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Shadow of the Colossus (2018)

Review · Action · PlayStation 4

Shadow of the Colossus (2018)

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

PlayStation 4

SCE Japan Studio · 2018

Ludograph rating

A

Recommended

69 /100

Automated review

Shadow of the Colossus is an action-adventure game where players develop problem solving and spatial awareness by defeating giant creatures.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 53 · R 0
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

53

Risk (RIS)

0

Daily limit

120min

Age guidance

13+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.74
B2Social-emotional
0.10
B3Motor
0.65

Shadow of the Colossus offers a unique and profound experience focused on problem-solving, strategic thinking, and spatial awareness as players figure out how to defeat each towering colossus. The game encourages determination and skill development through its challenging and distinct boss battles.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.00
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.00

The game's solitary nature and often challenging gameplay might lead to feelings of isolation or frustration for some players. The ethical implications of the protagonist's actions, though part of the narrative, could be a point of discussion.

Content (not in risk score)

R4.1Violence Level
0.67
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 — 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.

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

Parents ask…

Is Shadow of the Colossus (2018) safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Shadow of the Colossus (2018) a rating of 69/100, recommended for ages 13 and up. It scores well on developmental benefits with manageable risks.

What age is Shadow of the Colossus (2018) appropriate for?

Ludograph's rubric recommends a minimum age of 13+ for Shadow of the Colossus (2018), based on benefits, risks, and content review.

How long should kids play Shadow of the Colossus (2018)?

Our session recommendation for Shadow of the Colossus (2018) 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 Shadow of the Colossus (2018)?

The game's solitary nature and often challenging gameplay might lead to feelings of isolation or frustration for some players. The ethical implications of the protagonist's actions, though part of the narrative, could be a point of discussion.