As the Seasons Change, So Too Do the Trends

Through: Intelligent armor that sounds like your parents.
New: Non-evil empires.

Addendum

It's the sword, but don't let that stop you from dressing up the other option. That's the core of fiction.

The Difference Between Intelligent Swords and Intelligent Armor That Sounds Like Your Parents

The sword wants more blood while the armor wants more grandkids. Which is the more terrifying?

Activating Intelligent Armor That Sounds Like Your Parents

If in a science fiction setting, there's a good chance the main character will need to do some cat's cradle to get it working. To prevent your main character from looking like someone who plays cat's cradle, supply him with an assistant of some sort, whether a sibling or a straitlaced military officer who will delight by the contrast.

You Can Never Step in the Same Trend Twice

Obsolete: Non-horse riding animals
On the beat: Intelligent armor that sounds like your parents