The newly released Remastered edition of Final Fantasy VIII has been subjected to slight censorship, despite the game originally being released in America uncensored.
The first change to be brought to widespread attention was a change to the model for the Guardian Force summon Siren. In the original release, Siren appeared almost completely nude save for a small patch of feathers covering her genitalia, a look inspired by her namesakes from the original Greek myth of Odysseus. In the remastered edition, the wings growing from her hips now wrap around and completely cover her entire pelvis:
Curiously, another Guardian Force, Shiva, bears a similarly ‘risque’ appearance to Siren, but has not been censored in the Remastered:edition. The reason for this disparity in censorship is currently unknown. (Related: Final Fantasy VII Remake Director Confirms Tifa’s Chest Was “Tightened” Because of Ethics Department at Square Enix)
The second most discussed change has been to the model for the main character Rinoa Heartilly. Some fans have noted that it appears as if Rinoa’s model has had her cleavage covered up in comparison to the original release. (Related: Square Enix Explains Purpose of Ethics Department After They “Tightened” Tifa’s Bust Size in Final Fantasy VII Remake)
However, some fans have speculated that the difference in Rinoa’s model is merely due to the updated graphics rather than overt censorship. As of writing, whether Rinoa was intentionally censored or not remains unconfirmed.
It is possible that these changes were ordered by the Square-Enix ethics department, who previously informed Final Fantasy 7: Remake director Testuya Nomura that alterations would need to be made to Tifa Lockheart’s bust size and the famous Honey Bee Inn scene before the game’s release.