Fate/Apocrypha

Fate/Apocrypha is a captivating fantasy anime series that first aired in 2017. Based on the light novel series written by Yuichiro Higashide and illustrated by Ototsugu Konoe, the show is a spin-off of the highly acclaimed Fate/stay night visual novel game by Type-Moon.

Set in a parallel universe to the original Fate/stay night, Fate/Apocrypha introduces us to a world where the Holy Grail, a powerful artifact said to grant any wishes, mysteriously vanishes from Fuyuki after the Third Holy Grail War. This dramatic disappearance propels the narrative far from Fuyuki to the city of Trifas, situated in a conflict-ridden territory of Romania.

Moving away from the traditional Holy Grail War framework of the Fate series’ canon, Fate/Apocrypha introduces a fresh concept -- The Great Holy Grail War. Instead of the familiar seven Servants slugging it out, Fate/Apocrypha escalates the conflict to an intriguing mass battle between two factions, each boasting seven Masters and Servants, signifying a fourteen-servant War in total. Consequently, viewers are treated to numerous clashes of epic proportions, rife with strategy and momentous visuals.

The series cleverly takes renowned figures from history and mythology, imbuing them with fantastical power and arranging them into seven classic classes: Saber, Lancer, Archer, Rider, Berserker, Caster, and Assassin. This time we get double the characters from these classes, each with distinct personalities and colorful backgrounds.

Fate/Apocrypha follows two main characters, Sieg and Ruler. Sieg begins as a Homunculus (a created human) with a brief lifespan, but his destiny takes a drastic turn, pulling him into the entangled chaos of the Great Holy Grail War. Ruler, on the other hand, is the arbitrator of the War, sent by the Holy Grail itself to ensure fair play between the two teams. Her neutral standpoint adds an interesting dynamic to the narrative as she navigates the messy, brutal battlefield.

The story's larger scope brings an increased complexity to the narrative compared to earlier Fate entries. With double the characters grappling for their aspirations and ideologies, the series shines best when delving into these individual struggles. Each Servant and Master pair harbors a unique mindset towards the War, their reasons for fighting, and what they seek to achieve with the Holy Grail.

Fate/Apocrypha is heavy on action and battle sequences but equally focuses on character development and thematic exploration, such as the complexities of human desires and the potentially destructive consequences of unstoppable will and ambition. Moreover, it delves deep into the philosophies of morality, justice, and the very purpose of existence.

A-1 Pictures, known for vast array of successful anime, including Sword Art Online and the Seven Deadly Sins, skillfully handles the visuals of the series. The animation is vibrant and fluid, especially during battle scenes. The character designs stay faithful to Ototsugu Konoe's stylish and detailed artwork, and the overall production quality effectively brings the grandeur and dread of the Great Holy Grail War to life.

The soundtrack, crafted by Masaru Yokoyama, is both haunting and inspiring. It perfectly complements the various moods of the series -- whether it be during a tragic backstory revelation or the heart-stopping moments of a critical battle.

At its core, it could be said that Fate/Apocrypha is a tale of heroism. It is about heroes from different eras, with unique philosophies, cities, genders, even mythologies, embroiled in an intense battle where the lines between good and evil are often blurred. The narrative explores the intricate human qualities of these spectacular characters, making the audience reflect on the ambiguity of their moral standpoints.

In conclusion, Fate/Apocrypha offers a fresh approach to the familiar universe of the Fate series. Fans of fantasy, action, and complex narratives that weave themes of morality and ambition together will undoubtedly appreciate what Fate/Apocrypha brings to the table. The series provides a dense and engaging experience, rich with tension, conflict, and a sophisticated narrative including thrilling battles and nuanced characterization.