Swords take precedence over guns and other weapons solely for heroism. Ranged characters often have a 'safe' feeling about them. They can attack from far away and are at less risk than the melee characters. This makes them seem less brave. Heroes have to be brave. Heroes also have to be strong. That's why they typically use swords - big swords. Giving a hero a big sword shows before you even play the game that the character is brave and strong. You know he's direct, as the sneaky characters always get daggers. The choice of weapons does almost as much for characterization as the game's introduction.