I'm reviewing this anime (Fate/Stay Night) without having watched Fate/Zero; I've only watched a few episodes of that anime.

To summarize, the anime had everything well-done. The plot/idea was very good, the story and characters were also well done, but I believe they should have spread the anime into more episodes and made it more detailed. For most of the episodes, there will be a lot of action and dramatic situations going on, but there will be very little development on character relationships. That's the main flaw of this anime (in my own opinion). Instead of adding a fight scene to every episode, they could have devoted a few to show a bit more of the characters - but that depends on the writer of course. The main characters start developing a closer connection only later on in the anime, and it goes quite fast as well. This is the main reason I believe they should have spread it out to a be a bit more detailed. Aside from having that "disconnected" feeling from the characters because it offers you little information on them in the beginning, the anime is great.

Effects - 9/10
The anime isn't too old, so the effects are pretty decent and I doubt would bother any person. Though I gave it 9 out of 10 because of the fight scenes, it's fast and realistic. Cuts were made to feel normal, as to add to the scene. If you like action, you will probably enjoy this anime.

Story/Plot - 7.5/10
You can probably see what the plot is about, a war of the Holy Grail. It sounds odd at first, but the idea is actually pretty nice. I haven't had a problem with this plot, its a good idea, but as the show itself lacked detail, it raised a lot of questions.
I enjoyed the story, the events weren't very predictable, though I do wish they would have sacrificed some of the action for a bit more character development. The later episodes will make up for the character development. One thing I like to see is realistic character behaviour, and this anime has proven to have it. The ending was not bad as well, but it really makes you desire a sequel - though all I know of so far is the prequel which is Fate/Zero.

Any thing more to rate? Eh, I'm not sure. I would give this anime a 7.5/10 overall rating; the effects and action scenes were very well done, but the story itself really needed more work. I would recommend individuals looking for a action-packed anime with a pretty neat plot to it; Fate/Zero should add to it, so I can't say too much yet. (show less)

For a classic, this anime is decent, but I found it to have wasted potential.

A nice pastime for fantasy/mystery/action lovers, that’s for sure. However, for frequently being cited as a classic, “Fate/Stay Night” was a bit of a disappointment for me.

The story’s concept surely is unique, and adds a quite creative twist to your usual “King Arthur and the Holy Grail” story (and quite a number of other legends as well). However, as this apparently is based on a game, following but a single path of the game, they seemed to try to fit a lot of stuff into a standard length series… and that doesn’t go unnoticed. The pace is inconsistent, and some of the later episodes felt rather rushed to me.

The story takes some getting into; it is quite slow and predictable at first until it picks up pace. Some things stay hazy throughout most of the anime. The plotline in itself is pretty easy, and to me, expecting something rather complex, was a disappointment. Sometimes it can get rather clichéd; although it has its moments that will surely absorb you and leave you concentrated, it’s nothing I’d get an adrenaline rush about. There’s still grand spaces to develop, even in the logical department; though the end wraps the anime up well, there’s too many mysteries unsolved. I assume you’ll have to watch the whole Fate series before everything works out >.>

The general concept however is an intriguing one, throwing an unexpectedly deep question at the viewer. “If you could have your greatest wish granted, what would you be prepared to do for that?” Concerning this question, “Fate/Stay Night” plays on real-life consequences, adding an unexpected level of depth.

Genre-wise, there’s the fantasy/supernatural/action genre with a mystery/suspense element (that will probably leave you concentrated, though it didn’t have me on the edge of my chair), a touch of drama, friendship, and romance. It’s not as action-heavy as many may assume. Although there are a few funny moments, this anime does not focus on humour and stays rather dark with some blood. There’s many emotions, and as the anime does a decent job of getting those across, it’s rather touching from time to time (though still the magic/mystery/action genre overweighs :P).

Character-wise, again, “Fate/Stay Night” could have gone to greater lengths IMO. The characters’ emotions get across well, and I do think the heroic spirits would surprise anyone (… spoiler? To make King Arthur a woman, the producers must have been either brave or drunk ^^°… Spoiler End XD), and I found it easy to appreciate how every heroic spirit is in a way a reflection of their master; however, most heroes’ mysteries and backgrounds stay completely unsolved, though the few that have been shown till now work. Characters in general are individuals with fitting powers, though I couldn’t help but feel like many side characters could have shown more development throughout the series, making them seem rather flat and somehow clichéd in the end – which is a pity, seen as there lay great potential in the character cast.

Saber and Shirou’s relationship, however, is quite unexpected, and their individual development is well done. At first, Shirou is somehow immature, a bit too idealistic and somehow boring, and him suddenly noticing a new power did evoke this reaction => “Where the heck did I see that before?!” but he drops that immaturity after a while and develops just finely.

