Fate/stay night / First Impressions

「初戦」 (Shosen)
“First Battle”

After an episode full of dialogue, this week’s ramped things back up with an intense fight between two of the strongest servants duking it out one-on-one.

Illyasviel von Einzbern

There’s so much I want to say about this episode but with a lot of my hype stemming from the knowledge of what’s going to happen as well as what’s happened in the past, it makes it fairly difficult to really talk about what’s going on. Hands down though, I think this episode made it clear just how overpowered Illya is as a mage. Even though she may look like a tiny little elementary school girl, her knowledge and powers as a mage would make you think otherwise. Able to control complex familiars to aid her in battle while supplying the necessary mana to keep Berserker on his feet against someone like Saber, it makes you wonder just what kind of people these Einzberns are/were.

Show Spoiler ▼

On the other hand, you have to hand it to Shirou for standing firm in his promises and heading straight toward the intense battle to help Saber. Even though he really wasn’t able to do much, you have to wonder how he knew to pull Saber away from Archer’s A-Class attack. Maybe it’s a sign that he has more abilities as a mage then he originally thought?

Show Spoiler ▼

Other Little Things

Something that I nearly forgot about after watching everything unfold was just how well Rin managed to hold her own in that awfully one-sided battle she got stuck fighting. Sure we got to see bits and pieces of her skills as a mage but I personally thought it was really cool to see her lock Shirou down in the forest in a matter of seconds. While it probably doesn’t hold much meaning, it’s nice to know she’s as skilled physically as she is magically. Also, did you get a good glimpse of what Archer shot at Berserker before it faded away? c;

Looking Ahead

Boy oh boy was this week’s episode great. Full of action that made up for the complete lack of it last week, I’m perfectly content with how things seem to be panning out thus far. With a good mix of delicious scenes like this and just enough heavy dialogue to explain the finer points of what’s going on around us, it looks like we’re in for some awesome things down the road! See you next week! c:

 

Preview

176 Comments

      1. Anonymousperson: Why the downvotes on this?

        Maybe because… all these weapon name drops which have not been mentioned yet in the UBW anime are potential spoilers? >_> Per my comment above, note how Takaii put such discussions in spoiler tags.

        daikama
        Reply

      3. It’s also in Gilgamesh’s Gate of Babylon. In Fate/Zero ep5, when Gilamesh fought Berserker with Saber, Rider, Lancer, and Assasin in the background, Gil fires that sword from his gate of babylon. I’m guessing it’s of particular significance since it’s shown in so many different shows. I might add that the ‘Calabolg’ was shown to have significant destructive power even when fired within the Gates.

        flCer
        Reply

    3. Positing names of well known legendary weapons, particularly ones tied to well known mythological characters which have not been mentioned yet in the actual anime is a spoiler (and this includes any corrections). You might note that Takaii used spoiler tags for such discussions.

      daikama
      Reply

      4. @Germanguy: Coming from the person who was complaining about spoiler tags last time. This is how you spoil people. Telling people about the details of a heroic spirit (or any anime character for that matter) can really ruin a good revelation, moreover, the way he did it was completely unnecessary.

        Crook
        Reply

      6. yeah, in the past i was that. But what got it me? A downvoter stalker. Trolls that say that my speculations are spoilers. i got so much love for being the good guy, and fight against spoilers. Now i give it a damm. I just be the same as you guys. use the same medicine

        Germanguy
        Reply

      7. I generally don’t respond to your posts, because, really, there’s little to comment on and I dislike making these things personal, but seriously, get over yourself.

        You know what gets you downvotes? Hypocrisy, irritating and ridiculous posts, insults to other posters, and a completely overblown persecution complex that lets you think that you’re some untouchable holy figure, while everyone else is just out to get you.

        I actually spent a couple minutes while writing this to go back a couple weeks and look at your posts. A lot of them are 0/0 (as are a lot of posts here). Some have piles of upvotes. And then you have posts like these that are downvoted all the way. See if you notice a pattern. You don’t have stalkers, you have an inability to reflect on why people are downrating your comments.

        Shiden
        Reply

      8. Exactly, in this particularly comments section I downvoted his spoiler discussion postings, because I absolutely do NOT agree with him, but later on I good repped his blood couging comment. This is no witch hunt.

        boingman
        Reply

      9. You got it wrong. i am no slave to this Facebook Universe that is spreading through the Internet. i am a Independent Person, that life longer then Facebook exists. i am no slave to this digital useless Karma with these Votes. I am no slave to the My Life is inside the facebook and my digital friends are important to me.

        i am someone that use the Internet as a tool. I am not living in the Net. my world is the real world, where i have real friends, and no one is mad or angry at me. because they know me how i am, an no one goes there and tell me to change, because facebook said it.

