Elegy for a Dead World offers inspiration for writing but isn’t much of a game (review)

I have no doubt that Elegy for a Dead World (available Dec. 10 on Steam for Windows PCs) will spark further debate over what constitutes a video game. This release from Dejobann Games (previously known for the obnoxiously titled AaaaaAAaaaAAAaaAAAAaAAAAA!!! — A Reckless Disregard for Gravity), starts with an impressive concept: “In Elegy for a Dead World, you travel to distant planets and create stories about the people who once lived there.” The planets themselves draw inspiration from British Romantic Era poets (Shelley, Byron, and Keats) and feature distinct backgrounds and settings.

These tales don’t arise from emergent gameplay, however. In Elegy, you actually create these stories using a plethora of premade writing prompts (think a serious version of MadLibs where you fill in key parts of an existing work). These provide you with different approaches toward creating your narratives such as letters to acquaintances, poetry, historical accounts, or even a blank slate where you have to supply all of the words on your own.