma particles, capable of cutting through any material^[3]. Its cutting power is such that it is said to be able to go through ceramic armor as if it were simple wooden boards^[8]. The plasma energy can also be charged up and dispersed in different ways: it can be concentrated into a plasma projectile, a technique known as Plasma Arrow^[1], or released in the form of plasma waves that home in on nearby enemies^[9]. The effective range of the plasma blade can also be extended for a short period of time. While a very powerful weapon in itself, its difficulty to properly handle it is cited as its main drawback.^[3]

Activating the plasma energy generates high-voltage electricity in large amounts, making it a dangerous weapon to use near bodies of water^[10]. The electric current's voltage can be adjusted and reduced, though the lowest level is still strong enough to knock out crocodiles and temporarily paralyze a person.^[11]

The Cypher can also be transformed into a throwing weapon effective for long range attacks. Activating this option makes two curved prongs to appear on the sides of the edge, and allow the Cypher to return to the owner's hands once thrown, much like a boomerang would.^[12]

VariationsEdit

There exist a few variations of the basic Cypher, though whether they are commonly issued or are custom-made by their users is unknown.

Range CypherEdit

An unique variation of the Cypher used by renegade Strider Hien. It is a double-edged weapon, consisting of two smaller Cyphers which can be attached by the hilt to form a single weapon. It is also known as the Geometrical Cypher (ジオメトリカル・サイファー), due to the variety of forms in which both Cyphers can be adapted into.

Form 1 - A basic form. Both Cyphers are used separately as normal Cyphers would. The weapons work identical to normal Cyphers, making for a deadly twin-sword style. This form is mostly used in close-quarter combat.
Form 2 - A form geared towards defense. Both Cyphers are joint together in a straight line, and by spinning them fast they become a shield capable of blocking any attack. This form is also used when the weapons is kept on its mount.
Form 3 - The most characteristic form of this weapon. Both Cyphers are joint by the hilt in the form of a boomerang, which can then be thrown for a long distance attack. The Cyphers will both target the nearest enemy and return to its user afterwards. It's possible this form is an upgrade from the Cypher's "throwing mode" as seen in the manga.

"Long" CypherEdit

A variation of the basic design used by Vice Director Matic, this is basically a Cypher twice its normal length. Outside of the obvious advantage on reach, this weapon doesn't seems to have any unique ability or be stronger than a common Cypher. Besides the length, the handle of this Cypher is also altered, sporting a sword-like grip instead of the L-shaped hilt.

Sweep CypherEdit

Seen in the Mega Drive Strider Returns, a "new" simple variant whose only difference with a common Cypher is in the shape of the plasma arc.^[13]

ReferencesEdit

Strider Game Series
Games
Strider (Amiga • Mega Drive • Master System • Turbo Duo • Sharp X68000 • Playstation • Mobile Phones) Strider (NES) • Strider II/Returns • Strider 2
Characters
Hiryu • Grandmaster Meio • Solo • Kuniang • Hien Strobaya • General Mikiel • Captain Beard Jr. • Herzog Schlange • Admiral Wilhelm
Recurring Objects and Settings
Striders • Cypher • Climb Sickle • Options • Kazakh Federation Flying Battleship Balrog • Anti-Gravity Device • The Third Moon
Other Articles
Isuke • Moto Kikaku • Strider Hiryu (Manga) • Capcom Gamebook: Strider Hiryu

Strider Manga/NES Series
Main Articles	Strider Hiryu (Manga) • Strider (NES) • Moto Kikaku • Tatsumi Wada • Masahiko Kurokawa
Characters	Arana • Commander • Faceas Clay • Hiryu • Kain • Kubira • Kuramoto • Matic • Police Chief • Sheena Game Exclusives: Badger • Dragon Fiend • Flash Blade • Kodiak • Ryuzaki Manga Exclusives: Captain Keith • Kazakh Institute Scientist • Mariya • Rin • Yuri
Stage Enemies	Doberman • Egypt Soldier • Giant Robot • Hunchback • Machine Cannon • Mechanical Snail Robot Frong • Russian Infantryman • Scuba Soldier • Sharkman • Sky Wing • Spark Machine
Technology	Cypher • Kali • Phantom Train • Shadowtag Bullets • Stealth Chopper • T-48 • ZAIN Project • Yggdrasil
Locations	Africa • Australia • China • Egypt • Japan • Kazakh • Los Angeles • Red Dragon
Groups	Enterprise • Kazakh Secret Police • Striders • Strider Matic Unit