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Metal Gear Solid

Review · Action · PC · Game Boy Color · PlayStation

Metal Gear Solid

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PC · Game Boy Color · PlayStation · PlayStation 3

Konami Computer Entertainment Japan · 1998

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

77 /100

Metal Gear Solid is a stealth-action game that develops problem solving and strategic thinking, but contains significant violence and strong language.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 63 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

63

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.84
B2Social-emotional
0.20
B3Motor
0.75

Metal Gear Solid offers a deeply engaging stealth-action experience that demands strategic thinking, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. Its cinematic storytelling and complex narrative provide a rich cognitive challenge, while precise motor controls are essential for success. The game encourages players to think critically about their approach to combat and exploration.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The primary risks in Metal Gear Solid stem from its mature content, including significant violence and strong language, consistent with its M-rating. While the game features no manipulative design mechanics or monetization pressures, its intense narrative and stealth gameplay can be highly immersive, potentially leading to extended play sessions for some individuals.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.00
R4.5Fear / Horror
0.67

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 Metal Gear Solid safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Metal Gear Solid a rating of 77/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is Metal Gear Solid appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for Metal Gear Solid, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Metal Gear Solid?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Metal Gear Solid: 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 Metal Gear Solid?

The primary risks in Metal Gear Solid stem from its mature content, including significant violence and strong language, consistent with its M-rating. While the game features no manipulative design mechanics or monetization pressures, its intense narrative and stealth gameplay can be highly immersive, potentially leading to extended play sessions for some individuals.