        Sorry, it may now sound harsh. But as you see, this here is not accumulate in weeks. This is is a long run. it began slowly, but after i try to defend a friend on some slipped Log Horizon comment in the past, the Hate i receive left a dent on my Digital World

        I do not love or marriage my Car, because i use it. I use the Car because i need to go here and there

        Thats the different base we have. And i hang here around to be a Lighthouse for someones that seek help or guidance in Animes with little Time to read. thats why i invented my appetizers

        Don not get me wrong, i am not mad at you. i just wished, you had posted earlier, when i was walking on the edge. Now i fallen to my Dark side, and i need some time to stabilize myself.

        Germanguy
        Reply

      10. If you say so, we can’t stop you being that way, we human have different mindsets just that majority of us want to have spoilers tags. Not everyone are the same intelligent as yours that you know more then what we know. Some people seeks more enjoyment in a different manner, just that hope you didn’t trampled ours that’s all.

        lolol
        Reply

      13. Just see, what is happen right now? The Swarm here is using the Downvote Facebook function to shut me up.
        When i said this is a Spoiler, the answer was, then they should not click or read it. But if anyone now post a spoiler, nobody care. You guy focus only now on me. But alright. I am used to it. Your the Swarm. i am independent. The Swarm has no real mind, they just follow the mass. I am running free

        Feel free to bullying my others comments on this page, when the swarm is in rage there is no end to that

        btw, i found out that this Downvoter “swarm” are in real only 4-5 people. thanks to Flashcookies. Even if you logout and get a new IP to trick the system here. the cookie betrays you

        Germanguy
        Reply

      14. You get downvoted because you deserve it. You are the only one who complains about it and worse you provide nothing but worthless walls of text. Here’s a tip: if you get downvoted, shut up, suck it up, and move on. Complaining about it makes you look pathetic.

        Dozens of commenters have been downvoted, and have proven to be man enough not to say anything. The fact that you can’t even do that means you have no right to look down on anyone.

        fragb85
        Reply

  7. I was wondering why the fight with Berserker was held back last episode and I got my answer: UFOTABLE was saving the battle for an ENTIRE EPISODE. In the VN it was just a short scene on the park, the cemetery battle and then Archer’s giant explosion and that was it the end of the battle. My initial assessment of the battle was that it would only take around 7-10 minutes of screen time.

    UFOTABLE on the other hand greatly expanded the fight. The first half of the episode is spent fighting on the park first, then the second half on the cemetery. Any yet it never felt slow because I felt invested the whole way. Getting the audience hooked on a single battle for 20 minutes is difficult to do so I have to give kudos for the director on that.

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2007.jpg
    Its nice to see Berserker finally portrayed properly. He is not a lumbering giant like DEEN showed him as. He is much more agile and faster than any servant despite his massive size. Combined with his strength, it makes him that much more of a threat than before. Its also nice to show the fact that he can resurrect himself for the benefit for the new audiences. Otherwise the only one who would have know that would be those who read the VN.

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2027.jpg
    The mage duel between Rin and Illya is entirely anime original and I’m certainly not complaining. I always appreciate more Rin screentime and it establishes her status as the main heroine. I do wonder if they are going to address Rin’s depleting supply of gems though. The VN made it quite clear those things don’t grow on trees.

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2033.jpg
    And speaking of more anime original scenes, I do like also the added moments between Rin and Shirou. The scenes may be new, but it doesn’t feel out of character for them. Rin showing her own tsundere concern of Shirou, while Shirou is still his altruistic self. Shirou in particular is a doing a great job being more likable that his previous incarnation, showing some rationality as opposed to being an obnoxious, sexist, idiot like before.

    TLDR: UFOTABLE has done a magnificent job of entertaining both new and old audience of this long running franchise. I hope they can keep this up for 2 cours.

    fragb85
    Reply

    1. I do wonder if they are going to address Rin’s depleting supply of gems though. The VN made it quite clear those things don’t grow on trees.

      Archer: Rob…Mmm, no, go collect them from the jewelers.

