There has been a certain discussion on the Discord server recently, and I decided to bring it to the wiki space since we should formally establish consensus on the issue. Namely, this is about the "element" field in the Template:InfoWeapon.
On one hand, there is solid reason to have this field: several games employ the mechanic of enemy weaknesses or strengths (e.g. Alastor, quite logically, is ineffective against Plasma). On the other hand, the existence of this field has been used to insert information which led to some debate (e.g. Sparda is currently stated to have the element of "demon-forged", but what does that even mean?)
My view of the situation is this. I really start to think that infoboxes should only be used to reflect formal, factual information, over which there can be little debate. (Precluding the possible question: "element" field isn't the only which suffers from this problem, but other offenders should be discussed at another date.) Element field should only be used for weapons which have the gameplay (dis)advantage associated with its damage type; perhaps, there should be a mirror field in the enemy infobox which states what those enemies are weak to, as well. Lore distinctions and speculations like "Dr. Faust's element is blood because it shoots Red Orbs" should be precluded from being added into the infobox. Even more reasonable speculations, like Bare Knuckle having the element of lightning should not be put into infobox because it bears no gameplay impact in any games it appears in, although it could be and should be elaborated on in the body of the article.
What do the other editors think?
EDIT: After Legion's response, decided to make a list so we knew the exact offenders.
I am going to make this disclaimer beforehand: I personally didn't test anything on the list, so examples are going to be few. Where I do provide examples, I am just repeating what I read on this wiki, and what I heard from other people. So, please correct me if I am factually wrong anywhere, and suggest examples.
- Recurring
offenders
- Force Edge/Sparda - currently listed as "demon-forged", based on a quote of an adjudicator. Far as I know, Sparda doesn't have any specific strengths/weaknesses in any of the games, and that description doesn't quite make sense, so I vote for removal.
- Rebellion - "Magic". Same exact case as Sparda. While less marginally less nonsensical description than "demon" element, also vote for removal.
- Yamato - "Dark-forged". This one apparently is relevant, since I remember a reddit quote stating that it gives advantage against Beowulf (DMC3), who is light-element. Needs checking and discussion.
- Summoned swords - no element stated and no gameplay tricks.
- E&I, L&U, Shotgun - mundane firearms, no element.
- Kalina Ann and other launchers - Tim (probably humorously) suggested that explosions have the element of fire. Might be worth checking, actually?
- DMC1
- Sparda/FE, E&I, L&U, Yamato, Grenadegun - mentioned earlier.
- Alastor - "Lightning". Has in-game impact. Should stay.
- Ifrit - "Fire". Has in-game impact. Should stay.
- Needlegun - mundane firearm, no element.
- Nightmare-β - has no element stated. Does it have any particular gameplay tricks?
- DMC2
Most weapons in this game don't have even a lore element associated with them - all of Dante and Lucia's weapons are mundane steel or firearms. Elements are instead accessed through the Amulet system... although the elements in this game provide different advantages than changing the damage type, apparently. Anyway, out of the whole list there is still one I feel needs to be mentioned.
- Nightmare-γ - no element stated and no gameplay tricks.
- DMC3
- Sparda/FE, Rebellion, E&I, Shotgun, Yamato, Summoned Swords, Kalina Ann - mentioned earlier.
- Agni&Rudra - no element stated in the infobox. Lorewise has fire and wind. Any gameplay tricks?
- Artemis - none stated.
- Beowulf - "Light". Apparently offers advantage in Vergil's fight, funnily enough.
- Cerberus - "Ice". Seems obvious enough, but I need examples here.
- Nevan - "Lightning". One of the cases where element seems obvious but I am not sure if it has an impact on gameplay. Examples?
- Spiral - mundane firearm, no element.
- DMC4
The only game which doesn't have elements in some form in gameplay, to my knowledge.
- FE, Rebellion, E&I, Shotgun, Yamato, Summoned Swords, Kalina Ann, Beowulf, L&U - mentioned earlier.
- Bare Knuckle - one can argue it isn't a weapon, but I am listing it anyway. Lore-wise should be "lightning" but the game doesn't employ any mechanics so idk.
- Blue Rose - mundane firearm... more or less. XD
- Devil Bringer - no element I can think of.
- Gilgamesh - "Steel" listed. Um. Where did that come from, anyway? You can apply that "element" to over half of the weapons in the franchise if you wish...
- Lucifer - no element stated anywhere.
- Pandora - no element stated anywhere. Pretty sure it had "Light" at some point... which actually doesn't have a quote to support it.
- Red Queen - mundane sword... with mundane way of creating fire. This is apparently relevant in the next game?
- DMC5
- Sparda, Rebellion, E&I, Shotgun, Summoned Swords, Kalina Ann, Blue Rose - mentioned earlier.
- Red Queen - Although mentioned earlier, want to mention it again. Apparently Exceed counts as Fire attack against some enemies. Really need examples here pls.
- Balrog - "Fire". Pretty obvious, but could use examples.
- Cavaliere (R) - None.
- DSD - none listed. Funnily enough since both DSS and Reb had something.
- Dr. Faust -
yes, a bot is a weapon, but why are we discussing my botNone listed in infobox or File. And no, I don't think "demon blood" qualifies as an element here. - King Cerberus - whooping three, "Ice", "Fire", "Lightning". Needs examples for all three, pls.
- Devil Breakers - one might suggest that Overture's attack may count as "Lightning". If it doesn't actually offer something somewhere, it shouldn't be listed, though.
God forbid you from even thinking of listing Ragtime as "Time" though