Touken Ranbu anime is based on a popular online game of the same name. The story revolves around anthropomorphized historical swords known as Touken Danshi, who are brought to life by the Saniwa, a sage who can travel through time. The Saniwa summons these swords to protect history from an evil force called the Time Retrograde Army, which seeks to alter the past and change the course of history.
The Touken Danshi, led by the main protagonist, Yamatonokami Yasusada, embark on various missions to confront the Time Retrograde Army and prevent them from disrupting historical events. Each sword possesses unique abilities and personalities, reflecting its historical significance.
Fate Universe
The Fate series is made up of multiple anime adaptations, each with its unique plot. However, the overarching premise of the Fate universe revolves around the Holy Grail War, a battle between mages known as Masters and their summoned Heroic Spirits, known as Servants.
The Masters compete for the Holy Grail, a powerful artefact that grants the victor’s greatest wish. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance as these legendary heroes clash in epic battles filled with strategy, supernatural abilities, and moral dilemmas.
ARE THEY REALLY ALIKE?
While both the Touken Ranbu and Fate series share similarities in terms of featuring anthropomorphized historical figures and exploring battles across different periods, there are some distinct differences between the two universes which lead us to believe that they are different as day and night-
- Concept: In the Touken Ranbu universe, the focus is on anthropomorphized swords, known as Touken Danshi, who are summoned and brought to life by the Saniwa to protect history. On the other hand, the Fate universe revolves around legendary heroes and mythical figures summoned as powerful servants to participate in a battle royale called the Holy Grail War.
Fate Grand Order | Image courtesy of Studio Deen - Time Travel: In Touken Ranbu, the Saniwa possesses the ability to travel through time and interact with historical events directly. In contrast, the Fate universe does not involve time travel as a central concept. Instead, the servants summoned to participate in the Holy Grail War exist in their respective periods.
Touken Ranbu | Image courtesy of Ufotable and Aniplex - Story Focus: Touken Ranbu places a significant emphasis on preserving history and preventing the alteration of past events by confronting the Time Retrograde Army. In comparison, the Fate series often explores themes of destiny and the clash of different mindsets, with the Holy Grail War acting as a catalyst for these conflicts.
Touken Ranbu | Image courtesy of Ufotable and Aniplex - Visuals: Touken Ranbu features a more stylized and elegant art style, and it draws inspiration from authentic traditional Japanese aesthetics. In contrast, the Fate series blends a mix of historical and fantastical elements, often showcasing epic battles and elaborate magical effects.
Touken Ranbu | Image courtesy of Ufotable and Aniplex
In conclusion, while there are similarities in terms of featuring historical figures in a fantasy setting, the core concepts, storytelling approaches, and visual styles of the Touken Ranbu and Fate universes set them apart. You can watch them both on Crunchyroll to see whether you see eye to eye with this article.