      Rin: ARE YOU INSANE? Me, resorting to common robbery? My parents will turn in their graves! D=<

      Archer: You own the land, right? Then you're just collecting rent, that's all.

      Rin: …. Gunununu…. *fights temptation*

      Random Comment
      Reply

    2. Jokes aside, I’m surprised that ufotable (and/or Nasu) decided to use some elements from Fate/Zero (you know the one =3) for the Illya/Rin encounter. Add in Saber’s reaction upon seeing Illya and it’s the Zero nostalgia coming in again =3

      Random Comment
      Reply

    3. Good point on the jewels. I was wondering that myself. The VN said she had 10 after summoning Archer. By my count, she used 4 this episode. So she only has 6 left? Maybe the show would do it differently and expand her jewel collection a bit to allow for her to fill a more active role.

      kssyu
      Reply

    1. My Speculation why he cough Blood afterwards. He gave unknown to him, his Mana supply to Saber. So she could heal herself and shield from the Explosion. That explain the strain on his Body

      Germanguy
      Reply

  11. A whole Episode of Battle,so EPIC(I was surprised when I saw Berserker doing Capoera lol)and Illya,she’s one hell of girl,seriously!So many new things I saw on this FSN,I’m so satisfied.This Anime will be the best anime ever between 2014-2015(Well for me of course,I don’t know about others).
    But I wonder how many Episodes it had,I hope it will last for 24 Ep instead of 13 or 12 Ep.

    NothingLess
    Reply

  12. I think Ufotable delivered plenty and more. The fact that they are tweaking the series a little to reference Fate/Zero is just a cherry on top and very good news. I hope Ilya gets some more screentime.

    Soliloquy
    Reply

  16. Anyone else feel that this Berserker Design kinda pales in comparison to the previous ones? I don’t know about you but he seems a bit small as compared to the previous versions and not as intimidating.

    I like the fact that they gave him more “fighting moves” though. It was a nice touch as opposed to the previous versions where he basically just swung at anything. He just doesn’t seem as intimidating as the previous versions and seemed less Show Spoiler ▼

    Juan
    Reply

    1. His official height is 253 cm (8 ft 3.6 in). I think DEEN made him look taller.
      Ufotable redesigned Ilyasviel in a way where she looks a bit taller, so when we se her along Berserker, he doesn’t look as disproportionately big as he used to.
      Maybe the skin color was too redish.
      I think both incarnations missed Berserker’s roar, it would have been better had it sounded more humanlike, but louder at the same time, It sounded too similar to a lion.

      kob264
      Reply

      1. ty for the info.

        and yeah maybe a bit too red in all other versions he was Grey so it gave off the Rock impression more. It’s a minor thing really and just about all of the character designs here in the adaptation seem more “rounded” even as compared to their F/Z adaptation.

        Juan
        Reply

    2. Kickass things come in “small” packages?

      *ahem*

      Seriously though, I guess I can see where you’re coming from. Berserker’s previous designs had kind of a Juggernaut feel to them, compared to this one who, as you said, had a more human feel to him.

      Not as intimidating though? I dunno ’bout you, but having a hulking mass of power come screaming through the air straight at you like a freakin’ missile seems plenty intimidating enough. Maybe that’s just me though? o__O

      Ryan Ashfyre
      Reply

      2. hahaha I just meant the original impressions. The Deen version and largely the VN version just made him seem like some immovable and impenetrable object. Just from the looks of him it seems like any attack would just be deflected.

        I do like the touch of giving him combat moves though. In all the previous versions he just seemed to be swinging his rock sword wildly.

        Juan
        Reply

    1. I believe if she were at full power, she would have had a much easier time dispensing Berserker. If you think she was strong in this episode, then just think about how strong she would be in Rin had summoned her instead of Shirou.

      DragoZERO
      Reply

    1. It’s not only you. I didn’t see any of those weird “nose angles” that bothered me before. If the charadesign stays like in this episode, then I have nothing to complain about.

      boingman
      Reply

  21. as someone who has never played the vn but has seen all the type moon anime, can someone explain to me why both of berserker eyes are glowing red, I always assume one glows red,the other glow yellow.

    nexuszero
    Reply

      1. Ok thanks, truly the ufotable budget does wonders to characters movements,allowing huge mass of muscles to even perform breakdance.
        In a perfect world, all anime are animated by ufotable.

        nexuszero
        Reply

      2. I can’t even begin to fathom how a world where all anime would be animated by Ufotable would be like. Heck, can you imagine Bleach, Naruto or One Piece with Ufotable animating the whole series? (Obviously isn’t possible, but think about it. I bet all the mangakas would cry to their death out of happiness that their work has been enhanced in all ways possible).

