Naruto Storm 3 Rated T For Teen By ESRB

Due for release early next month, the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) has finally given Namco Bandai Games and CyberConnect2's upcoming Naruto fighting game, Naruto Storm 3, a rating—tagging it a T for Teen in North America. 

The ESRB is responsible for determining the age rating for games released in retail, which brick and mortar retailers largely abide by on a voluntary basis. Although the ratings are not enforced by law, they exist as a self-enforced industry standard and also serve as a purchasing guide for parents. 

Here's what the ESRB has to say about Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3:

"This is an action-fighting game in which players engage in one-on-one battles against characters from the Naruto Shippuden franchise. Characters punch, kick, and use special moves (e.g., fireballs, swords, throwing weapons) to drain opponents’ life meters. Small blood-splatter effects occur when characters strike opponents with bladed weapons. One scene depicts a character slashing at a non-adversary and an enemy during a standoff; another cutscenes depicts two characters impaled on a creature’s claw—blood appears on the claw as well as the characters’ mouths."

It appears that the game isn't entirely blood-free as the anime usually is. The "blood splatter", notes Saiyanisland, could simply be referencing Hanzo's ultimate jutsu rather than an something you'd expect from Mortal Kombat. 

Naruto Storm 3 is the fourth entry in the fighting game series and it's set for release on both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on March 5 in North America. Europe and Australia will get it a few days later on March 8.