English Dub Review: Fate strange Fake “The Heroic Spirit Incident”

Overview

Years after the Fifth Holy Grail War in Japan, strange reports surfaced of one appearing in America. Attracting new Mages and Servants, the question is raised about the relic’s authenticity. As the city of Snowfield is turned into a bloody battleground, specific details seem wrong. Is it possible someone is manipulating this twisted little play, and if so, does this mean the true Holy Grail exists?



Our Take

The long-awaited premiere of Fate/strange Fake has finally arrived, and it didn’t disappoint. Picking up after last year’s thrilling prologue, the episode wastes no time diving into the action and intrigue. The story introduces Ayaka Sajo, the central figure in this iteration of the Holy Grail War, and wastes no time setting up its unique twists on the franchise’s iconic conflicts that showcase a fascinating spin on the “magic meets modernity/urban fantasy” genre.

Visually, the episode shines with its stunning animation, though some production hiccups left room for improvement. The clash of ideals among the Masters and the unusual circumstances surrounding their summoned Servants set this adaptation apart from previous entries. Particularly notable is how the narrative explores the implications of modern technology on the secrecy of the Grail War, with external witnesses and media coverage adding a fresh layer of complexity. The character interactions, from Ayaka’s struggles to the quirky antics of figures like Francesca, are a standout, adding depth and charm to the proceedings.

Overall, for the first episode, it knew how to leave one hell of a lasting impression with its engaging blend of action, mystery, and character-driven storytelling. With its bold twists on established lore and intricate character dynamics, there’s potential for an exciting journey ahead. From Lionheart’s epic apology speech on top of the Firetruck that gave me chills, to the foreboding yet fun post-credit scene. This episode serves as an excellent introduction to what looks to be a thrilling chapter in the Fate series and given that this is an early premiere of the dubbed version, it’s reported that the series fully begins on December 31st so it’s not too far away.