History Main / OurWeaponsWillBeBoxyInTheFuture

See also KineticWeaponsAreJustBetter and HighTechHexagons. When you apply this trope to spacecraft, the result is the ISOStandardHumanSpaceship.

* As seen above, ''VideoGame/StarCraft''. The Gauss Rifle used by the [[SpaceMarine marines]] is somewhat of a {{BFG}}, but especially in its updated incarnation, is almost a perfect rectangle. It makes sense since Terran PowerArmor is equally huge and isn't good at delicate hand movements. Oddly, however, the gauss rifle can be effectively wielded without wearing PoweredArmor. Somewhat averted, however, with Ghost Canister rifles, which are much smaller and resemble much more large-bore modern assault rifles.

** Gets averted in the tabletop {{RPG}}s, however. As ''TabletopGame/DarkHeresy'' and ''TabletopGame/RogueTrader'' were designed around semi-civilian characters first, the "mass produced by the billions daily" Imperial Guard and painstakingly artisan crafted Astartes weapons were higher-tier equipment (the lasgun's "flashlight" reputation comes from it being the weakest standard weapon on the tabletop, it's actually capable of taking out an arm and some calculations place full a power blast at capable of piercing a modern MBT, in a platform sing little more than a solar-charging magazine sized battery, the problem is that it is OvershadowedbyAwesome due to the enemies being just that unkillable) while starting guns were [[AKA47 somewhat more familiar looking]] and using simple ammunition, most of which exist in lore but are rarely if ever depicted in artwork or miniatures previously.

** ''VideoGame/Fallout3'' has a very clear [[ZigZaggingTrope aesthetic dichotomy]] between laser and plasma weapons. The laser pistol and rifles are basically rectangular boxes with a handle and trigger attached to the bottom. They don't even come with sights, by default. Compare a conventional minigun to the futuristic [[BeamSpam "Gatling Laser,"]] and judge for yourself which is the boxiest. Plasma weapons were [[RaygunGothic just the opposite]], being cylindrical "needles" with wires and glowing diodes jutting out everywhere. The ballistic weapons tend to be more mundane mid-20th century designs for small arms and RaygunGothic for heavy weapons, though the 10mm handgun and SMG from the previous games return, the former being much boxier this time.

* Most of the weapons in ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'' follow this trope, particularly the krogan Claymore shotgun, which resembles a cinder block with a trigger.

* In ''[[Film/{{Oblivion2013}} Oblivion]]'' Jack Harper uses a bullpup rifle with a [[http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-irzFS1mz600/UWph7ElJCtI/AAAAAAAAEo0/eZ_47bBfO2E/s1600/oblivion+2013+movie+poster.jpg shiny white plastic casing,]] the double turrets on the drones have similar casings. Scav weapons are more stripped down and minimalistic.

* In ''Videogame/EYEDivineCybermancy'', the vast majority of weapons are boxy, with the exception of the [[AKA47 totally-not-a-FN F200]] Tyroll [=S6000=] and Spiculum Ovum grenade launcher. The HS [=010=] sub machine gun takes this to its logical conclusion, with a box receiver, box pistol grip, and box magazine. The only curves are on the grips, and the barrel itself, though it's somewhat subverted as it's heavily based on Mac-10 (see real life example below).

* The [[http://www.enemyforces.net/firearms/kriss_super_v.htm Kriss .45]] is an experimental submachine gun that uses an innovative recoil system and unusual stock to make it a wonderful accurate and controllable weapon that is mostly square.

* Then there's the [[http://world.guns.ru/smg/smg70-e.htm Ares FMG,]] a boxy submachinegun that ''folds'' into an innocent looking metal box, and its Russian counterpart the [[http://world.guns.ru/smg/smg10-e.htm PP-90.]]

* [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steyr_AUG Steyr AUG]] averts this with a sleek, rounded shape. It is especially worth mentioning that contrary to this trope, it is often used on film when going for a futuristic-looking weapon. Falling out of vogue some as it's nearly 40 years old and anyone who's watched an action movie knows it's been around a while.
* The new [[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2013/01/09/5-56-caliber-mac-10-upper-approved/ SABRE]] 5.56mm upper for the MAC-10 (already literally a box with a smaller box on the bottom) makes it legitimately look like a gritty sci-fi box rifle.

