Exploring the Charm of Original Servants in Fate/Grand Order: A Personal Perspective

Introduction

Fate/Grand Order is a rich and immersive universe that invites players to explore various Servants from different mythologies and eras. While the game is filled with iconic characters based on source material, it also features a myriad of original Servants that capture the imagination of many players. In this article, we will delve into my personal favorites among the original Servants, drawing from my deep love for Germanic and Norse cultures, as well as Greek mythology.

My Favorite Original Servants in Fate/Grand Order

As a fan of Germanic and Norse cultures, one of the original Servants that stands out to me is Siegfried, also known as the Sumanai himself. Siegfried is a fascinating character with a tragic backstory and a unique personality. Here are my reasons for favoring him:

Siegfried - The Triumphant yet Tragic Hero

Siegfried is not just a formidable warrior; he is the ideal tragic hero. His attire, featuring a realistic-looking sword and a cool appearance, makes him stand out in the game. Additionally, his legendary status as a servant who is technically invincible against B-Rank attacks and his ability to perform a saber beam make him a highly effective and appealing choice. His loyalty and power make him a memorable servant, and his origins as the first 4-star Servant I summoned only add to my affinity for him.

Caster Gilgamesh - The Unforgettable Original Character

When it comes to memorable characters, Caster Gilgamesh is a standout. While he may not be as original as some other servants, his presence in the game is significant. He lacks depth, but his personality is fun and believable, and his design and attack animations are top-notch. I can easily imagine having him as a friend in real life. His Saber version is also quite appealing, and it showcases a different side of his character.

Hokusai - The Crown Jewel of Original Servants

Among all the original Servants, Hokusai truly stands out to me. While I may not particularly love BB, Hokusai has a unique and captivating presence. Her design is fantastic, and she possesses an intriguing personality that makes her a delightful servant to play. Unlike many other original Servants, Hokusai does not fall victim to the cookie-cutter approach of the harem trope. She is a fully-realized character with her own strengths and weaknesses, making her a standout in the game.

Challenges in Creating Memorable Original Servants

While many original Servants in Fate/Grand Order are well-designed and engaging, there are challenges in creating truly memorable characters. Here are some of the common issues:

Over-reliance on Fanon and Charisma

Many original Servants rely heavily on fanon and charisma rather than substance. For example, King Hassan is often portrayed as a protective grandpa, but this persona is largely a result of fan content. In actual lore, Hassan is a big, intimidating figure who enjoys beheading enemies, making the fan-created "grandpa" persona an over-simplification of his character. This indicates a need for more in-depth and nuanced character development.

Weak Dating Options

Another issue is the treatment of female Servants as dating options. Most of the interesting female Servants in the game are written as attractive yet unremarkable characters who are supposedly drawn to the blandest and least complex protagonist, Gudao. This approach diminishes the depth of their characters and turns them into random harem tropes. It is crucial for game developers to consider creating fully-realized characters that transcend simple romantic attachments.

Write-Ins and Underutilized Characters

Finally, there is a tendency to write in characters based on established tropes without full character development. For example, Ereshkigal and Ishtar are essentially rebranded versions of Rin, and Shuten-douji (Shuten-Douji) is a derivative character. Similarly, Circe's piglet obsession is an unexplained quirk that detracts from her character's overall appeal. It is important for developers to avoid relying on outdated tropes and instead create truly original and compelling characters.

Conclusion

Fate/Grand Order offers a vast array of characters, both from established sources and original creations. While many original Servants have their limitations, there are still those that truly capture the imagination. For me, Siegfried, Caster Gilgamesh, and Hokusai are standouts. Their unique personalities and design make them memorable and enjoyable to play. As a player and fan, I hope that future original Servants will build upon these strengths and address the challenges of character development, ensuring a richer and more engaging experience for all players.