The dialogue can become philosophical from time to time (which I love) but it did get somehow repetitive by the end; and in the beginning the main character's naivety and "I'll save the world" lines were rather unnerving to me ^^° giving it 3.5/5.

The battles in general are rather straightforward and could have been drawn out longer (and that’s coming from not even a hardcore action lover! XD) However, each character’s special skills are fitting, and though the animation isn’t quite 2011/12 level, the fights are swift and smooth, and the art works well with dark colours and bright lights. The music overall is quite fitting as well.

IMO this anime had far greater potential in terms of plotline and character development than is shown. Especially in comparison to its newer prequel, “Fate/Zero”, “Fate/Stay Night” thus pales. Generally though, despite not being that outstanding to me, “Fate/Stay Night” is seen as a classic and might be a good pastime for anyone who appreciates the fantasy/mystery/action genre with some romance and drama, but doesn’t place too much stress on a complex plot or the like. (show less)

One of the things that stands out about this anime is the story. Summoning heroes from different eras of time to help you reach your goal is quite an impressive spin on an anime that just captures people and makes you wanna learn more about them. In fact, it makes use of heroes serves as a sort of history lesson with a few tweets here and there but none the less offers more interest in the story. Also the heroes chosen are paralleled with their masters is also a neat twist in the story because the hero is also a sort of reflection of the masters themselves. Fate: Stay/Night's story is by far an impressive story with much to look forward.

Dialogue in the anime is rather stale. Basically motives and reasoning behind each character becomes repetitive and boring. Over time these reiterations can get annoying and push viewers from staying interested in the story. I felt more could have been done to make conversations more engaging but overall the dialogue was rather static.

The animation was decent but the story definitely evens this out.

As for the entertainment, the battles aren't the best but it keeps your attention enough to help you get to the next episode and keep the viewer in suspense. I felt their could have been more improvement in this department by watching the Servants battle it out strategically and their Masters incorporate magic to heighten the battle tension. However the fighting is rather straight forward and at sometimes dull looking. Some magic was used but not to the extent where the viewer could be like: "Damn that was tight!" If more time was spent on battles, it could have made this anime more interesting.

Final verdict, this anime is pretty average. The story is interesting but more consideration into the battle mechanics would definitely have made this series more hype. I quite enjoyed it nonetheless. If you are a hardcore anime watcher then this won't give you an adrenaline. I conclude by saying Fate: Stay/Night shines a new perspective on story creativity and it has potential to be better if they decide to do more with this series. (show less)

I didn't know whether to be happy or disappointed with this anime. Fate/ Stay Night was in my opinion rather cliche and since this is the supposed sequel to Fate/ Zero it spoils quite a lot of what one would expect out of its sequel. At least more character development was expected for this one. To be honest Fate/ Zero seems to have more of that attractive complication than Fate/ Stay Night does. This is more like an anime of teenagers playing with rather dangerous toys. The suspense is thrilling however I will give it that, the story itself is not all that bad but an anime like this would have done better without the silly romance and sexual innuendos - it seemed far to forced to begin with. I suggest that if you want to enjoy Fate/ Zero to its fullest then don't watch Fate / Stay Night first however if you feel you do want to spoil it for yourself then you may watch this BUT you will be all the more disappointed for it. 4/5 stars simply because the animation and story was rather good however the dialogue left a lot to be desired. (show less)

I was very irritated with the main character's perception of saving the whole world. It was as the series pointed out, very immature. but this belief of his that was very strong at the beginning of the series seemed to fade out as the series progresses. He does not want to save the world anymore.just the people that needed be saved like Ilya for instance.and of course Saber.

Saber, as what the story suggest who she really is, could not possibly true. I mean, the story twisted the mythologies to fit the story.and I like my myths as they are.

Although I admit, I liked the part where Saber and Emiya had to part.not because I like tragedies but rather it was unavoidable.if the story twisted the facts and add another alternative for her to be able to stay.it would be irritating.and redundant.speaking of which..the last battle was redundant.Saber kept using the same move and Emiya kept being trapped on the same attack of the enemy.doesn't feel like a finale battle.have you seen bleach battles? every battle seems a finale.

Another point is that the creator seems to have so many ideas that s/he tried to force onto a 24-episode anime. A plot has not even fully developed before it was ended and another was started.It would have been better if this was a 50-episode anime.

Basically, I just expected so much and so I was disappointed. Probably coz I am not fond of such main characters.and oh yes, Tosaka's Hunter died early.he was my favorite for his coolness.level-headedness.perceptions.which is very similar to Tosaka.which I like very much as well... (show less)