Fate/Zero

Here's a quick review of Fate/Zero! (Season 1)

First Impressions: Hmm, I've had this Anime on my computer for a few years now, and due to the dearth of Anime I've watched recently, I thought that (after watching F/SN the week before) I'd continue with the fate series and treat myself to some fine action.

Story ————- 22/25 ————-
I really thought the story in Fate/Zero was pretty interesting, and while you get somewhat spoiled in terms of what happens by watching F/SN first, the small interactions between all characters in this anime are just wonderful to watch. For me, anything that has elimination/competition and the fact that your favorite (and least favorite) characters have a high possibility of dying, is just a wonderful idea, and the way this is set up - well, it allows for some insane action scenes to unfold!

Animation & Art ————- 15/15 ————-
The art in Fate/Zero is nearly flawless, capturing every detail inside AND outside of battle. All characters are designed beautifully, with their emotions displayed very realistically (in an Anime sense) and in a way, scarily! (Some deaths...) Either way, I wouldn't blame you if you fell for this show just because of the flawless animation - ufotable did a great job

Sound ————- 18/20 ————-
The opening is alright, I believe, and the ending is also pretty good - so both musicians did a pretty good job with that, but more onto the OST now. The pieces heard throughout the first season of Fate/Zero are pretty solid, especially the chorus music heard during fight scenes! I felt that the music overall was really good, and found myself listening to the OST after finishing the Anime.

Characters ————- 23/25 ————-
This part is one part where Fate/Zero shines - the characters are almost all likable, and because the art and animation is so good, it just becomes hard to not adore some of the characters in this show. The only small bit that may have prevented this from getting a higher score would be that some characters received less development than they should have - or got less time in the action (which I feel they could've been in, at least more). Either way, the characters in Fate/Zero are almost all awesome!

Enjoyment ————- 15/15 ————-
Watching the development of the characters, then seeing them fight each other in this war to the death is just one of the redeeming qualities you get from watching Fate/Zero. The first season plays off well, and gives you an introduction to all the servants and masters of the show. Just go watch this! Now!

Verdict: Want some serious action and awesome characters? Like some really seriously good action and some cool and well animated characters? Yeah - this anime is for you. My recommendation would be to watch this BEFORE F/SN. Even if the quality is higher in this one, you get some serious spoilers from F/SN (about this show).

Overall: 93/100 A