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9 Years of Shadows

Review · Action · PC · Xbox Series S/X · Xbox One

9 Years of Shadows

Reviewed: 09 May 2026

PC · Xbox Series S/X · Xbox One · PlayStation 5 · PlayStation 4 · Nintendo Switch

Halberd Studios · 2023

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

80 /100

Automated review

9 Years of Shadows is an action-adventure game that develops spatial awareness and memory through exploration and puzzle-solving.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 67 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

67

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

120min

Age guidance

13+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.76
B2Social-emotional
0.47
B3Motor
0.75

9 Years of Shadows offers a rich metroidvania experience that significantly develops cognitive skills such as problem-solving, spatial awareness, memory, and strategic thinking through its intricate world design and combat. The emotionally-driven narrative promotes empathy, emotional regulation, and positive social themes of friendship and mutual reliance.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

This game presents minimal risks. Content risks are low, with moderate fantasy violence and mild atmospheric fear suitable for its genre. Crucially, it avoids manipulative compulsion-loop mechanics, aggressive monetization, and social risks, making it a safe and engaging experience.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
0.67
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.00
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.33

Content risk is displayed separately and does not affect the time recommendation.

Regulatory design checks · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Assessed: meets criteria·ODDS — Assessed: meets criteria

  • DSA:What Ludograph checks: whether the game's design gives minors the transparency the EU Digital Services Act expects: plain terms, honest defaults, and clear reporting routes.: Estimated from review data. No dark pattern or child-targeting concerns found.
  • GDPR-K:What Ludograph checks: whether age assurance and consent flows are designed for under-16s, in the spirit of GDPR Article 8.: Estimated from review data. No privacy or child-targeting concerns found.
  • ODDS:What Ludograph checks: whether paid random-reward drop rates are disclosed, as required in China, Japan and South Korea.: Estimated from review data. No paid random-reward mechanics found, so drop-rate disclosure requirements do not apply.

These reflect Ludograph's assessment of the game's design practices against each framework's criteria, not a legal compliance determination.

Avg playtime~2 hReviewedMay 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is 9 Years of Shadows safe for kids?

Ludograph gives 9 Years of Shadows a rating of 80/100, recommended for ages 13 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is 9 Years of Shadows appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 13+ for 9 Years of Shadows, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play 9 Years of Shadows?

Our session recommendation for 9 Years of Shadows is up to 120 minutes per day. It is derived from the game's own structure (natural stopping points, compulsion-loop design, monetization pressure, and social dynamics), not from a universal screen-time dose.

Session recommendations are design-based heuristics. Evidence linking specific daily durations to child outcomes is limited, and context matters as much as time; treat this as a starting point for household rules, not a clinical threshold.

What are the main risks of 9 Years of Shadows?

This game presents minimal risks. Content risks are low, with moderate fantasy violence and mild atmospheric fear suitable for its genre. Crucially, it avoids manipulative compulsion-loop mechanics, aggressive monetization, and social risks, making it a safe and engaging experience.