Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows
LumiScore
out of 100
Appropriate for most ages with parental supervision
Heads up
Score breakdown
Developmental benefits
Design risk factors
Additional dimensions
Benefits: higher is better. Risks: lower is better. Values highlighted when <30 or >70.
Growth
49/100
Growth Value
Risk
LOW
Engagement Patterns
Minimal pressure to spend or play excessively.
Parent Pro-Tip
This game is excellent for developing cognitive skills and persistence in children who enjoy challenging platforming experiences. Be aware of the fantasy violence and encourage breaks during longer play sessions.
Top Skills Developed
Development Areas
RepresentationHow diverse the game's characters are in gender and ethnicity. Higher = more authentic representation. Display only — does not affect time recommendation.
Bechdel Test?The Bechdel Test checks whether a game has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. A simple measure of representation.— Passes the test
Female characters Mona and Enchantress have conversations with each other or about topics other than male characters.
What your child develops
Shovel Knight: Plague of Shadows is a highly engaging 2D platformer that significantly challenges cognitive skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and hand-eye coordination. Its demanding gameplay fosters critical thinking and memory retention as players learn and adapt to complex level designs and enemy patterns. The game encourages persistence and emotional regulation in the face of difficulty.
Regulatory Compliance
Tap a badge for details. Grey = not yet assessed.