Review · Action · PlayStation 3 · Xbox 360 · PC
Shank
Reviewed: 29 Apr 2026
PlayStation 3 · Xbox 360 · PC · Linux · macOS
Klei Entertainment · 2010
Ludograph rating
B
Good
58 /100
Shank is an action-adventure game that enhances hand-eye coordination and reaction time, but features graphic violence and mature themes for older teens.
Growth (BDS)
41
Risk (RIS)
0
Daily limit
–
Age guidance
17+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.40 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.27 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.65 | |
Shank offers engaging action gameplay that can enhance hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and strategic thinking through its combo-based combat system. The cooperative mode provides an opportunity for teamwork, while the adaptive challenge of mastering combat mechanics can foster learning transfer.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.00 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.00 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.00 | |
The game features graphic violence and mature sexual themes, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. However, it presents very low risks regarding compulsion-loop design, monetization pressures, and social risks due to its one-time purchase model and lack of online social features.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 1.00 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.67 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.67 | |
| R4.4 | Substance References | 0.00 | |
| R4.5 | Fear / Horror | 0.00 | |
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.