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Powers in the Basement

Review · Adventure · Linux · macOS · PC

Powers in the Basement

Reviewed: 17 May 2026

Linux · macOS · PC

IlliterateCodeGames · 2022

Ludograph rating

B

Good

58 /100

Automated review
06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 41 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

41

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

120min

Age guidance

7+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.74
B2Social-emotional
0.07
B3Motor
0.10

Powers in the Basement is a classic point-and-click adventure that excels in cognitive development, particularly problem-solving, strategic thinking, critical thinking, memory, and reading comprehension. Its witty humor and challenging puzzles offer a rewarding intellectual experience for players who enjoy deep engagement with logical challenges. The game's clean humor and child-friendly content make it suitable for a broad audience.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

This game presents minimal risks. It is a single-player experience with no online interactions, monetization pressures, or manipulative design mechanics. Content risks are very low, with only mild, humorous suspense. The primary 'risk' is the challenge of its puzzles, which may require patience but are designed to be fair.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
0.00
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 Powers in the Basement safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Powers in the Basement a rating of 58/100, recommended for ages 7 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Powers in the Basement appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 7+ for Powers in the Basement, based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Powers in the Basement?

Our session recommendation for Powers in the Basement 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 Powers in the Basement?

This game presents minimal risks. It is a single-player experience with no online interactions, monetization pressures, or manipulative design mechanics. Content risks are very low, with only mild, humorous suspense. The primary 'risk' is the challenge of its puzzles, which may require patience but are designed to be fair.