Story - 27/35 - The story for this show is good, but gets way better later on in the show. The first hindrance to this show is the incredibly boring info dump that happens in episode 1. 45 minutes of boring dialogue makes it hard for anyone to get into this series. The other problem that hinders both season 1 and 2 is the fact that it is tied to Fate/Stay Night, which is pretty bad (at least, the anime and movie are). Now that we got all the bad out of the way, lets talk about the good. The Fate series as a whole is very original in the fact that it takes heroes from across time and has them fight to the death for the chance to make one wish. The best part is that it is done during the present day, making the setting here pretty special. Some things might fly over your head if you aren't the best at history, especially since many of these guys are lesser known people. The pacing isn't that good. For an action series there is not much action in the first half. It really is just a bunch of characters trying to outsmart each other while talking a lot about a specific topic at hand. There is a lot of buildup in season 1, as season 2 is when the real party starts.
Characters - 30/35 - I really like the characters in this show. No two characters are the same, and each one has their own ideologies and reasons for being in the war. Hearing what they have to say on the different topics at hand all while fighting can be very cool. The topics range from chivalry to what it means to be a king and a hero. The most notable characters in this series are easily Rider, who commands everyone's attention once he hits the stage to Gilgamesh, who is just badass. While not every character is particularly interesting, none of them are bad or all that boring. Considering the huge cast of characters, I'd say this is pretty impressive. I will say this though, the pasts for some of the servants should be expanded upon more, like for Assassin.
Sound - 14/15 - The sound in this series is amazing, mostly because of the amazing composer behind it. The opening and endings aren't the best, but the epic chorus' during each fight make every interaction between the characters all the more intense.
I have heard a little bit of the dub, and I find it acceptable. Although if you don't mind reading subtitles I suggest you watch it subbed.
Animation - 15/15 - The best I have ever seen in an anime that isn't a movie. Fluid, great looking, and some very detailed backgrounds. You can't ask for more in this regard.
Overall - 86/100 - A very good series, especially since this is only the buildup to something better. The characters and setting really shine in this show, and the story is no slouch either. Fate/Zero could have used some better pacing and more fighting. I like hearing all these philosophies as much as the next guy, but I wanna see some fighting too.
