The ESRB has slapped an M17+ rating on Final Fantasy XVI, revealing the upcoming Square Enix JRPG will include blood & gore, partial nudity and strong language among other adult themes.
Final Fantasy XVI was previously rated in Brazil, where similar mature themes were mentioned including prostitution.
This sounds by far the most violent Final Fantasy game to date, and the various adult themes featured mean it’s certainly a far cry from the usual Teen-rated antics of past instalments. Here’s a description from the rating board on what to expect:
Cutscenes depict additional acts of violence and blood: a character’s hands severed by a sword; a guard’s throat slit by a knife; a character impaled through the chest; a prisoner’s shoulder stabbed and twisted by an interrogator’s blade.
The game contains some sexual material: a character caressing and straddling a man in bed; references to prostitution—sexual moaning sounds in a brothel; dialogue such as, “I’d be happy to show you…provided I can afford it” and “…thank you for your service. My chamber is just upstairs.” Some characters are depicted with partially exposed breasts and buttocks. The words “f**k” and “sh*t” are heard in the game.
Final Fantasy XVI is scheduled for release on June 22, 2023 for PS5 and PC. The game is receiving a Collector’s Edition, which comes with a hefty $349.99 price tag.
[Source – ESRB]