If you think Fate/Zero is the most brutal Grail War in the Fate universe, you haven't met Fate/Apocrypha, a series that takes you to a stolen Great Grail and a war like no other. This time, it's not just seven Servants, but two factions totaling fourteen Servants, and a Ruler to judge. The story plunges you into a world where mages and heroes must choose sides, and the line between good and evil is blurred.
Story Summary (No Spoilers)
In a world where the Holy Grail was stolen from Fuyuki City, the Yggdmillennia clan rebels against the Mage's Association by creating their own Holy Grail War system. The story begins when a homunculus maid of the Yggdmillennia, Sieg, is rescued by a Servant of the Black faction and becomes a hybrid of human and hero. Meanwhile, the Red faction, led by Shirou Kotomine, is ready to crush anyone in their way. This war has a Ruler, a special Servant who controls excessive damage. But when the Grail's secrets are revealed, all factions must face the question of what they are truly fighting for.
Performance and Characters
As an anime series where voice acting is key, Fate/Apocrypha features talented voice actors who bring characters to life. Maaya Sakamoto as Ruler gives a calm yet powerful voice, while Natsuki Hanae voices Sieg in an endearing way. The most memorable character is likely Astolfo (Rider of Black), voiced by Rumi Okubo, who brings cheerfulness and madness to the story. However, some characters lack development, especially several Red faction Servants who don't get enough screen time.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Animation by Studio A-1 Pictures is beautiful, especially the battle scenes with dynamic effects and vibrant colors. Major action scenes like the two-faction Servant fights are thrilling, but visuals occasionally drop in non-key episodes. The soundtrack by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina fits the story well. The opening theme "Eiyuu Unmei no Uta" by EGOIST and ending theme "Kyoukai no Kanata" by Maaya Sakamoto are melodious and enhance the series' mood.
Editorial Analysis
Fate/Apocrypha is a series that dares to experiment with new concepts in the Fate universe: two factions of Servants and a Ruler, adding political complexity and character relationships. The strength is the diverse cast, giving viewers choices to like or dislike. The weakness is uneven screen time, making some characters feel like extras. The middle part drags, and character decisions sometimes seem irrational. However, for Fate fans wanting something new beyond Fuyuki, this series delivers.
Verdict
Fate/Apocrypha is suitable for Fate fans wanting something new without being tied to the original story. Despite weaknesses in character development and pacing, it's still enjoyable and worthwhile for those who love action and the Fate fantasy world, especially if you like characters like Astolfo or want to see many Servants in one story.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Innovative two-faction Grail War concept, engaging
- +Diverse characters, especially Astolfo and Ruler
- +Beautiful, spectacular battle scenes
👎 Cons
- −Uneven character development
- −Middle part drags
- −Character decisions sometimes irrational
Top Cast
FAQ
Yes, it's a parallel universe story not directly related; can be watched standalone.
25 episodes, complete in one season.
It features 14 Servants and a Ruler, a war outside Fuyuki, and a protagonist who is a human turned hero.
