Fate/Samurai Remnant Exclusive First Look: Unveiling the Epic Saga!

Type/Moon, renowned for the immensely popular mobile gacha game Fate/Grand Order, joins forces with Koei Tecmo to transport the thrilling magical battles of the Fate/ series to a captivating new setting: feudal Japan on the cusp of monumental change. In Fate/Samurai Remnant, Minamoto Iori, a disciple of the legendary warrior Minamoto Musashi, forms an alliance with a enigmatic Saber-class Servant to partake in the perilous "Waxing Moon Ritual" and seize the opportunity to fulfill their heart's deepest desire. This fresh installment in the Fate/ saga introduces a captivating blend of familiar and novel characters, as seven Masters and fourteen Servants converge in fierce combat to claim their divine wish against the backdrop of a rapidly transforming Japan.

Early glimpses of the game treat players to a tantalizing peek into the prologue and initial chapter of Fate/Samurai Remnant, scheduled for release on September 28 for Nintendo Switch, PC, and PlayStation consoles. In these early stages, Iori must swiftly adapt to his newfound role as a chosen Master in the Waxing Moon Ritual, even as treacherous enemy Masters and Servants doggedly pursue him at every turn. Accompanied by the formidable Saber, Iori valiantly clashes against an armored and formidable Rider, an enigmatic and grave Lancer, and multitudes of soldiers and monsters in the iconic Koei Tecmo "1 vs. 100" musou-style gameplay.

Combat is the central element of the game, proven to be exhilarating and masterfully executed. Players embody Iori, who possesses the ability to seamlessly switch between various styles of swordplay, allowing them to prioritize defense, speed, or other aspects during battles. As an illustration, the Water Stance enables Iori to dual-wield two swords, unleashing a rapid cascade of attacks, while the Earth Stance offers a sturdier defense. By persistently employing a particular stance, Iori is able to enter an "Afterglow" state, thereby unlocking an array of advantageous effects. Furthermore, Iori possesses magical prowess, enabling him to cast elemental spells that offer respite from his predominantly sword-centric gameplay. These spells consume a finite resource known as Gems, necessitating the players' diligence in both acquiring and conserving Gems to avoid depletion during crucial moments in battle.

Saber steals the spotlight in combat, surpassing Iori's abilities. This nimble sword-wielder dominates with water-based techniques, dousing enemies with raindrops, or riding a colossal wave to stun and crush foes. Even when controlled by Iori, players can trigger Saber's attacks and skills through button combinations. Additionally, Saber offers protection from formidable enemy strikes. An impressive Noble Phantasm grants Saber the potential to end battles swiftly, but its usage depletes significant power, necessitating strategic planning.

The requirement to charge a gauge as Iori to switch to Saber effectively showcases the significant disparity in power between Master and Servant, preserving the traditional pairing while maintaining fluid and accessible real-time combat. The Waxing Moon Ritual introduces various other Servants, each possessing a unique class such as Archer, Lancer, Rider, Caster, Berserker, and Assassin, consequently altering their combat styles. Unlocking these characters as playable options in the full game would offer tremendous excitement, granting players access to devastating area-of-effect flames from Lancer or Rider's formidable defensive postures.

While Fate/Samurai Remnant emphasizes combat, its strengths extend beyond just that. The game presents a beautifully crafted depiction of Japan in the mid-1600s, enabling Iori to traverse diverse towns and engage with locals outside of battles. The artwork showcases intricate details and is visually stunning. The characters and backgrounds feature a watercolor-inspired style that is vibrant, immersive, and visually pleasing. Furthermore, when characters reminisce about their past experiences, such as Iori's training under Miyamoto Musashi or the Shimabara Rebellion, these narratives unfold in a manner reminiscent of traditional Japanese ukiyo-e paintings.

Every town and district the player gets to explore is breathtakingly beautiful and brimming with mysterious surprises. Take Yoshiwara, for instance, the pleasure district where charming courtesans reside amidst a backdrop of blooming cherry blossoms – it truly leaves you in awe. The design team has masterfully captured the essence of Edo, making sure that every sight and sound immerses you in the experience. On top of that, Saber's extraordinary control over water can be unleashed beyond battles, allowing Iori to ascend rooftops and venture into lofty realms, guaranteeing endless opportunities for excitement and discovery even outside the fray. However, what takes the cake is the presence of adorable dogs and cats roaming the town, waiting to be showered with affection from both Iori and Saber. And here's the best part – petting these lovely creatures can yield a variety of rewards, incentivizing players to pause and dote on every endearing canine and feline that comes their way.

The game's plot immediately captivates the player as Iori's normal life abruptly ends in the prologue. The intrigue begins right away as the identities of most of the Servants are a mystery, adding an element of suspense. Except for a few returning characters, the Servants are generally referred to as "Rider" or "Lancer," leaving the player and Iori to discover their True Names and the reasons behind their participation in the Waxing Moon Ritual. This creates a complex mystery that the player must unravel alongside Iori.

Although the Fate/ universe has a wide range of media adaptations, including the original visual novel, anime, manga, and games like Fate/extra and Fate/extella, Fate/Samurai Remnant is designed to be easily approachable for newcomers. Through an in-game database, terms like "Servants" are explained, and Iori, a novice in the world of Holy Grail Wars, frequently receives explanations from Saber and others to understand the ongoing events. Samurai Remnant serves as an excellent entry point for those interested in exploring the Fate/ series for the first time.

Fate/Samurai Remnant is a valuable addition to the Fate/ franchise, blending its traditional elements of thrilling magical battles and intriguing characters with the captivating backdrop of Keian-era Japan. Featuring "musou-style" combat with a distinct touch, it successfully preserves the essence of the beloved Master and Servant dynamics. However, the game offers more than just intense fighting; it presents a compelling narrative and a diverse cast of vivid personalities to explore. Whether you are new to Fate/ or a seasoned fan, this game is an excellent choice. Players of all backgrounds, from experienced musou players to Fate/ newcomers, will find a satisfying and enjoyable experience as they guide Iori towards the Waxing Moon and the realization of his ultimate wish in the waning days of the samurai era.

Fate/Samurai Remnant will release on September 28, 2023 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.