Fate has always topped my list of favorite anime series, drawing me in with its clever mix of historical figures and rich, mythical backstories. So, you can imagine my excitement for a standalone game set in Edo Japan—a period brimming with intrigue and drama. Unfortunately, "Fate/Samurai Remnant" didn't quite hit the mark for me narratively.
The game trips up most notably with its protagonist, Iori. While he’s meant to be a central figure, Iori feels bland and static, especially when you compare him to Saber, who completely steals the spotlight. Saber’s evolution is the real draw here—she’s not only charismatic but shows significant growth, making every one of her scenes a treat. Iori, on the other hand, only starts to shine way too late—it’s like he finally shows up just as the party’s winding down, making it more awkward than impressive. While the masters each have fascinating backgrounds that could offer a deeper dive into Edo’s various societal roles—whether they’re a fierce warrior or a crafty tactician—this potential is largely unexplored. We only really get a good look at one master, leaving me craving that broader narrative exploration both historical and character depth wise. And while the servants do get some side stories, I wish the game would delve deeper into their individual tales and their interactions with the historical landscape of Edo Japan.
What makes the game occasionally sparkle is its master-servant dynamics, which echo the engaging essence of the Fate series. However, the overall narrative feels inconsistent, with many subplots that seem more like filler than compelling content. The game sets up some promising story threads that are either left unresolved or superficially tied off, leaving you with more questions than answers. There are moments where it delivers the complex character dynamics and historical depth we expect from Fate. Yet, these moments are sporadic and often drowned out by the overarching issues of shallow storytelling and uneven character development, particularly noticeable in the early to mid-game sections.
I think the game shows us a glimpse of what could be, a glimpse of brilliance, but it falls short of maintaining a gripping narrative or developing its characters evenly across the board. It’s like getting a beautifully wrapped gift that isn’t quite what you hoped for inside.
The game trips up most notably with its protagonist, Iori. While he’s meant to be a central figure, Iori feels bland and static, especially when you compare him to Saber, who completely steals the spotlight. Saber’s evolution is the real draw here—she’s not only charismatic but shows significant growth, making every one of her scenes a treat. Iori, on the other hand, only starts to shine way too late—it’s like he finally shows up just as the party’s winding down, making it more awkward than impressive. While the masters each have fascinating backgrounds that could offer a deeper dive into Edo’s various societal roles—whether they’re a fierce warrior or a crafty tactician—this potential is largely unexplored. We only really get a good look at one master, leaving me craving that broader narrative exploration both historical and character depth wise. And while the servants do get some side stories, I wish the game would delve deeper into their individual tales and their interactions with the historical landscape of Edo Japan.
What makes the game occasionally sparkle is its master-servant dynamics, which echo the engaging essence of the Fate series. However, the overall narrative feels inconsistent, with many subplots that seem more like filler than compelling content. The game sets up some promising story threads that are either left unresolved or superficially tied off, leaving you with more questions than answers. There are moments where it delivers the complex character dynamics and historical depth we expect from Fate. Yet, these moments are sporadic and often drowned out by the overarching issues of shallow storytelling and uneven character development, particularly noticeable in the early to mid-game sections.
I think the game shows us a glimpse of what could be, a glimpse of brilliance, but it falls short of maintaining a gripping narrative or developing its characters evenly across the board. It’s like getting a beautifully wrapped gift that isn’t quite what you hoped for inside.