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N.O.V.A.

Review · Action · Android · PlayStation 3 · iOS

N.O.V.A.

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

Android · PlayStation 3 · iOS · PSP

Gameloft · 2009

Ludograph rating

C

Mixed

54 /100

Automated review

N.O.V.A. is an action shooter that enhances spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and reaction time for older teens, but has online competitive risks.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 38 · R 8
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

38

Risk (RIS)

8

Daily limit

–

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.44
B2Social-emotional
0.10
B3Motor
0.65

N.O.V.A. offers a fast-paced action shooter experience that can enhance hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and spatial awareness. Players engage in tactical combat, requiring problem-solving and strategic thinking to overcome challenges. The game's narrative and varied environments provide an immersive experience.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.33

The online Deathmatch mode, while optional, carries risks of competitive toxicity and social comparison due to worldwide leaderboards. While stranger chat is explicitly absent, the competitive environment can still impact emotional regulation. The game features frequent violence as a core mechanic, consistent with its shooter genre.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.00
R4.3Language
0.33
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 — Not yet assessed·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.
  • 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.

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

Parents ask…

Is N.O.V.A. safe for kids?

Ludograph gives N.O.V.A. a rating of 54/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It delivers genuine benefits but carries design risks that deserve a close look.

What age is N.O.V.A. appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 17+ for N.O.V.A., based on benefits, risks, and content review. That is stricter than ESRB T, because our assessment weighs behavioral design risks, not just content.

How long should kids play N.O.V.A.?

We don't publish a daily session budget for N.O.V.A.: 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 N.O.V.A.?

The online Deathmatch mode, while optional, carries risks of competitive toxicity and social comparison due to worldwide leaderboards. While stranger chat is explicitly absent, the competitive environment can still impact emotional regulation. The game features frequent violence as a core mechanic, consistent with its shooter genre.