STORY 6/10-
Probably the weakest point here, since a lot of weird stuff does happen that doesn't make sense, most of which involving Emiya Shirou, the main character (whom I consider to be a complete moron during this season). While some of it makes sense, there are events occurring that make no sense, such as the battle between the main characters and Caster and her master. Spoilers, but it doesn't make sense how that particular battle occurred, since the master of Caster is clearly weaker than any of the Servants. Also, who would leave their loved ones unprotected during a battle royal that could destroy the entire city?
ART 10/10-
When I first saw the battles in this show, I immediately knew why it was called Unlimited Budget Works. The animation is beautiful, with each panel of every fight full of color and 60fps of intense magic action. No fight scenes left me dissatisfied (at least the actual fights). The fights were enough to make even Wit Studio seem mediocre. The only word I could use to describe them are perfection.
SOUND 8/10-
While not nearly up to par as the fights or the Fate/Zero soundtrack by the extremely talented Yuuki Kaijura, the music definitely did more than just compliment the fight scenes, making the watcher feel hyped and at the edge of their seat, but not that memorable on their own. Still, the soundtrack did its job, and for that, 8/10.
CHARACTER 6/10-
Emiya Shirou is by far the most disappointing aspect of the story, as he is a boy that strives to become a "hero of justice." If one has watched Fate/Zero and seen how his foster father Emiya Kiritsugu acts, you would know that his quest isn't going to do well. This story route in the VN even goes into what his quest might lead him to. Makes me mad just thinking about him and how he tries to take hits for people and save random people that he doesn't know. Saber is less disappointing, but would probably be a lot more had I not started Fate/Zero before writing this review. Essentially, she's there to just fight for Shirou, as the most popular character in the series. Lol. Tohsaka Rin, while a Tsundere, is fairly interesting in how she acts (I guess), but the main point of interest is definitely her Servant, Archer. Completely contradicting everything Shirou has to say about his ideals, Archer's past is unknown and he and Shirou absolutely loathe each other, and later on he makes decisions that make him a rather interesting character. Very complex and mysterious character who partially makes up for the other three.
ENJOYMENT 8/10-
Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works was a decent watch for me. While lacking the complexity of Fate/Zero, it easily overtakes its older sibling in terms of animation, making it a good action fodder series with fairly interesting story.
OVERALL 7/10-
While the animation and sound are beautiful, and Archer is one of my favorite characters of all time, Unlimited Blade Works's faults in story and other characters don't live up to the former aspects, and earns the show a 7/10. Recommend for fans of the Fate series who don't mind a dip in story quality for a boost in animation from Zero.
