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Metroid: Samus Returns

Review · Action · Nintendo 3DS

Metroid: Samus Returns

Reviewed: 14 May 2026

Nintendo 3DS

Nintendo · 2017

Ludograph rating

C

Mixed

54 /100

Automated review

Metroid: Samus Returns is an action platformer that strengthens problem solving and spatial awareness while navigating complex environments.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 41 · R 19
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

41

Risk (RIS)

19

Daily limit

90min

Age guidance

13+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.64
B2Social-emotional
0.00
B3Motor
0.70

Metroid: Samus Returns offers significant cognitive benefits, particularly in problem-solving, spatial awareness, strategic thinking, and reaction time, as players navigate complex alien environments and engage in intense combat. The game also promotes learning transfer through its introduction of new abilities and mechanics, challenging players to adapt and master new skills.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.03
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game presents minimal risks. There are no manipulative compulsion loops, monetization pressures, or social risks due to its single-player nature. Content risks are low, primarily involving fantasy violence suitable for its E10+ rating.

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.

ReviewedMay 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is Metroid: Samus Returns safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Metroid: Samus Returns a rating of 54/100, recommended for ages 13 and up. It delivers genuine benefits but carries design risks that deserve a close look.

What age is Metroid: Samus Returns appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 13+ for Metroid: Samus Returns, based on benefits, risks, and content review. That is stricter than ESRB E10+, because our assessment weighs behavioral design risks, not just content.

How long should kids play Metroid: Samus Returns?

Our session recommendation for Metroid: Samus Returns is up to 90 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 Metroid: Samus Returns?

The game presents minimal risks. There are no manipulative compulsion loops, monetization pressures, or social risks due to its single-player nature. Content risks are low, primarily involving fantasy violence suitable for its E10+ rating.