Review · RPG · PC · macOS · Android
Shadowrun Returns
Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026
PC · macOS · Android · Linux · iOS
Harebrained Schemes · 2013
Ludograph rating
A
Recommended
68 /100
Shadowrun Returns is a tactical RPG that develops problem solving, strategic thinking, and critical thinking through its crime-solving narrative, with some violence and language.
Growth (BDS)
51
Risk (RIS)
0
Daily limit
–
Age guidance
17+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.84 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.23 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.10 | |
Shadowrun Returns is a tactical RPG that offers deep strategic combat and an engaging crime-solving narrative. Players develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills through investigation and turn-based battles, while also enhancing reading comprehension through its rich story. The character creation and progression systems provide a sense of agency and learning transfer.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.00 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.00 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.00 | |
The game contains moderate violence, some language, and references to substances, consistent with its cyberpunk setting and crime-solving theme. While not rated by ESRB, parents should be aware of these mature content elements. There are no significant compulsion-loop design, monetization, or social risks due to its single-player, one-time purchase model.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 1.00 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.00 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.33 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.33 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 0.67 | |
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.