** Averted with the [[SpaceElves Eldar]]. Most, if not all, of their weapons have [[TheAestheticsOfTechnology sleek, organic appearances]] in comparison to the other races, mainly because they aren't manufactured in factories but essentially handcrafted by artisans.
** Ork weapons and vehicles tend to be boxy, since most of them are scavenged from Imperial weapons, and are ramshackled to whatever they can find and piece together. Since the Orks mostly just cut the forms they need from flat metal plates that they either rip off something else or crudely roll themselves, boxy shaped weapons tend to be easier to manufacture.
** Gets averted in the tabletop {{RPG}}s, however. As ''TabletopGame/DarkHeresy'' and ''TabletopGame/RogueTrader'' were designed around semi-civilian characters first, the "mass produced by the billions daily" Imperial Guard and Astartes weapons were higher-tier equipment (the lasgun's "flashlight" reputation comes from it being the weakest standard weapon on the tabletop, it's actually capable of taking out an arm) while starting guns were [[AKA47 somewhat more familiar looking]] and using simple ammunition, most of which existed in lore but was rarely if ever depicted in artwork or miniatures previously.

[[quoteright:350:[[VideoGame/StarCraftII https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/C-14GaussRifle_SC2_Art1.jpeg]]]]

** The [[{{BFG}} Bolters]] used by the Space Marines are [[http://images.wikia.com/warhammer40k/images/1/15/Standard_Bolter.png boxy]] huge weapons firing rocket-assisted armor-piercing explosive rounds.
** Extends to Imperial tanks (which are essentially the tanks of WWI with different turrets), too, with the most iconic being the [[https://www.spikeybits.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/RhinoMin-1.jpg Rhino APC]], which fans of the franchise have dubbed "[[MemeticMutation Metal Bawkses]]" in honor of [[VideoGame/DawnOfWar Chaos Lord Carron]] and which all Space Marine tanks are variants of with the exception of the [[https://1d4chan.org/images/thumb/3/3b/RaiderPrometheus.jpg/400px-RaiderPrometheus.jpg Land Raider]].
** The Tau's Pulse Weaponry. [[http://media.moddb.com/images/mods/1/6/5152/57622.jpg About as boxy as it gets.]] Definitely overlaps with CoolGuns, though. WordOfGod is that TheAestheticsOfTechnology for the Tau were decided during their concept phase to go with smooth rectangular shapes with only minimal surface detail to make their weapons look like they had been carefully engineered to keep all the components inside, and they were made to be long and narrow to emphasize that they were accurate and hard-hitting.
** Averted with the [[SpaceElves Eldar]]. Most, if not all of their weapons have [[TheAestheticsOfTechnology sleek, organic appearances]] in comparison to the other races, mainly because they aren't manufactured in factories but essentially handcrafted by artisans.

* In ''Videogame/EYEDivineCybermancy'', the vast majority of weapons are boxy, with the exception of the [[AKA47 totally-not-a-FN F200]] Tyroll [=S6000=] and Spiculum Ovum grenade launcher. The HS [=010=] sub machine gun takes this to its logical conclusion, with a box receiver, box pistol grip, and box magazine. The only curves are on the grips, and the barrel itself.

* The [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MAC-10 MAC-10]] machine pistol (which is hardly futuristic, since they were used by the SOG in Vietnam).

* The [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_P90 P90]] is basically a SpiritualSuccessor to the G11 as a sub-machine gun form, which is a rectangle with holes and curves in the bottom to form the grip and the sight.
* And, of course, the [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PHASR PHASR.]] It's a less-lethal laser weapon.

* Defense Distributed's 3-d printed handgun the [[http://youtu.be/drPz6n6UXQY "Liberator"]] is a plastic box on a pistol grip.

* The [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M202_FLASH M202 FLASH launcher.]]

* The current evolution of main battle tanks. During the World War II and the early Cold War, most tanks relied on sloped armor to bounce shots, hence the curved designs for turret and hull shapes. However, sloped armor was abandoned following the introduction of composite armor, which offers better protection and was less effecting when applied to curved surfaces. It is noticeable that the smooth organic curves of the Challenger Mk I and Leopard I have given way - abruptly - to the squared-off boxiness of the Challenger II and Leopard II. All armies have also gone this way with their MBT's and come full circle with what look like squared-off hard-edhed boxy slabs, in contrast to what went before.

