Fate/Apocrypha

If you've searched my profile, you already know I've got a fate bias going on. That being said, I really enjoy Apocrypha. It was the first Fate series I watched out of the original routes, and I fell in love with all the characters and the concept of a holy grail civil war. It also introduces new classes like the Ruler class without spoilers. My gripe is that Jeanne and Siege didn't get more screen time together! The fights are on another level, and the characters are all compelling in their own ways. This is a Fate series you can jump into without any knowledge and enjoy.

Let's make this clear from the beginning - if you're looking for a gateway to the Fate universe - this isn't it. While Fate/Apocrypha is set in an alternate timeline which would, in theory, free it from some of the baggage from the original work, this is not even remotely the case. I've discussed the first half of the series a few months ago, but now it's time to talk about the series as a whole. There will be spoilers - so if you haven't decided to watch the show yet, read that review first. Fate/Apocrypha diverges from the core timeline wayback at the Third Grail War, which is now established as having been during the Second World War. During that war, the Yggdmillennia family straight up stole the Greater Grail and proceeded to hang on to it. Since then there have been a series of smaller Grail Wars, until finally we have a Greater Grail war, between the forces of Yggdmillennia (the Black faction) and the Mage's Association (the Red faction - no relation to the game series)), to see who will control the Grail. Arbitrating this is a Ruler - a Servant sent to make sure the rules are followed - in this case Jeanne D'Arc. However, to quote the Lord of the Rings... they were all of them deceived. During that 3rd Holy Grail War, that war's ruler - Amakusa Shirou Tokisada (yes, Samurai Shodown fans - that Amakusa) - managed to stick around after the war with a cunning plan - get into the holy grail war, and make a wish on the Greater Grail to cause - in short, Third Impact, to stop human suffering, like what happened to his followers in the past. So that shoe gets dropped about midway through the show, and that absolutely changes the dynamic of the series - with the remaining master of Red and the surviving masters of Black basically responding to that revelation with "Well, f*** that!" and banding together to stop it. Well, that and trying to stop Assassin of Black (who is Jack the Ripper) from running amuck. This leads to the second half of the series being having both heavier characterization, fights with higher stakes, and more impressive animation for those fights. We get Gordes coming to view the Homunculi as human, Sieg understanding how he feels about life and humanity, and Jeanne's growing affection for Sieg. We also get some of the most impressively animated fights of the series - Achilles and Chiron, Sieg(fried) and Karna, Jeanne (and later Achilles) and Atalantia. It's gorgeously done work - though I will admit going from comments elsewhere that some of the animation in those fights is more divisive than others. All of that said, while the fights are impressive, and some of the character beats in the second half of the show are nicely done, it's a little inferior to Fate/Zero - mainly due to some issues with the material. If you're already deep into the Nasuverse lore, there's a lot to enjoy - but if you're new, there is other material to go with.

A visually strong finale with intense action and big ideas. The fights deliver, but some character conclusions feel rushed. It wraps things up decently, really respect Sieg for his actions and choices. Great and unforgettable.

Thus the Fate/Apocrypha ends in a more calm tone that contrasted the last episode with its action scene. We get to see some of the survivors of the grail war are doing after. The problem is that there is still some question left unanswered that is explored in a side story.

With anime nearing its end, before the final battle starts it has a debate on wether Shiro's plan is true salvation or not. Which lead into an amazing fight scene between Shiro and Sieg.

Saber gets highlight fight in this episode, continuation of the amazing fight animation like the last episode. Jeanne also confronts her past with her matchup with Caster

Back to back amazing and visual spectacle of fights. The fight between Karna and Sieg is the highlight of the anime, and one of the reasons this was famous back in the day

This episode features one of the best hand-to-hand fight in the 2010s. More awesome fight to come in the next batch of episode. This episode seems to be like a taste test of it

The final episode settles into a calm, peaceful close, giving everyone a moment to breathe and choose their own paths. After everything they’ve endured, it feels well-earned, an ending they truly deserve.

The clash nears its end as characters debate sides, trying to sway each other. Emotional moments and a striking transformation stand out. The fight remains intense and tight, a true battle of power that keeps the momentum from previous episodes.

This episode redeemed the animation drop from the previous episode. All I can say is the fight scenes are a visual spectacle that is supported by great sound effects. This episode also gave us lore and character depth. That battle was intense. And the ending? What in the world?

The clash still continues. I cannot lie, the fight is so tight and intense, they did not waste time. It's just that the animation dropped drastically in this episode, which wasted the potential of this episode. But overall, it's a good episode and a great clash between two sides.

The continuation of the clash is so good. Every exchange of attack is superb. The fight scene is tight and heavy. The hand-to-hand combat of Rider and Archer is action-packed. And that ending scene? It's jaw-dropping.

This episode kicks off the climax as Ruler’s side attacks Shirou's base. Amazing aerial battles make the stakes feel real. The sound effect adds more hype to the clash. The cliffhanger leaves you desperate for more. Also, make sure to check the post-credit scene.

This episode's color grading is saturated in some scenes. A breather episode, we all know that after a breather episode, it's like saying a calm before a storm.

Oh my world! This episode is so dark and disturbing. If you're not a fan of disturbing scenes, I advise you to skip this episode. What Ruler did and said gave me chills, she understands things that Archer didn't.

I have to say, the episode takes its time before delivering the action, and even then, it’s brief. But that ending? It starts bittersweet, then shifts into something truly jaw-dropping.

I was taken aback by how this episode begins, diving straight into cruelty and darkness. Thankfully, Sieg arrives in time, though he’s clearly at a disadvantage against his opponent. Some scenes feel overly saturated, and there are noticeable inconsistencies in the animation.

A breather episode with purpose. Fiore’s past adds depth, grounding the story. With factions gone, it’s now Shirou vs Jeanne, and Ruler choosing a side feels almost unfair. Less action, more weight, choices deepen, tension builds toward what’s next.

Ruler's faction starts the assault on the Hanging Gardens, which signals the start of the climax of the series. Amazing aerial battle between Chiron and Achilles and the end which ends on cliffhanger on their duel.