Rather unexpectedly, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board has seen fit to slap the newest game in the Ace Attorney series, Pheonix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies, with a Mature rating.
A Capcom representative confirmed the rating with Joystiq: "Due to the nature of the various crimes and storylines in this latest title in the series, ESRB deemed the title an M," the spokesperson said.
The ESRB didn't get into specifics for the rating, but has reportedly flagged the title with "Blood, Violence, Suggestive Themes, Language" as the reason for the rating.
Here's the odd thing. All previous Ace Attorney titles feature the exact same thing that Dual Destinies is flagged for - blood, language, suggestive themes, etc., all according to the ESRB. From the original game to Apollo Justice, and every one in between, all only had Teen ratings. So what is it about Dual Destinies that makes it different?
Typically, the Ace Attorney series is light-hearted, particularly with regard to the crimes taking place within the games. While it's nothing to downplay, about the worst the series has to offer as far as crimes go is murder. Players can hear and see far worse and real crimes just from watching or listening to the news on the television and/or radio.
Going by the ratings guide descriptions on the ESRB's website, it seems that the biggest separation between the Teen and Mature ratings are sexual content and/or a more common usage of strong language, both of which are highly irregular for both Nintendo and the Ace Attorney series.
Is this a sign that the Ace Attorney series is growing up? In all liklihood, probably not. But the ESRB could be cracking down for one reason or another.
Dual Destinies is yet to show up on the ESRB's site, and the organization has not yet clarified specific reasons for the game's rating. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies is due out in Japan on the 3DS later this month. It will be available in the U.S. as a digital download in the fall.
