8 Strangest Examples Of Censorship In Video Games
3. Drakengard
Drakengard, probably the most obscure entry in this list, was released in 2003 in Japan just after Square and Enix merged to become the Square Enix that we all know and love today. It is notable for spawning two direct sequels, as well as two spin-offs; Nier and Nier: Automata.
Whilst the main series did not garner either critical acclaim or commercial success in the West, it has a strong cult following in Japan. Some of this might have to do with more darker, sensitive topics in the game being completely edited it out for the Western release.
As well as heavily altering a specific mission in which you just straight up massacre some child soldiers and the removal of several references to pedophilia, one specific plot line was entirely removed from the Western release altogether.
In the Japanese version, it is heavily implied that the protagonist's sister has some unrequited romantic feelings toward her brother. After revealing this to him, she kills herself when he reacts with disgust.
As this isn't referenced in the Western release, her suicide is instead completely random and lacks any context or motivation. There's no official reason why this was edited out of the Western release, but considering the game was rated 16+ with the edits it's no stretch to assume it was to avoid an AO rating.