Dark Souls II, the anticipated sequel to the incredibly difficult Dark Souls, has been rated by the ESRB.
In a move that’s surprising to some, the game has been given a “T” for Teen rating. The ESRB cites blood and gore, mild language, partial nudity, and violence as the reasons for the rating. For comparison’s sake, Dark Souls was rated “M” for Mature due to blood and gore, partial nudity, and violence.
The extended rating summary for Dark Souls II hints that the game’s blood has been toned down severely, which would help to explain the game’s Teen rating. Dark Souls featured “large splashes of blood,” decapitation, bodies impaled on spikes, and dismemberment. None of these were hinted at in the sequel’s description. The lack of an exposed buttock could also account for the difference in ratings.
Dark Souls II, developed by From Software and published by Bandai Namco, will release for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on March 11th with a PC release to follow shortly afterwards.
Source: ESRB
