Fate / Extra Last Encore

Alright, let’s dive into Fate/Extra Last Encore—a series that’s been stirring up the Fate fandom since its announcement. Produced by Studio Shaft and written by Kinoko Nasu, this anime is an original take on the 2010 JRPG Fate/EXTRA, blending familiar elements with fresh twists. Aired in Spring 2018, it’s got Shaft’s signature quirky animation style, which fans either love or find polarizing. Let’s break down what makes this show tick, based on what the community’s been buzzing about.

First off, the animation. Shaft is known for its unique visual flair—think bold lines, dynamic camera angles, and that iconic “head tilt” that’s become their trademark. Some fans are stoked about this, calling the character designs “sharp” and “vibrant.” One user even gushed, “The rightmost pic is like the pinnacle of sakuga art!” But not everyone’s on board. A few viewers pointed out that the male characters look better than the female ones in the promos, which is a bit of a head-scratcher. Still, Shaft’s track record with fixing up shows for Blu-ray has people hopeful the final product will shine.

Now, the story. Last Encore isn’t a straight adaptation of the game. It’s more of a reimagining, which has sparked mixed feelings. Some fans are excited about the fresh narrative direction, especially since the original Fate/EXTRA had its flaws. One commenter noted, “Extra Last Encore is here to redeem the original Extra (which feels below the rest).” But others are worried about changes to the protagonist, Hakuno Kishinami. In the anime, Hakuno uses the pronoun “ore” (a more assertive form) instead of “boku” (softer), which some see as a shift in his character. “Half my enjoyment was the relatable anxiety,” one fan lamented, wondering if this new, more resolved Hakuno will lose that vulnerable charm.

The servant roster is another hot topic. We’ve got familiar faces like Saber (Gawain), Archer (Robin Hood), Rider (Francis Drake), and even Berserker (Li Shuwen)—though Li Shuwen as Berserker raised a few eyebrows. “Wait, why is Li Shuwen a Berserker? Did I miss something here?” one user asked. Turns out, it’s a nod to the game’s deeper lore, but it’s still a surprise for casual viewers. The Lancer class is being kept under wraps, which has fans speculating about which servants will pop up next.

Voice acting is on point, with returning favorites like Atsushi Abe as Hakuno and Sakura Tange as Saber. The OP, “Bright Burning Shout” by T.M.Revolution, is a bop—catchy and full of energy, fitting the series’ high-stakes vibe. The ED, “Tsuki to Hanataba” by Sayuri, is more mellow, adding a nice emotional contrast.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Shaft’s workload. They were also producing 3-gatsu no Lion at the same time, leading some to worry about quality drops. “I don’t want this or that to suffer in quality,” one fan fretted. But others reassured them, noting Shaft’s history of polishing shows for Blu-ray. “The TV version shouldn’t really be your criteria for how the final product will look like,” another user said. Fair point—Shaft’s Blu-rays are usually top-tier.

The Fate fandom is split on whether Last Encore lives up to its predecessors. Some think it’s a fresh take that breathes new life into the franchise, while others miss the original game’s depth. “Fate Extra is the best installment in the fate verse, er no, entire nasuverse so just shut up you all and enjoy this masterpiece,” one die-hard fan declared. On the flip side, a few are skeptical, comparing it unfavorably to Fate/Zero and Unlimited Blade Works.

Another big reveal was Netflix picking up the streaming rights. While some are excited for wider accessibility, others joked, “Netflix just wants to bring fansub back.” Hey, at least it’s easier to watch legally now, right?

In conclusion, Fate/Extra Last Encore is a love-it-or-hate-it addition to the Fate universe. Its unique animation, reimagined story, and mix of familiar and new servants make it stand out. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, there’s something here to grab your attention—just be prepared for Shaft’s signature style and a few narrative curveballs. As one user put it, “Even if the animation isn’t great, face it, it will be unique. It’s animated by Shaft!” So, grab your popcorn, suspend your expectations, and dive into this wild ride. UMU!

P.S. Keep an eye out for hidden references to other Fate titles—you never know when a fan-favorite servant might make a cameo!