I've noticed ESRB ratings are out of place, I have a list of games and proof on how ridiculous it has gotten.
First up, Metroid, Prime and Fusion released on the same day. Their first release was in NA on Nov 17, 2002. Prime is rated T and Fusion is rated E. They got their ratings due to violence. VIOLENCE. What else? Tomb Raider Legend (GBA) is E10+(Violence). The DS version, which I presume is the same thing but different graphics, is rated T with MILD violence.
The Bayonetta series should have a rating of A considering everything that happens during this game...
Smash Bros. Meele is rated T (Comic Mischief, Mild Violence) Smash 4 is rated E10+ (Cartoon Violence, Comic Mischief, Mild Suggestive Themes) These ratings should be switched. But, I guess it does show how our "shield" has weakened.
Best thing, I am unable to buy rated M games, (Only a couple years short no problem) I was with a legal adult, i.e. my dad, and I showed him two games I wanted to get for my Vita. Corpse Party Blood Drive (rated M for Blood, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence) and Mortal Kombat (Rated M for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language) I got Mortal Kombat, but NOT Corpse Party, reason? Partial Nudity. Now my Dad read the ratings and he understands them to a T. They have these things in common, Blood, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, and Violence. I have a bunch of games with suggestive themes, that they have GIVEN me or ALLOWED me to buy. So no difference if I were to get it or not.
I go to a local game store and it doesn't matter the rating I can buy the game. I've bought Metal Gear Solid games from the store and the owner never bat an eyelash, he was like, "These games are rated M, you sure you won't be in any trouble?" I responded with "It's totally fine.". Now there are some games that deserve the ratings they hold, like GTA and Mario. But I feel like they should have their grading scale be "weak" on some games and strict on others.