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Shin Megami Tensei IV

Review · RPG · Nintendo 3DS

Shin Megami Tensei IV

Reviewed: 30 Apr 2026

Nintendo 3DS

Atlus · 2013

Ludograph rating

B

Good

67 /100

Automated review

Shin Megami Tensei IV is an RPG that develops problem solving and strategic and critical thinking, but has mature themes and content.

06010030Benefit →Low risk →B 54 · R 10
The Ludograph reading, plotted from the published benefit and risk sub-scores.

Growth (BDS)

54

Risk (RIS)

10

Daily limit

–

Age guidance

17+

Developmental benefits

B1Cognitive
0.74
B2Social-emotional
0.40
B3Motor
0.25

Shin Megami Tensei IV offers a deep and engaging RPG experience that challenges players with complex moral choices and strategic combat. The narrative explores themes of law, chaos, and neutrality, encouraging critical thinking and ethical reasoning. Managing a party of demons requires careful planning and adaptation, fostering problem-solving and strategic thinking. The extensive dialogue and lore also enhance reading comprehension and immersion.

Design risks

R1Compulsion-loop pressure
0.17
R2Monetization
0.00
R3Social risk
0.11

The game's mature themes, including frequent violence, some sexual content, and mature language, may not be suitable for younger players. The darker atmosphere and occasional jump scares could be unsettling. While not designed for excessive play, the engaging story and challenging gameplay can lead to extended play sessions. Some players may feel a sense of obligation to see their chosen path through to the end.

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 · DSA — Assessed: meets criteria·GDPR-K — Not yet assessed·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.
  • 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.

Avg playtime~82 hReviewedApr 2026Report a data error →How scores are calculated →

Parents ask…

Is Shin Megami Tensei IV safe for kids?

Ludograph gives Shin Megami Tensei IV a rating of 67/100, recommended for ages 17 and up. It offers solid benefits but needs parental guidance on the risks.

What age is Shin Megami Tensei IV appropriate for?

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

How long should kids play Shin Megami Tensei IV?

We don't publish a daily session budget for Shin Megami Tensei IV: 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 Shin Megami Tensei IV?

The game's mature themes, including frequent violence, some sexual content, and mature language, may not be suitable for younger players. The darker atmosphere and occasional jump scares could be unsettling. While not designed for excessive play, the engaging story and challenging gameplay can lead to extended play sessions. Some players may feel a sense of obligation to see their chosen path thro