No idea how this game eluded an M rating.

[Vornin]

With the subject matter often returning to Murder, Rap E (Steam censoring :/), Prostitution, Subjugation, Poverty, & Slavery it's a wonder that it got through the ESRB with the rating that it did. I wonder if they didn't read the quests. Though it's not only the quests, but the cutscenes as well that depict some of these things. You'd have no idea you were playing a Final Fantasy game if it didn't have the iconic appearances.

I've got to admit it's pretty refreshing to get a more "Adult" oriented Final Fantasy game. Some really uncomfortable themes crop up and most of the time in a way that lends credence to the world, organizations, and people of Hydaelyn rather than them being there for just shock value or to act "mature".

[Asphe]

Yeah, FFXI was positively benign, almost kindergarden. But not always, you could always read between the lines you know.

Still, have you seen the side-quests? Install the JPN client and read it in the original japanese (enjoy the puns too) or just switch to japanese audio... sometimes I cringe at what the localisation teams have done, other times... just gems.

-----

In FFXIV:

"crotchrot and that's the one that did it" - cue neighbouring NPC cats /pose and /chuckle. Narrating NPC bends over and grimaces...

Or the perverts spying on some mithra bathers...why is the last one tagged "Fatigued"...

So yes, I guess FFXIV is more 'open', but children's shows like Spongebob are far, far worse.

... and have you just kinda stopped and observed some of the NPCs? (You obviously have, judging by your comments above!)

-----

Hey, it has 'The End of the World' in this game. MULTIPLE TIMES. What's a little adult content...?

Meow!
Naughty but not Bad.

[LeonhartGR]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGNNzBtVtBo&list=UUPmJ6bg1QDxYfu6r5q6Wclw :D :D

[Kaine Payne]

@ Leonhart, that was ok... but have you seen the video of an FC called spiritbondage.

Its also posted here on steam in the community forums.

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=236883457

have a look. the ending is way more...mature. Around 3:25...hell the entire 1:50 - 3:40 is all...M rating.

[Vornin]

Not sure why you guys are linking that stuff. ESRB doesn't rate possible online interactions. I was speaking to the content that the game presents. Of course there are lifeless creeps on the internet and playing the game.

[Nico Yazawa]

Nobody cares about the ESRB.

[Vornin]

Originally posted by Flandre Scarlet:

Nobody cares about the ESRB.

While that's a cute thing to say when you're trying to sound like an edgy teen the reality is that most retail outlets won't stock a game without an ESRB rating. So.. just about everyone cares.

[Nico Yazawa]

Originally posted by Kh Addiction:

Originally posted by Flandre Scarlet:

Nobody cares about the ESRB.

While that's a cute thing to say when you're trying to sound like an edgy teen the reality is that most retail outlets won't stock a game without an ESRB rating. So.. just about everyone cares.

Honestly, when have people gave a ♥♥♥♥ about the rating? CoD is M, it's populated by KIDS.

[Vornin]

Originally posted by Flandre Scarlet:

Originally posted by Kh Addiction:

While that's a cute thing to say when you're trying to sound like an edgy teen the reality is that most retail outlets won't stock a game without an ESRB rating. So.. just about everyone cares.

Honestly, when have people gave a ♥♥♥♥ about the rating? CoD is M, it's populated by KIDS.

Well my post was more of a commentary on the direction they went with this title in terms of how adult oriented and mature some of the themes are. The ESRB thing was an intentionally sensastionalist title and was being half-used as a joke to lead into my point. Either you didn't read the post or it went over your head. Probably the latter.

[Nico Yazawa]

Originally posted by Kh Addiction:

Originally posted by Flandre Scarlet:

Honestly, when have people gave a ♥♥♥♥ about the rating? CoD is M, it's populated by KIDS.

Well my post was more of a commentary on the direction they went with this title in terms of how adult oriented and mature some of the themes are. The ESRB thing was an intentionally sensastionalist title and was being half-used as a joke to lead into my point. Either you didn't read the post or it went over your head. Probably the latter.

Whatever helps you sleep at night, kid.

[Vornin]

Originally posted by Flandre Scarlet:

Originally posted by Kh Addiction:

Well my post was more of a commentary on the direction they went with this title in terms of how adult oriented and mature some of the themes are. The ESRB thing was an intentionally sensastionalist title and was being half-used as a joke to lead into my point. Either you didn't read the post or it went over your head. Probably the latter.

Whatever helps you sleep at night, kid.

Now you're making me laugh. So defensive.

[Freyar]

I've been surprised a little bit about the content in XIV as well. Despite it's T-rating, I tend to find it hard to suggest it as appropriate for younger players. While it isn't visually "violent" or sexually charged (outside of possibly skimpy Miqo'te outfits?), the subject matter itself can get dark in more ways than one.

I don't remember the same level of this kind of subjects in Version 1, but then again it could just be that I was bored out of my mind at the time.

[Silvus Sol]

Quite a few FF games have skirted the line. Heck, remember in FFVII when you had to rescue Tifa from what was essentially a brothel. Sure there is a bit more of it in FFXIV, but then again, it is a large open world populated by characters who very well might end up dead the next day. So more "adult" stuff seems to fit. Like the OP I find it refreshing to see a more "realistic" portayal of various societies.

That said, it is still toned down enough where I don't see it being a problem for kids. It's no worse than your average PG13 movie anyways. And believe me, I have no problem at all admitting when a game is NOT for children in any way shape or form *cough GTA V cough*.

As for the guy critiquing the ESRB system. It's not the systems fault that irresponsible parents do stupid stuff. If some ignorant soccer mom buys an M title for her kid then that is on her, as much as I'm sure that she would like to blame... well... anyone else, for her f***up once she realizes what is actually in the game. The system is fine and works when people don't choose to ignore it.

[LeonhartGR]

I find all those videos way creative! :)

[The Combat Medic]

Games do this all the time. Earthbound has some pretty dark themes near the end of the game but it's still rated E.

[S1mei]

Exactly.