Do you know what day it is today? Yes, we all know it’s January 30, 2024, but do you know what makes this date so special? Okay, we’ll tell you: today, specifically today, January 30, 2024, marks 20 years since the beginning of the “Fate/Stay Night” franchise. Sure, you must have read it in the title, but… did you know before seeing the post? Okay, we won’t test your knowledge, so relax and enjoy this “historic” review, which also includes important future announcements. 🙂
Developed by Type-Moon, the first of its titles saw the light of day as an adult game (yes, “that kind” of adult game) for Windows in 2004, marking the beginning of a saga that has left an indelible mark on various media over many years, including eventually animes, mangas, and games. The “Fate/Stay Night” franchise has had a significant impact on pop culture and Japanese media. In addition to the original series, the franchise has spawned multiple spin-offs and sequels, including the popular mobile game series “Fate/Grand Order,” which has been a massive commercial success. There have also been several anime adaptations, including a “Heaven’s Feel” movie series that concluded in 2020 and was very well received by fans.
To commemorate this milestone, several exciting activities and releases have been announced. One of the highlights is the announcement of “Fate/stay Night REMASTERED,” set to release in 2024 for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. This remastered version is an upgrade of “Fate/stay Night Realta Nua,” originally released on the PS Vita. This will be the first time the visual novel is officially available in English, and it will also include options in Japanese and Simplified Chinese.
Additionally, a special “Type-Moon Times” broadcast has been organized to celebrate the anniversary. This broadcast included the participation of voice actors from iconic characters like Shirou Emiya, Saber, Rin Tohsaka, and Sakura Matou, focusing on various exciting developments related to the franchise. In summary, the 20th anniversary of “Fate/Stay Night” not only celebrates the franchise’s past but also marks an exciting future with new opportunities for fans of the series.
What is “Fate/Stay Night” About?
You know or remember what “Fate/Stay Night” is about, right? Well, we know you do, but just in case, here’s a brief recap:
The “Fate/Stay Night” saga is a series of visual novels and a media franchise that has grown to include anime, mangas, and games. The story revolves around the “Holy Grail War,” a secret magical tournament where participants, known as “Masters,” summon “Servants,” heroic spirits of historical and mythological figures, to fight for the possession of the Holy Grail, a mythical artifact that grants any wish.
The story centers on Shirou Emiya, a high school student and amateur mage who unexpectedly gets involved in the Holy Grail War. Shirou summons his Servant, Saber, a powerful warrior who is the reincarnation of King Arthur. Throughout the story, Shirou forms alliances and rivalries with other Masters and their Servants. Among them are Rin Tohsaka, a talented mage and her Servant Archer; and Sakura Matou, a classmate of Shirou with a dark secret.
Servants are reincarnations of historical and mythological figures, each with unique abilities and an identity often revealed throughout the story. These characters include figures like Hercules, Medusa, and Gilgamesh. The plot progresses through various battles and confrontations between the Masters and Servants, gradually revealing each character’s motivations and past. Eventually, the nature and origin of the Holy Grail are explored, showing a complex and often dark history behind the tournament.
Different Routes and Endings
“Fate/Stay Night” is distinguished by its multiple narrative routes, each focusing on different characters and themes:
- Fate Route: Centered on the relationship between Shirou and Saber, exploring her past and the nature of being a hero.
- Unlimited Blade Works Route: Focuses on Shirou‘s relationship with Rin Tohsaka and Archer, delving into themes of identity and confronting fate.
- Heaven’s Feel Route: Centered on Sakura Matou, this route explores darker themes and reveals deep secrets about the Holy Grail War and its origin.
Expansions of the “Fate/Stay Night” Universe
The franchise has grown to include various sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, including:
- Fate/Zero: A prequel that tells the story of the previous Holy Grail War, featuring adult characters and a darker atmosphere.
- Fate/Apocrypha: An alternate universe where the Holy Grail War takes a different course, with two factions of Masters and Servants fighting each other.
- Fate/Grand Order: A mobile game that greatly expands the “Fate” universe, featuring multiple timelines and dimensions.
The themes of the saga include the conflict between idealism and reality, the meaning of heroism and fate, and the quest for one’s identity. “Fate/Stay Night” and its expansions have been praised for their deep narrative, complex characters, and unique fusion of historical and mythological elements. The series has garnered a considerable fan base and has had a significant impact on pop culture and anime.
This is another one of those occasions when we won’t ask if you’re a fan of the theme in question, I mean… You just read a lengthy article about it, and you’re still here, so obviously, you’re one of us! If so, then our congratulations to you on this 20th Anniversary, “Fate/Stay Night” fan! Leave us your anniversary greeting in the comments, or whatever you remember most liking about this exciting universe of intertwined stories! Surely you have, just like us, your favorite moments. GO AHEAD, we’ll be reading! 😉
Images Source: TYPE-MOON GAMES Official YouTube Channel, Fate/Stay Night Remastered Official Site
