Doris C. Rusch's Elude (2010) is a narrative-based video game that is known as a “deep game” that builds upon the human experience of depression. It is interactive and requires players to use keys to progress through levels. There are three levels; the ground level, the forest level, and the treetops level. These levels show the contrast in metaphorical representations of the emotional states of depression. There are visual and audio features that both mimic and transcend the solitude of the effects of nature. The game was developed using Adobe Flash, but is no longer supported by modern web browsers so it is archived through Ruffle.rs.
When the game begins, the player is given limited information about the overall objective of the game. The player is told to resonate with objects to obtain power-ups throughout the game. After the player chooses “start” there is a quote written by Chuck E. Falcon, “Remember, sadness is always temporary. This too, shall pass.” This clues players into the idea that the game may be raising awareness for depression rather than straightforward gameplay.
The color palette throughout Elude remains consistent with overall darker colors demonstrating the emotions displayed for the player to experience. There is a gray-blue color that is shown at the ground level, representing a sense of despair and hopelessness. As the player moves through the forest, the colors turn a dark shade of green, possibly representing the idea of growth and self-development. Lastly, the player reaches the treetops and the sky is a light blue color showing a feeling of serenity and fulfillment.
The game is intended to be used within a clinical context to allow people to gain an understanding of those who may be suffering from depression. Players are tasked with “achieving fulfillment” in the treetops and search for happiness. Through “deep games”, there is a contrast from “traditional gameplay” as the existential transformative game design models the human experience of emotions; the rise and fall of depression.
Gabby Struna wrote this entry for Dr. Melinda White’s Digital Literature (ENGL 693) course at the University of New Hampshire in the Spring semester of 2026.
