Square Enix's forthcoming title, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, has received a pending Mature 17+ rating from the ESRB, a detail noted on the game's Xbox store page. This potential rating marks a departure from the Teen rating of its predecessor, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and could make Rebirth the first game in the Remake trilogy to earn a Mature classification. This would also position it as only the second mainline Final Fantasy title in the series history to receive such a rating.
The ESRB typically assigns a Mature rating to games that "may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language." Several elements within Final Fantasy VII Rebirth could contribute to this classification. The game is expected to feature more of the character Cid Highwind, known for his profanity. Furthermore, the intense battles against formidable weapon superbosses and the climactic confrontation with Sephiroth, enhanced by modern graphical fidelity, may be depicted with a level of detail and gore exceeding that of the original 1997 game.
However, it is the prospect of "sexual content" that has particularly captured the attention of fans. In the original Final Fantasy VII, a pivotal scene on the airship Highwind involves an intimate conversation between Cloud and Tifa. Tifa suggests that communication extends beyond words, after which the scene fades to black. The subsequent reappearance of the characters cuddled together as dawn breaks has long fueled fan interpretation regarding the consummation of their relationship. While it's plausible this was a platonic moment, many fans believe it implied a romantic encounter between the childhood friends.
Instances of implied or explicit sexual relationships between characters have appeared in previous Final Fantasy titles, most notably in Final Fantasy X. While a Mature rating for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth does not guarantee additional romantic scenes, the enhanced technological capabilities of the current generation of consoles could allow for a more explicit exploration of Cloud and Tifa's dynamic, should Square Enix choose to pursue it. The possibility also remains that the rating reflects heightened levels of violence and gore, but the hope among many fans is for a more defined portrayal of the Cloud and Tifa romance.