* The [[MegaCorp New Conglomerate]] in both ''VideoGame/PlanetSide'' games do not believe in curves. The only curve found on any of their equipment are on their helmets, and on the banana magazines on some of their weapons. Their [[MightyGlacier Vanguard tank]], in particular, looks like it was designed using only a straight edge. The [[TheEmpire Terran Republic]] on the other hand uses a large amount of [[EverythingIsAnIpodInTheFuture swooping lines]] on all their equipment (despite using less advanced weaponry than the NC's [[MagneticWeapon gauss technology]]), and the [[MachineCult Vanu Sovereignty]] aesthetic is best described as insect-like, with complicated overlapping armor segments.

* ''VideoGame/ShogoMobileArmorDivision'': Since half the game takes place in {{Animesque}} HumonguousMecha, their guns are just as boxy and bulky (even moreso with a cheat that makes the guns bigger).

* Most of the weapons in ''VideoGame/MassEffect2'' follow this trope, particularly the krogan Claymore shotgun, the design of which resembles a cinder block with a trigger.

Often used in videogames, since boxy shapes are particularly easy to render.

[[quoteright:350:[[VideoGame/StarCraft https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/C-14GaussRifle_SC2_Art1.jpeg]]]]

On the SlidingScaleOfShinyVersusGritty, this trope tends towards the latter, as this trope's association with TheEighties brings to mind many [[Anime/{{Akira}} famous works]] [[Film/RoboCop of dystopian]] [[Film/BladeRunner cyberpunk]] [[Film/TheTerminator fiction]]. However, there are exceptions. [[CrystalSpiresAndTogas "Enlightened"]] civilizations may still keep their boxy arms around as a symbol of older times or as a realist answer of how they keep the peace. If the Enlightened civilization has an active military, expect these [[InSpace Space]] [[OurElvesAreBetter Elves]] to use [[EverythingIsAnIPodInTheFuture vaguely iPod-shaped weapons]].

** Averted with the [[OurElvesAreBetter Eldar]]. Most, if not all of their weapons have [[TheAestheticsOfTechnology sleek, organic appearances]] in comparison to the other races, mainly because they aren't manufactured in factories but essentially handcrafted by artisans.

* The [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_WA_2000 Walther WA 2000]], a [[RareGuns rare]] bullpup marksman rifle with a very square design and wood furnishing, though a black polymer version also exists.

On the SlidingScaleOfShinyVersusGritty, this trope tends towards the latter, as this trope's association with TheEighties brings to mind many [[Anime/{{Akira}}famous works of]] [[Film/RoboCop dystopian]] [[Film/BladeRunner cyberpunk]] [[Film/TheTerminator fiction]]. However, there are exceptions. [[CrystalSpiresAndTogas "Enlightened"]] civilizations may still keep their boxy arms around as a symbol of older times or as a realist answer of how they keep the peace. If the Enlightened civilization has an active military, expect these [[InSpace Space]] [[OurElvesAreBetter Elves]] to use [[EverythingIsAnIPodInTheFuture vaguely iPod-shaped weapons]].

On the SlidingScaleOfShinyVersusGritty, this trope tends towards the latter, but not always. [[CrystalSpiresAndTogas "Enlightened"]] civilizations may still keep their boxy arms around as a symbol of older times or as a realist answer of how they keep the peace. If the Enlightened civilization has an active military, expect these [[InSpace Space]] [[OurElvesAreBetter Elves]] to use [[EverythingIsAnIPodInTheFuture vaguely iPod-shaped weapons]].

* ''VideoGame/GearsOfWar'' does this with every weapon, especially the assault rifle with a chainsaw.

* The [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FN_P90 P90]] is basically a rectangle with holes and curves in the bottom to form the grip and the sight.

* The current evolution of main battle tanks. It is noticeable that the smooth organic curves of the Chieftain and the Challenger Mk I have given way - abruptly - to the squared-off boxiness of the Challenger II. This appears to be universal in main battle tanks: the organic curves of Germany's Leopard I have become the boxy blockiness of the Leopard II. Other countries such as Israel, Russia and the USA have also gone this way with their MBT's and come full circle with what look like squared-off hard-edhed boxy slabs, in contrast to what went before.

