Steins;Gate Rated as M (Mature) by ESRB

International visual novel publisher JAST USA announced a number of visual novel acquisitions this year, with one of the most notable ones being 5pb / Nitroplus’ science adventure title Steins;Gate on the PC. Unlike most of their titles, this one contains no eroge content and is what some would otherwise call an ‘all ages’ title.

But to be more specific, according to the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in the US, the upcoming visual novel has been classified as M for Mature – with the content descriptors ‘Blood’, ‘Language’, ‘Partial Nudity’, ‘Sexual Themes’ and ‘Violence’ associated with it. A more precise analysis of the title is available below:

This is an adventure game in which players follow a narrative involving a time-traveling character. As the storyline unfolds, players make choices that affect the direction of the game’s dialogue and action. Some still-frame cutscenes depict acts of violence: a woman shot in the head; a character stabbed in the chest; a person strangled. Blood stains are depicted on characters’ bodies and clothing. The game contains sexual material in the dialogue and as part of the central character’s inner monologue (e.g., “You can rape her, and then just undo it with the Time Leap Machine,” ‘[S]he’s a flat-chested girl, but still a girl nonetheless,” and “why not taste the same girl’s virginity over and over again.”). In one sequence, two female characters are depicted inside a shower stall covering their breasts and pelvic area; one character’s buttocks is exposed. The words “sh*t” and “p*ssy” appear in the dialogue.

JAST USA have not confirmed a formal release date for their title outside of late-2013 / early-2014, but the anime adaptation has already been released in each North America, Australia / New Zealand and other PAL regions if you cannot wait to dive into what has turned out to be a rather enjoyable installment in the currently 3-part science adventure series.