Season 1, Episode 1: Absolute Demonic Front Babylonia

The Fate/Grand Order is a series based on the Type-Moon Fate/Stay night franchise. The game is extremely popular in Japan, rivaling Pokemon Go. Personally, I’m always leery of anime made from games (Pokemon being the exception). The “Fate” series has so many different titles that I have a hard time keeping them straight. Created by the Japaneses animation studio, CloverWorks (formerly A-1 Pictures), Fate Grand Order Zettai Majuu Sensen Babylonia focuses on Mash Kyrielight and her master, Fujimaru. They’re sent to the ancient city of Uruk, Mesopotamia in the year 2600 B.C. Located between Tigris and Euphrates rivers, Mesopotamia is in the Persian Gulf. It’s at this point that the Age of Gods “came to an end.” At this time monsters and Gods coexists.

When, Fujimaru and Mash are sent into the world they “bounce” off a shield that protects the city of Uruk. Mash deploys her shield to brace their fall. They’re attacked by some saber tooth “demonic beasts.” Mash attacks them, defeating them easily. Fujimaru is landed on by a woman that refuses to introduce themselves. She asks them if they found something “precious lying down.” The demonic beasts return, but this time they are dispatched by nameless woman. She shows off her power, defeating them in epic fashion. However, more of them show up. The mysterious woman begins to leave. She tells them that if they can’t “deal” with the demonic beast of “this level,” the “restoration of humanity is no more than a dream.”

Mash and Fujimaru are rescued by Enkidu. He’s been waiting for them to come to Age of God. Enkidu defeats all the demonic beasts. Enkidu is a “weapon of the Gods,” created to “return Gilgamesh to the gods.” According to Enkidu humanity is at war with the gods. Specifically, the “Three Goddess Alliance,” have taken over 60% of the lands in Mesopotamia. One of these Goddesses creates the demonic beasts. To counter these Goddesses humanity created a wall called the: Absolute Demonic Front Babylonia. I’m not sure about how I feel about this series. The 2D/3D animation mix isn’t terrible, but I don’t think it works that well. The biggest issue is that it’s clear that at least in this episode, having prior knowledge of this series or at least the games. I was confused by many of the things discussed, at least early in the episode. Regardless, I’m interested in what this series has to offer and will probably learn more as it goes along.