Update after the '2nd season' has finished (and therefore the series.)
Previous comment still stands, but after a while the need for explanation for first-time watchers dwindles (as would be logical) so we end up with an amazing series with some massive animation skill and top of your chair action.
If you liked this series, also check:
Fate/Zero (prequel)
Fate/Prototype (1 ep special about the original story, too bad this will never get a full story/series.)
Kara no Kyoukai/The Garden of sinners (Movie series)
And keep an eye open for (If ever released in the future):
Fate/Heavens Feel (confirmed for a movie.)
Fate/hollow ataraxia (sequel, no confirmation of a movie or TV show.)
This was an absolutely superb Anime. Like really. The writing of the story is of course, quite entertaining. The action scenes were frequent and engaging, plenty of well done blood, gore and violence. Rin makes for a fantastic Tsundere splash of romance. The animation and music choices were both complimentary and artistically perfect. And this was my first introduction into the Fate series, all the concepts were introduced in good time with only a few somewhat unexplained instances. There was a decent amount of "we'll explain it after it happens" so don't take any immediate confusion to heart. I look forward to seeing what else the Anime adaptations of the Fate series has to offer.
Oh yeah, watch the Prologue episode too, it was quite good.
This is truly the one of the most compelling anime I've watched. A war of ideology and not the typical predictable hero Shonen troupe. Not to mention UFOTABLE has outdone itself and proven to be the cutting edge in CGI animation. You would never have guessed that this came out a decade ago. A modern day work of art.
As a big Fate fan I love to see the Fate routes back on screen. This series has a more 'stepping in' pace and is clearly aimed at both existing fans and viewers new to the franchise.
This makes a very balanced series, but it can be a bit repetitive and boring at times for the older fans.
Luckily Ufotable throws in everything they got and artwork is so amazing you don't really get the time to get bored.
Shout by deanzelVIP 11BlockedParent2014-07-27T23:25:15Z
Just confirmed that the Fate/stay night 2014 series will cover the Unlimited Bladeworks route and there will also be a Heaven's Feel movie released later on. Whoa. That's a whole lot of Fating to come. Take a bow, ufotable. You deserve it.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-27/new-fate-stay-night-tv-anime-is-unlimited-bladeworks/.77058
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-07-27/fate-stay-night-heaven-feel-route-gets-film/.77059