Originally Posted by
Shinzai
F/S:UBW Episode 3: Wow, they've changed things a /lot/ in this episode. VN and episode spoilers:
They show Berserker's range of combat off as being far more in-depth and overpowering than it comes across in the VN - where it seems more like he's just swinging at Saber really hard the whole time and pinning her that way. The hand-to-hand combat skills and moments like him using a ground launching uppercut with the sword, only to smash her back to the ground were great. Not only that, but the power of Saber is fully displayed finally, showing just how strong she is to be able to trade the variety of incoming blows and not die every single time he swings.
Ilya actively being shown as a powerful magi on her own and actually pinning Rin down in a full-blown offensive was brilliant: In the VN, it always felt like they should be trying to stop Ilya, as she seems harmless at that point, besides having an insane Servant. The entire nature of the combat brought out more personality and showed that Ilya, even on her own, is something that most people could not contend with.
Saber's unleashing of Excalibur: I'm genuinely surprised by that. I know in the VN she basically gains momentum for a brief moment in the graveyard and Berserker's knocked a tiny bit off balance, but I wasn't expecting to be shown Excalibur so soon, especially given that it blasts Berserker practically in half. WTF.
Archer's Caladbolg II shot - holy shit. Almost exactly as I'd imagined it from the VN. BUT, does that mean Berserker's been killed twice already? As Saber clearly killed him once and Archer's arrow should count as a second kill. WHAT EVEN IS GOING TO HAPPEN!?
So, we're past the VN intro finally. Now the show can begin.