        One can only dream, of a world where Ufotable truly have unlimited budget. Though I believe that would be a bit too “boring” because every anime would be too epic >.< Ufotable stands out because there are competitors for them to top. Still, I really would like to see how other series would be like if they were animated by Ufotable. What about Detective Conan? I wonder how would the studio handle that.

        If they were to take charge of SAO, I'm pretty sure they'll be faithful, yet at the same time add in things to fill plotholes (as well as add in some actual MMO tactics like Log Horizon to flesh out the narrative). Every series would be so godlike that no one would ever work anymore and everyone just stays home watching anime. HAHAHAHA (I have gone insane)

        Hater
        Reply

      3. Haters gonna…. declare their love of an animation studio?
        I’m with you on that though, I personally would like to see UFOtable One Piece.
        People would then finally take it seriously as the author intended as you say.

        Giorno Giovanna
        Reply

  22. Saber grimaces at seeing Ilya, who says she’s an Einzbern.

    Fate Zero relatedShow Spoiler ▼

    In the VN, Rin and Ilya were only bystanders to the fight, so it makes sense for ufotable to have Rin having a go at Ilya in order to end the fight, as well as to showcase Ilya’s own alchemy skills.

    echykr
    Reply

    2. I picked up on that part as well. A nice easter egg for those who watched Fate/Zero.

      Show Spoiler ▼

      ReylandAZ
      Reply

      1. you see, all the hommunculi looks the same so originally Saber never tough about this little girl, who look so young, to be same child and she never related her to Iri but this has to be changed now

        hiei
        Reply

    1. It’s, arguably, the single most famous theme in the entire Fate franchise. The original VN had it as did the DEEN adaptation. Hell, even Prisma Illya had it!

      ufotable has done everything as near to perfect as is possible thus far. For them to do, perhaps, the one thing that could screw it up is damn near incomprehensible to me.

      I think the only serious question is what the new version will sound like.

      Ryan Ashfyre
      Reply

      2. @ace20a:

        With all respect, that’s hardly a fair comparison as Sword of Promised Victory is Saber’s theme and she, of course, was present in Zero. Show Spoiler ▼

        is, of course, Archer’s theme and he was obviously nowhere to be seen. To have it put in there just to have it there would’ve felt completely out of place.

        Now, to be fair, one could argue that it could’ve been used in conjunction with Kiritsugu, but that would’ve still come off as rather forced, IMO.

        Ryan Ashfyre
        Reply

    3. I felt the music was lacking. In the first half they repeated the same song like three times. And afterwards its just didnt have any impact. Comparing how they made the fight visually stunning, the music didnt live up for it.

      dangreg
      Reply

      1. I respectfully disagree. 😛

        I like the music they started playing for Berserker and Saber. It certainly fit them very well. Especially Saber’s as it added to the appeal when she utilized Strike Air against Show Spoiler ▼

        .

        Although, I do agree that they’re using the same themes over and over again. But hell, with Archer? I don’t mind. I’ve loved that track ever since the first we saw him.

        JaredDrake
        Reply

  26. such an awsome episode and this wasnt even a finale battle just imagine a grand rendition of ufatables work on Show Spoiler ▼

    bakumon
    Reply

    1. They are animating the Unlimited Blade Works route where the battle against Berserker went in a different direction so…

      FSN 2006 spoilers:
      Show Spoiler ▼

      Also, don’t look forward to battles that you have seen in the original Anime. After this point, all battles are exclusive to their own routes.

      Nayrael
      Reply

      1. Not quite true. The 2006 anime ducttaped a bunch of the fights from the UBW route onto the Fate route (That’s why it had such a shouneny, “boss-arc”-oriented pacing). Watchers of the 2006 anime will still see some familiar ground here (though, obviously, the ground will be much, much prettier).

