Review of Fate/Grand Order: Absolute Demonic Front - Babylonia
This is a review written by someone who has played the game this is based on. Fate is a confusing franchise with tons of lore, and some Fate shows require the viewer to know certain things shown in other Fates to understand what is going on. If a viewer has played the game, they simply know what is happening. If one has seen the other Fate/Grand Order anime, they will have a basic understanding of how the universe works, but will not have context to how they got to this point in the story, for Fate Babylon is a later part of the overall story andthere is nothing currently in-between here and the first Grand Order OVA. The show itself provides small bits of context to what exactly is going on, but if one hasn't played the game, they will not know everything they need to know. But it does give enough to understand what is currently happening. One pit of context is that the show ends with a cliffhanger, because it was in the game as well. It cuts off right at the part of the game that leads to the next chapter in the story. That is currently on its way.
The animation is on par with some of the best fate has to offer. I would go out of my way to say some of the action scenes were better then some of the Ufotable Fate fights. Incredible action scenes throughout most of the anime. And with some of the strongest characters shown on screen for Fate so far, we get to see fights on a scale never seen before in the franchise. The only negative for the animation is that it has use of CGI characters. For people that are annoyed by the presence of CG in an anime, this will annoy you. I found the CG to be well animated for the most part, so it didn't bother me too much.
The sound track is that of the game, plus a few scores for the opening and ending credits. The game music is good and is well used. The opening is solid, and the ending themes are great. I would put the last 2 ending themes to be some of the best I've heard in anime. "Prover" captures the feel of the Gilgamesh's character in thus world so well, as well as help the viewer feel how grand the show is. "Tell Me" is also an emotional ending to this show as well for the one time is was used.
Most characters are done extremely well. As a game player, simply seeing the character on screen animated and being themselves was enough to entertain me. Plenty of character was given to most of the cast. The main characters, Fujimura and Mash, had nice moments, but were not often put in the spot light. This is because the game shows everyone through the main character's perspectives, so he is usually on the side line not doing anything. But he was given more character then the main character of Fate/Extra: Last Encore. The servants are where this show shines. In the start, characters that didn't have very big roles were given moments of incredible action and drama. Major impact even for the minor servants. We were given moments of comedy, then shown why it is we should care for them as characters in this show with their personality and stories. Gilgamesh is actually likable. He's shown as the antagonist of previous Fates, therefore we dislike him. Here we see a whole new side of his character that truly shows why he is one of the best characters in Fate. I will argue that in the last few episodes, some characters were not given very grand moments for the climax of the show. but that is a small nitpick from the rest of what was good in this show.
I feel this show is better for those that payed the game. Those that watch the fate anime will have trouble keeping up at times, but there is enough for them to enjoy. Those unfamiliar with fate will be confused and good action and a few comedic moments may be all they get for not being familiar with Fate.
8.5/10