Review · Action · Wii U · PlayStation 3 · PlayStation 4
Shovel Knight
Reviewed: 29 Apr 2026
Wii U · PlayStation 3 · PlayStation 4 · PS Vita · Linux · Xbox One · Nintendo Switch · Nintendo 3DS · PC · macOS
8-4 · 2014
Ludograph rating
B
Good
67 /100
Shovel Knight is an adventure platformer that builds hand-eye coordination and problem solving through engaging challenges and strategic combat.
Growth (BDS)
50
Risk (RIS)
0
Daily limit
120min
Age guidance
7+
Developmental benefits
| B1 | Cognitive | 0.50 | |
| B2 | Social-emotional | 0.47 | |
| B3 | Motor | 0.55 | |
Shovel Knight offers engaging platforming challenges, strategic combat, and a charming 8-bit aesthetic that fosters problem-solving, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination. Its cooperative mode encourages teamwork, and the 'Body Swap' feature promotes inclusivity. The game provides a rich, replayable experience with multiple campaigns and challenge modes.
Design risks
| R1 | Compulsion-loop pressure | 0.00 | |
| R2 | Monetization | 0.00 | |
| R3 | Social risk | 0.00 | |
Shovel Knight presents minimal risks. Its combat involves slashing foes, but the 8-bit art style and ESRB E rating keep violence mild. There are no manipulative monetization schemes, social pressures, or compulsion-forming design mechanics like variable rewards or FOMO events.
Content (not in risk score)
| R4.1 | Violence Level | 0.33 | |
| R4.2 | Sexual Content | 0.00 | |
| R4.3 | Language | 0.00 | |
| 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.