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Close To The Sun

Review · Action · PlayStation 4 · PC · Nintendo Switch

Close To The Sun

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PlayStation 4 · PC · Nintendo Switch · Xbox One

Storm in a Teacup · 2019

Ludograph rating

C

Mixed

46 /100

Close To The Sun is an action adventure game that builds reading and problem solving through its narrative, but contains significant violence and horror themes.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 30 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

30

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.46
B2Social-emotional
0.07
B3Motor
0.25

Close To The Sun offers a rich narrative experience that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving as players uncover the mysteries of the Helios. Its atmospheric design and focus on exploration can enhance spatial awareness and attention to detail. The game's emphasis on reading and understanding environmental clues also strengthens reading comprehension.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The primary risks in Close To The Sun stem from its mature content, including significant violence, strong language, and a pervasive sense of fear and horror. These elements may be disturbing for younger players. While the game does not feature manipulative monetization or social pressures, its intense atmosphere and dark themes require a discerning audience.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
1.00
R4.4Substance References
0.33
R4.5Fear / Horror
1.00

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

Regulatory design checks · DSAAssessed: meets criteria·GDPR-KAssessed: meets criteria·ODDSAssessed: 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.

Parents ask…

Is Close To The Sun safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Close To The Sun a rating of 46/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It delivers genuine benefits but carries design risks that deserve a close look.

What age is Close To The Sun appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Close To The Sun, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Close To The Sun?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Close To The Sun: its design-risk score sits in our highest band, where limiting time alone doesn't address the risks. For children we suggest choosing an alternative instead.

What are the main risks of Close To The Sun?

The primary risks in Close To The Sun stem from its mature content, including significant violence, strong language, and a pervasive sense of fear and horror. These elements may be disturbing for younger players. While the game does not feature manipulative monetization or social pressures, its intense atmosphere and dark themes require a discerning audience.