Each sword has an elemental attack...along with some specialties
Ifrit-Fire beast/sword: Puts enemy under tremendous stress, making them slow
Shiva-Ice beast/sword: Creates ice as hard as diamonds for attack and defense
Ixion-Lightening beast/sword: Makes user move at speed of light
Valefor-Wind beast/sword: Allows user to fly
Gaia-Light beast/sword: Immobilizes enemy when light is touched. Also creates barrier of light around user
Athena-Light beast/sword: Increases user's chakra, speed, and strength
Artemis-Dark beast/sword: Enables user to warp
Bahamut-Power beast/sword: Increases user's strength 100-fold