Compare this game
Risen

Review · Action · Xbox 360 · PC

Risen

Reviewed: 01 May 2026

Xbox 360 · PC

Piranha Bytes · 2009

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

73 /100

Risen is a single-player RPG that builds problem solving and strategic thinking through its combat and narrative, but contains mature themes and violence.

06010030BenefitLow riskB 58 · R 2
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

58

Risk (RIS)

2

Daily limit

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.80
B2Social-emotional
0.33
B3Motor
0.40

Risen is a classic single-player RPG that offers deep cognitive engagement through its elaborate development system, strategic combat, and choice-driven narrative. Players will hone problem-solving, critical thinking, and learning transfer skills as they navigate a complex world, make ethical decisions, and customize their character's abilities. The game provides a rich role-playing experience with multiple ways to approach challenges.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.03
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

As an M-rated title, Risen contains moderate levels of violence, some language, and potentially mature themes. While it avoids modern manipulative design mechanics and monetization pressures, parents should be aware of the content rating. The single-player nature means there are no social risks associated with online interaction.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
1.00
R4.2Sexual Content
0.33
R4.3Language
0.67
R4.4Substance References
0.33
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 Risen safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Risen a rating of 73/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is Risen appropriate for?

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

How long should kids play Risen?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Risen: 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 Risen?

As an M-rated title, Risen contains moderate levels of violence, some language, and potentially mature themes. While it avoids modern manipulative design mechanics and monetization pressures, parents should be aware of the content rating. The single-player nature means there are no social risks associated with online interaction.