Fate/Samurai Remnant review

“Let’s play Master and Servant!”

Undoubtedly, Type-Moon’s Fate franchise is a multimedia powerhouse. Originally conceived as a visual novel by writer Kinoko Nasu and illustrator Takashi Takeuchi in 2004, the property would spawn numerous spin-offs and adaptations across page and screen.

Just one single digression of Fate, a magical girl manga called Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya, would inspire no fewer than four seasons of anime, two films, and a 3DS game. Other branches delved into everything from food (Today’s Menu for The Emiya Family) to shadowy conspiracies (The Case Files of Lord El-Melloi II). Carnival Phantasm even satirizes Type-Moon’s own storytelling. While it all loosely incorporates a couple of recurring motifs, Fate’s breadth is unrivaled.

As such, finding an accessible in-road can be daunting. But as a largely self-contained spin-off that devotes time to relational development, Fate/Samurai Remnant can be a worthwhile place to start- especially if you appreciate Omega Force’s musou mechanics.

An Unexpectedly Spiky Saber

Set in Edo in 1651, Samurai Remnant’s central protagonist is Miyamoto Iori, adopted son and apprentice of the renowned swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Often, Fate’s entries focus on a Holy Grail War, where magic users (masters) exist alongside historical figures who have acquired immense power after death (servants). Typically, they fight alongside each other to acquire the grail- which is supposed to grant any wish to its owner. Here, Iori is plucked from his modest life and thrust into the rivalry.

Samurai Remnant’s showdown is called the Waxing Moon ritual and any disparities between the functionally similar Holy Grail War are explained across the game’s enjoyable exposition. Unlike previous adaptations, the masterless servants are part of the confrontation for vessel. Culled from different parts of history and able to interact with other rogue and regular servants, you’ll encounter notable personalities from some of Type-Moon’s previous works- resulting in some pampering fan-service.

But what’s truly interesting are some of the game’s tonal divergences. Save for a route in the original Fate/stay night where Saber was a villain, the character can be a bit standoffish. But Saber is typically loyal, demonstrating a dignity that’s appropriate for a former King.

“Have You No Abilities Besides the Sword?”
Well, I’m Apex ranked…

But here, Saber is exceptionally prickly and unabashedly arrogant, reprimanding Iori at regular intervals. At first, the bond with you summon servant seems like it could be arduous. After all, who wants to give up their previous time and money to be disparaged by a disagreeable sidekick? But dexterously, developer Omega Force provides Saber with water-based affinity techniques which are far more potent than the feeble damage dished out by most game companions. I’ll put up with repetitively called “weak” when Saber can unleash a giant wave that sweeps away a throng of foes. Especially since Iori is anything but vulnerable.

Armed with a katana, the character demonstrates a remarkable amount of versatility, with the ability to instantly switch between five different stances. Naturally, each has its own distinctive traits, with your water stance sweeping strikes ideal for crowd control. Meanwhile, the earth stance offers defensive perks that prohibit Iori from being interrupted or even pushed by a strong enemy attack. Beyond the advantage of switching stances for different types of adversaries, Remnant provides a power bonus after you’ve stuck with one element for a short period. Additionally, each style has its own skill tree, allowing for the purchase of upgrades and enhancements suited to your personal play style. Likewise, you’ll augment Saber’s stats, as well.

The Warming of a Distant Tsun

Witnessing your prowess with the sword, Saber’s disdain gradually wanes. And given that games rarely portray the gradual nurturing of trust in a relationship, the depiction of Iori and Saber’s bond is especially gratifying. It’s far more like witnessing a very deliberate character arc in anime as the two grow reliant on each other and cultivate a sense of mutual respect. But that’s not to say you’re a passive observer here. At various points in the plot, you’ll make critical decisions that will shape the story’s trajectory and influence which of the three endings you’ll witness.

Wisely, Samurai Remnant injects some innovation in an attempt to offset the game from growing stale. Before long, Saber will direct you toward Digressions, which offer side-missions bundled with a bit of backstory. During these episodes, you’ll have the chance to play as other servants and masters and the build-up to these moments cultivates a sense of anticipation. Fortunately, these moments aren’t limited to optional assignments, with the story shifting the spotlight to another notable.

Pleasingly, Omega Force didn’t merely drop customary hundred-vs-one combat into Remnant. In execution, enemy numbers are smaller. Although combat with subordinates is built around conventional light- and -heavy attack combos, there are a few wrinkles that can temper the pace. Some foes become highlighted in red, intricating an imminent strike that can only be counterbalanced with a heavy attack. Oddly, Samurai Remnant doesn’t have an animation to indicate damage being done to leaders.

Runs like Dreck on the Deck

Elevated enemies are often shielded by protection referred to all shells. To crack these open, you’ll need to rely on moves trigger through the use magic gems, calculate the best stance affinity, or have the servants dish out some damage. And it’s here that Remnant can flirt with frustration. Early on, these faceoffs are too slow and unfulfilling, as players are forced into a slow waiting game. Much like your rapport with Saber, things gradually improve, so at least there’s the sensation of growth and development.

Fate/Samurai Remnant’s other transgression affects a segment of the audience: it’s inadequate at scaling the visual down for lower-end rigs. With the publisher’s recommended hardware (older i7 and a GTX2060) the game can put out a reliable 60fps delivery once settings are lowered. But on Steam Deck, Samurai ran poorly, with tweaking and an abandonment of all visual perks unable to deliver a fluid experience. All too often, action would sputter and lag, making fights unmanageable.

Conclusion

Fate/Samurai Remnant’s delivers a muscular combo of compelling storytelling and competent combat. Whether you favor learning the backstory of legendary servants or just cleaving through hordes of foes with Saber, the game provides engaging exposition and involving action. Best of all, you don’t really need to be a Type-Moon devotee to enjoy the campaign and robust new game+ component. Instead, Remnant feels like the catalyst that’s capable of starting yet another fixation.

Fate/Samurai Remnant was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.