Why was the original Metal Gear Solid rated M?

[dementia]

All I can think of what could differentiate it from a T-rated game is the smoking. Is that why?

I mean there is no overly foul language, the only nudity is that guard's ass (which is blurred out no less), and all the blood looks like dust.

[BugenhagenXIII]

I think in general it was just a violent game. Not as much as GTA, or other such games, but still enough to warrant an "M" rating.

[Karavi]

Mainly for violence. It wasn't just for the 'smoking', though, when smoking is involved (along with having to be 18 in order to buy cigarettes) it probably boosted the reason to make it rated M.

Another problem I'm sure that's associated with it are the sexual innuendos. Solid Snake, baby. ;)

[dementia]

lol, yeah...