Fighting fans hoping to see Fatal Fury femme fatale Mai Shiranui added to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 ports of The King of Fighters XII are likely going to be disappointed.
The ESRB has weighed in on the console versions of SNK Playmore's newest 2D fighter, giving it a T-rating. That's par for the course for The King of Fighters. But what potentially rules out appearances from jiggly, cleavage-baring contenders like Mai and B. Jenet is the lack of "suggestive themes," the kind of themes that could potentially offend those flustered by the exposure of too much flesh.
The game description offered by the ESRB makes it more clear.
According to the ratings board, The King of Fighters XII is described like so: "This is a 2D arcade-style fighting game in which players compete in one-on-one combat with a large international cast of selectable characters. Players engage in hand-to-hand battles by mostly kicking, punching, and blocking their way to victory until the opposing player's life meter runs out. Players can also trigger special moves to cause larger amounts of damage to their opponents."
Sorry, kids. No "female fighters [that] wear clothing that exposes their posterior and cleavage" and no "bouncing breasts... depicted during battles" as seen in previous, racier entries.
Despite speculation that would indicate otherwise, you'll have to settle for the more buttoned-up Mature and Elisabeth Blanctorche, the two newly announced additions to KOF XII's lineup.
Looks like this is your final roster for now. Perhaps when The King of Fighters XII Ultimate Match is announced, you'll get the K' and Mai you were expecting.
The King of Fighters XII [ESRB]