* ''{{VideoGame/Borderlands 2}}'' has Tediore manufactured weapons, whose design is overall boxy and polygonal. Justified, since they are designed to be extremely cheap, disposable guns, making embellishments counterproductive. Downplayed with Dahl and Hyperion manufactured weapons, while their designs are primarily polygonal, there are curved features to their design (e.g. the Dahl made SMG stock uses a tube).

** Though averted in VideoGame/MassEffect3 with weapons from other alien cultures: the [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Arc_Pistol Quarian Arc Pistol]], the [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Scorpion Salarian Scorpion]], the [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Disciple Asari Disciple shotgun]], the [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Geth_Pulse_Rifle geth pulse rifle]], [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Javelin sniper rifle]] and [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/Geth_Plasma_Shotgun plasma shotgun]] are all fairly sleek. Some human weapons are sleek too, such as the [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/M-8_Avenger M-8 Avenger]] and [[http://masseffect.wikia.com/wiki/N7_Valkyrie N7 Valkyrie]].

* The [[http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6457/zf1gd9.jpg ZF1]] from ''Film/TheFifthElement'' isn't exactly rectangular, but it definitely fits the "large and clumsy" mold. Somewhat justified because it's basically the Swiss-army knife of weapons (it even incorporates a net launcher!). Also note that it can be collapsed into a slightly more compact form when not in use.

* ''[[VideoGame/SiN SiN Episodes: Emergence]]'' gives us [[http://www.ritualistic.com/screens/sineps/render_050827_03.jpg the Magnum,]] Blade's default weapon. The front is so heavy and square that Blade even uses it as a melee weapon.

** Largely averted in ''Videogame/CallOfDutyBlackOpsII'' where the futuristic guns are mostly souped-up versions of modern guns, while there are few boxy ones like KAP-40 and Vector K10, which even then, is based on real life weapons (see Kriss .45 and TDI Kard below on Real-Life section)

** ''Videogame/CallOfDutyAdvancedWarfare'' also largely averts this, but it features the pretty boxy SN6, an original weapon which is based on the angular Heckler & Koch UMP 45

* ''VideoGame/UnrealTournament'' is very guilty of this with it's many incarnations of the rocket launcher for example.

* ''VideoGame/GearsOfWar'' does this with EVERY weapon especially the assault rifle with a chainsaw.
* While a lot of the weapons in ''VideoGame/{{Overwatch}}'' are sleek and futuristic, a few are distincly boxy. [[http://overwatch.wikia.com/wiki/Heavy_Pulse_Rifle The Heavy Pulse Rifle]] in particular is little more than a long rectangle with a few moving pieces on either side.
** Even worse are [[OmnicidalManiac Reaper's]] [[http://overwatch.wikia.com/wiki/Hellfire_Shotguns Hellfire Shotguns]], who are literally long, rectangular boxes; dualwielded, no less.

* The [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HK_G11 HK G11.]] is essentially a rectangular box with a trigger, handle, and scope. It also uses caseless ammunition, making it rather futuristic. In a subversion, this weapon is produced in TheSixties and discontinued in TheNineties due to the AwesomeButImpractical nature of using specialized caseless ammunition in contrast to the usual standard issue assault rifle magazine.

* ''VideoGame/{{Doom}}'''s {{BFG}}9000 is bulky, boxy, and ''very'' BIG with many smaller boxy parts on it. There's also the Plasma Rifle, basically a boxy assault rifle-like weapon with an accordion barrel. Averted with all of the other weapons, and later redesigns of weapons, while still angular, are less boxy.

** ''VideoGame/Fallout4'' takes the energy weapon design concepts from ''3'' and adds the Institute lasers, which are [[UpToEleven even larger and more rectangular than the standard lasers]], emphasized by their [[EverythingIsAnIpodInTheFuture smooth, white plastic shells]]. The games' weapons in general have a more subtle rectangular shape as a pragmatic design choice caused by the [[DesignItYourselfEquipment the weapon modding system]] giving every weapon many interchangeable parts that can't affect the reload animations.