Fate Zero, as a prequel to Fate/stay night, is not only an excellent expansion on the original, but also an entertaining work in its own right.
The series takes place in the Fourth Holy Grail War, ten years before the start of FSN. Essentially, the struggle is a battle between seven Masters and their Servants, historical figures in seven different classes, for control of the wish-granting device known as the Grail. Of course, not everything goes as planned, and an unpleasant surprise awaits the one who secures the Grail...
The Masters who compete in the war are a diverse lot, with well-developed personalities and motivations. They're also fairly ruthless, devious and underhanded compared to FSN's combatants, as well as having a knack for manipulation and planning. It can be interesting to see how their plans unfold, clash with each other and fall apart in the face of unforeseen complications or treachery.
The Servants are also quite compelling characters in their own right, particularly in how they contrast with their Masters. The difference between the Servants' and Masters' goals and methods leads to some compelling drama and conflict, and, in some cases, leads to their undoing.
The battles are also quite exciting, and involve a good mix of magical power and subtle planning. The battles are also enhanced by an excellent soundtrack, which nicely fits the mood of the various scenes.
In spite of the dark tone and the fact that you most likely know that this will not end well, the story is leavened with hopeful moments, and a surprising amount of humor, preventing it from becoming too dark to be enjoyable.
If you're familiar with FSN, you'll probably know how Zero ends, but it's well worth watching to see when your favorite characters were young children, their parents were fighting each other and the events that led up to the original story.
Highly enjoyable prequel to Fate Stay Night
Fate Zero, as a prequel to Fate/stay night, is not only an excellent expansion on the original, but also an entertaining work in its own right.
The series takes place in the Fourth Holy Grail War, ten years before the start of FSN. Essentially, the struggle is a battle between seven Masters and their Servants, historical figures in seven different classes, for control of the wish-granting device known as the Grail. Of course, not everything goes as planned, and an unpleasant surprise awaits the one who secures the Grail...
The Masters who compete in the war are a diverse lot, with well-developed personalities and motivations. They're also fairly ruthless, devious and underhanded compared to FSN's combatants, as well as having a knack for manipulation and planning. It can be interesting to see how their plans unfold, clash with each other and fall apart in the face of unforeseen complications or treachery.
The Servants are also quite compelling characters in their own right, particularly in how they contrast with their Masters. The difference between the Servants' and Masters' goals and methods leads to some compelling drama and conflict, and, in some cases, leads to their undoing.
The battles are also quite exciting, and involve a good mix of magical power and subtle planning. The battles are also enhanced by an excellent soundtrack, which nicely fits the mood of the various scenes.
In spite of the dark tone and the fact that you most likely know that this will not end well, the story is leavened with hopeful moments, and a surprising amount of humor, preventing it from becoming too dark to be enjoyable.
If you're familiar with FSN, you'll probably know how Zero ends, but it's well worth watching to see when your favorite characters were young children, their parents were fighting each other and the events that led up to the original story.