        Axe Armor
        Reply

  28. https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%2017.jpg

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%2042.jpg

    I’m not sure if it was intentional or not, but it’s kinda creepy how Archer would seem to be smiling almost exactly like Kirei. Just sayin’

    Also, Illya…

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%2024.jpg

    Such a tragic heroine and an OP beast all rolled into one adorable package, Show Spoiler ▼

    Ryan Ashfyre
    Reply

      1. Show Spoiler ▼

        Ryan Ashfyre
        Reply

      2. Show Spoiler ▼

        Giorno Giovanna
        Reply

    1. haha. illya was plague by the same problem too so much so she turned into a huge monster but turned normal after some magical girl attack and realize even if she doest have her own route every body still loves her.

      bakumon
      Reply

  31. Berserker can stop time so he’s Kiritsugu from the future.

    Archer has that shit-eating grin just like kotomine so they are the same person.

    Also Shinji is the blue man Lancer.

    And Sakura is Rider.

    And Rin is Caster.

    Master Ruseman
    Reply

  33. Ufotable. Taking my virginity with animation every Saturday. I mean, holy fucking shit. This episode was bloody incredible. The animation. BY GOD THE ANIMATION. My jaw was literally hitting the floor during the whole fight. Also all the feels when you see the nods towards Fate/Zero with Saber’s unspoken emotions towards Ilya and Ilya’s magic. WHY DO YOU DO THIS UFOTABLE. MY EMOTIONS.

    XxVanitasXx
    Reply

  34. The servant fight was awesome, but I was most excited from seeing Illya fight Rin. Her magecraft is just so nostalgic. I just love that each episode has little nods to Fate/Zero or to the Fate backstory if you know it.

    Also…anyone find similarities in dese smirks
    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2017.jpg
    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2042.jpg

    Ptolemaios00
    Reply

  35. While this is miles better than Deen’s version with its unlimited budget works, I feel this version of the story they made it very spoileriffic or they assumed people already know the overall story or watched fate zero.

    Such as Kirei is a villain and that the grail may not be as it seems this early, which I felt isn’t something that was shown so early in the VN and other versions.

    Nymbryxion
    Reply

  36. HOLY SHIT!
    DAT BERSERKER
    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2011.jpg
    DAT ILYA
    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2026.jpg
    DAT SABER USING INVISIBLE AIR TO FUCK BERSERKER’S SHIT UP
    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2036.jpg
    DAT GARCHER USING NUKES AS ARROWS
    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2039.jpg
    http://a.pomf.se/sogpeu.mp4

    PLEASE UFOTABLE! MY PENIS CAN ONLY TAKE SO MUCH OF THIS AWESOMENESS!

    LaughingMan
    Reply

  37. One thing I was impressed since Episode 0-3 is that Ufotable draws out the different fighting styles of servants in Fate universe.
    Watching Archer’s sword-fighting and archery skills, Lancer’s beastly ability, Saber’s proud and solid swordsmanship and Berserker’s savage but agile fighting is very enjoyable. I’m looking forward to seeing how the rest of the servants fight as well. 🙂

    Seorori
    Reply

  38. After two seasons of Fate/kaleid I really forgot how powerful, smart and psychotic Illya can be. Sabers reaction when she heard her name was also nice. Though I find Archers smirk a little bit strange, I can’t remember him having a sadistic or blood-thirsty side. Did he have one in the VN as well or was it something ufotable added?

    dean
    Reply

  44. Before this episode, I would’ve call UBW subtle but devastating. I take it all back this episode. DAMN, THOSE FIGHTS WERE EPIC. My boyfriend was fanboying over the godly graphics -seriously, they spared no expenses for UBW this time around- but dang, I was just really amazed by the battle between Saber and Archer teaming up (not quite sure if this is the correct term to use though?) to take down Berserker because man, Archer. GAR indeed; that was some kickass destructive power there.

    The Rin/Illya battle really caught my eye though, because Illya really didn’t pull her punches when it came to demonstrating how awesomely terrifying she is. If she really put her mind to it, god knows the Illya-Berserker team could’ve taken down the rest of the Masters in a blink of an eye. Um, maybe not Gilgamesh though? That guy is an obvious gamebreaker.

    Show Spoiler ▼

    Murasaki
    Reply

      2. I don’t know, on the F/Z part… Show Spoiler ▼

        Stilts
        Reply

      5. in Episode 2 of Fate/Zero, Saber was watching Kiritsugu and Ilya playing around with their game of ‘finding the first bud of spring’.

        With that in mind + Saber’s reaction when they first saw Ilya, it’s highly suggestive that Saber recognizes her.

        flCer
        Reply

  45. Yeesh. This is just ridiculous – as in ridiculously good. It’s like the budget for this show per episode is the same as what some shows get per season. I was impressed watching EP 00 and I remain impressed. Maybe more so since the quality level hasn’t dropped at all. Ufotable FTW.

