Final Fantasy series has rarely been rated as Mature M17+, especially the mainline games, but Final Fantasy XVI might change that with its release.
ESRB has shared the rating for Final Fantasy XVI revealing some of the content that is featured in the game. They list Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Strong Language, and Violence as the main reason for this rating. This has never been the case in any of the mainline games in the series proving that this is the darkest Final Fantasy so far.
While it is true that some of the spin-offs like Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin and Final Fantasy Type-0 HD were previously rated as Mature M17+, these games were not mainline entries. In the case of Final Fantasy Type-0 HD, it was just some specific scenes that featured blood and violence.
If you want to read more about the mature content that is featured in Final Fantasy XVI as rated by ESRB, see below.
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.
The game is currently confirmed for the PS5. It will be a timed exclusive for six months based on the promotional message seen during the official trailer, and it is possible that the PC version will follow the PC release.
Earlier this month, the official release date of the game was confirmed. It is arriving on June 23, 2023. The game is being produced by Naoki Yoshida who worked on Final Fantasy XIV and will be directed by Hiroshi Taka who has previously worked on games like The Last Remnant.
Final Fantasy XVI takes place in the world of Valisthea, which is divided into six nations. Tensions rise as a disease known as the Blight spreads over the land. Clive Rosfield, the protector of his younger brother Joshua, watches the destruction of his country and embarks on a vengeance journey.
