With Final Fantasy XVI (styled as Final Fantasy 16) set for release this June 22, 2023, more and more info about the action-RPG is starting to surface, and one of these is the official Final Fantasy 16 ESRB rating!
The (Entertainment Software Ratings Board) ESRB has given FF16 an “M17+” rating, and cited “partial nudity” and “sexual themes” as the causes alongside blood and gore, and violence. Check out the full rating summary below:
Rating Summary
This is an action role-playing game in which players assume the role of an enslaved prince (Clive) on a quest to find his missing brother. From a third-person perspective, players explore a fantasy kingdom, complete various quests, and engage in battles against enemy soldiers and fantastical creatures (e.g., trolls, orcs). Players use swords and magical attacks (e.g., fireballs, lighting strikes) to kill characters in melee-style combat. During fighting sequences, players can perform cinematic attacks/finishing moves by following on-screen prompts. Battles are fast paced, accompanied by impact sounds, cries of pain, and large explosions. Blood-splatter effects frequently occur when characters are slashed and killed. 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.
While violence, blood and gore are to be expected, I wasn’t expecting partial nudity and the like to be part of the game. Given the franchise’s history, don’t expect anything over the top when it comes to sexual stuff.
Final Fantasy 16 will launch as a timed exclusive for PS5 and PC this June 22, 2023.
Source: ESRB
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