    While I think the action can stray into “over-the-top” (OTT) territory occasionally (e.g. “nuke” effect), it’s OTT that works in this case. You really do get a good understanding of just how overwhelmingly powerful these legendary servants are compared to normal people (consistent with the source material). Again, while I don’t hate FSN anime as much as some people seem to do, there’s just no comparison here when it comes to the action (and other things as well TBH).

    And it’s not just the action scenes, but also attention to detail, overall execution, etc. The way Shiro was just shocked, dumbfounded, and scared watching Berserker (perfectly understandable), then slowly manages to somehow gather his courage and try to do something to help (character consistent) even though he wasn’t sure what that might be. There’s at least one other nice, subtle moment this episode if you watched (or read) Fate Zero.

    There are other good shows this season, but for me UBW is just on an entirely different level – and I already know what’s going to happen. It’s the show I most look forward to watching so I usually do so first, but doing so before other shows doesn’t help them by comparison. It’s too early to start talking about AOTY or even AOTS, but again, see point about being on a different level than anything I’m watching this season, and frankly, pretty much watched this year. Ufotable et.al. is doing an outstanding job here IMO.

    @Takaii: Even though he really wasn’t able to do much, you have to wonder how he knew to pull Saber away from Archer’s A-Class attack. Maybe it’s a sign that he has more abilities as a mage then he originally thought?

    That was another moment I thought was done well. Clearly conveyed that Shirou has some latent raw talent, ability – whatever, which allowed him to understand the impending danger and react fast enough to help Saber.

    daikama
    Reply

    1. @Daikama: Omg, tagging my name with an @ symbol makes it so much easier to find LOL.

      I tried my best to keep things as spoiler free as possible but yeah, I think ufotable did a great job at getting certain points across without completely spelling it out for us.

      Takaii
      Reply

      1. @Takaii: I agree that they are doing a good job of making noticeable, yet not overly informative, “spoilerish” type foreshadowing moments. Frankly, things like certain character reactions come across as natural acts as much as “hints” of something deeper. It’s just a well produced, executed show (and the national GDP level budget doesn’t hurt either).

        I think you’re doing a good job here with the spoiler stuff. Though I already know all three routes from the VN, I for one appreciate you taking extra precaution when posting your reviews (i.e. weapon names). I imagine it’s a bit more difficult to write for a show like this when you’re completely spoiled.

        daikama
        Reply

    2. It’s like the budget for this show per episode is the same as what some shows get per season.

      That about sums it up, whoever is funding UBW here must have pretty high predictions on how well it’s going to sell. Considering the top notch animation, I think those predictions are going to be well on the mark.

      The sheer production values here are quickly making UBW the new anime standard for popcorn entertainment/blockbuster IMO.

      Pancakes
      Reply

      2. @Pancakes: “… whoever is funding UBW here must have pretty high predictions on how well it’s going to sell. Considering the top notch animation, I think those predictions are going to be well on the mark.”

        I’d be shocked if this didn’t make money from BD sales and whatnot (can’t wait to see what the BD version of this looks like). Correction – a lot of money. Kudos though to whoever is funding this for forking over enough cash to do an impressive production rather than something mediocre designed solely to milk the FSN money machine one more time (they do kind of do that anyway, but you get my point).

        — The sheer production values here are quickly making UBW the new anime standard for popcorn entertainment/blockbuster IMO.”

        I wouldn’t label this as “popcorn entertainment” since the term can often have negative connotations (e.g. flashy OTT action but little depth/substance), but yeah, UBW is raising the bar here a lot. As I noted, it’s a dual edge sword for me because while I love the uber high production values when watching UBW, whatever I watch next just looks plain and dull by comparison – and that’s not entirely limited to actions oriented shows.

        daikama
        Reply

  46. There are other good shows this season, but for me UBW is just on an entirely different level – and I already know what’s going to happen.

    And that is one of the amazing things about this show. Even knowing what is coming I’m still excited to watch how it’s going to be portrayed and I get so caught up in the battles I’m in awe.

    Bear
    Reply

  49. Sunday morning entertainment is back and with Unlimited Budget Works to boot.

    I won’t say much about this episode since it’s pretty much said by all but….

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2010.jpg
    “Why do I have to fight every Sunday morning… I just want to roll around with Mayu and Kuro…”

    https://randomc.net/image/Fate%20stay%20night/Fate%20stay%20night%20ubw%20-%2003%20-%20Large%2024.jpg
    “Oh well… Since I’m already here…. Let’s get violently frisky with yuri!”
    “And Rin…. Would you give me back my onii-chan?”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1dOYP7LouQ

    cruiser2710
    Reply

  50. As much as I liked the little showdown between Rin and Illya in the episode it kinda makes me wonder about an event a little later on in the story.

    Show Spoiler ▼

    Juan
    Reply

    1. Show Spoiler ▼

      Wizard_Marshall
      Reply

    1. That’s is correct. Archer’s stats are crap. His overall stats are the second worse of all the servants, just above Caster who has a very high magic stat anyway. What puts him on level ground with the others though, is that he fights with skill, planning and intelligence.

      Basically, he is the Servant equivalent of Batman.

      fragb85
      Reply

      1. More like the Archer class’s noble phantasms are always buster to the S+ or Ex level. Who needs stats like strength or agility when you can wipe everything out by literally chilling there.

        YanDaMan
        Reply

  52. It is nice to see that they do care about little details here and there! Just look at the moment Ilya introduces herself to Rin, Shirou, and Saber. She even boldly remark that she is “Einsbern” in which Saber responded with such expression (and standing pose) that you know there was something going on before in fate/zero! Sadly, this doesn’t happen in fate/stay night >.<!

    whatever
    Reply

  54. Hmmm I don’t know how I felt about this iteration of Berserker. The old one was more intimidating on a personal opinion. The reason for that was because he was practically a WALL that just moved forward until you got crushed and Saber couldn’t even cut him. This new nimble and rather smarter Berserker that uses his fighting prowess more than just you know rampaging around is kinda different. Not necessarily in a bad way but hmm I don’t know.

    gawrshness
    Reply

  55. Im impressed at how this studio managed to make every event fresh and interesting even though most of us already knows the story or what will happen.

    Ilya was never shown fighting before and I had no idea she was capable of such familar control like her mother, until now.

    We all knew Berserker is overpowered as hell but this episode really highlighted it a step further. I’ve never even seen him pull such swag moves with his legs haha.

    Hell this is only the beginning. I cant even imagine how epic the REAL highlight fights of the UBW story will be when animated.

    YanDaMan
    Reply

    1. I was actually surprised by how YOUNG she appeared in the original Fate/Stay Night. I just re-watched Fate/Zero and Illya is actually supposed to be 18 years old. She was born 8 years before the Fate/Zero war and since then, 10 years have passed. I think she looks like an 18-year-old should so I’m glad that they made her more mature. =)

      Cherrie
      Reply

    2. @Yandaman: But;
      -Saber knows the Einzberns practice in making homunculi and some tend to look practically identical
      -She never asked Show Spoiler ▼

      -She should logically look older.
      So she assumes it’s just another. After all, if Saber has Show Spoiler ▼

      then she would know that the Einzberns enter all of them.

      Anonymousperson
      Reply

  58. Archer’s stat under Rin – one of the best magus

    Physical Stats:
    Strength: D
    Mana: B
    Endurance: C
    Luck: E
    Agility: C
    Noble Phantasms:
    Kanshou & Bakuya – his favorite pair of disposable Yin Yang Swords
    Caladbolg II – actually, this is not an arrow or at least Ver.1. The reason it explodes is because Archer transformed it as a “Broken Phantasm”
    Show Spoiler ▼

    Saber’s stats under Shirou – pathetic magus

    Physical Stats
    Strength: B
    Mana: B
    Endurance: C
    Luck: B
    Agility: C

    Noble Phantasms:
    Invisible Air – this is the air around Saber’s sword
    Show Spoiler ▼

    Berserker’s stats under Ilya – h4x0rs

    Physical Stats
    Strength: A+
    Mana: A
    Endurance: A
    Luck: B
    Agility: A

    Noble Phantasms:
    Show Spoiler ▼

    These are the stats of the 3 servants who fought this ep.

    P.S. Archer had terribad stats as an Archer class servant while Saber had a levelled down stats (Kerry’s Saber had Str:B/Mana:A/End:A/Luck:D/Agi:A).

    Ungas123
    Reply

  59. After 2 seasons of Lolillya and her magical friends I still can’t get over the fact that we’re now back into the Psycollya one. Like when she flick her hair to pull out two more familiars I actually thought she’s grabbing Ruby to transform

    ElZenom
    Reply

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