TEAM REVIEW: Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

In today’s world, where we’re often stuck behind our computer screens sending emails or managing endless forms, you’d hardly expect a game that involves staring at yet another screen within that screen, typing out addresses, or even nonsensical gibberish. Enter Dead Letter Dept., a baffling and eerie adventure that gets under your skin from the get-go. It brings back my own days at an accounting firm, tapping away monotonously on client data while a Spotify playlist helped me escape the grind.

Imagine diving into a first-person horror game where your primary task is typing out information from old, undelivered mail. These include anything from letters to newspaper clippings, and occasionally, alien languages that are indiscernible to anyone from Earth. The protagonist appears to be a regular individual, new to the city, sifting through a temporary data entry job while surrounded by the unsettling confines of a bleak apartment and stark, industrial hallways. It’s a setting that’s far from welcoming, yet, I somehow found a strange kind of comfort in the vintage computer designated for my tasks. That clunky old monitor had an odd familiar appeal!

The first day on the job in this virtual world is straightforward enough, yet something feels slightly amiss. Though my typing might not break any records, ranging from 67-69 words per minute with a decent accuracy, it’s amusing to flex some real-world skills in a horror environment. However, the narrative takes unsettling turns, revealing cryptic texts and spine-chilling visuals that suggest something more sinister at play. Suffice it to say, this haunting game keeps your nerves taut, punctuated with unexpected, yet cleverly-placed jump scares, setting it apart from typical horror fare.

With my critical eye trained on various media, I approached this game with some skepticism. Yet, Dead Letter Dept. shattered my expectations with its enigmatic story and immersive tension. It’s a chilling expedition that lingers in your mind long after your session ends. But don’t just take my word for it; experience it yourself and see what lurks beneath the surface!

Alex Southgate

When it comes to horror games, I usually seek out a partner to brave the unknowns. Enter Madeleine, my go-to for such eerie journeys. Contrary to my nature, she revels in the thrill, so I’m offering my perspective on this spooky typing simulator.

Dead Letter Dept. embodies psychological horror beautifully. It’s not centered on jump scares—though don’t worry, they’ll have you leaping out of your skin at times—but rather on a lingering sensation of being observed. As you type away, a creepy sensation settles in, challenging the bounds of fear and discomfort.

You begin by meticulously typing out unreadable mail bits and pieces, soon realizing these aren’t just fragmented texts but ominous messages possibly meant for you. Without divulging too much, prepare for a whirlwind of suspense as you unravel a past either marred by your own horrors or knowledge too dangerous to have. The game unravels over six days, wrapping you into various possible outcomes.

Dead Letter Dept. captivates with a three-hour playthrough that entices replayability thanks to its multiple endings. It’s designed for players who can commit to sustained sessions, as progress is saved under single-play provisions. Constant interruptions can pull you out of that immersive experience, reducing it to a mere typing simulator.

Though horror isn’t typically my genre of choice, I found this game surprisingly enjoyable. It brings fresh narrative twists to the typing genre, drawing even those wary of horror into its curious fold without detracting from the challenge or story.

The technical aspects are robust, with chilling atmospheric settings and perfect music accompaniments, making the game feel like an interactive eerie novella you’ll revisit more than once.

As someone usually on the periphery of horror, I found Dead Letter Dept. approachable and engaging. Whether the dark spooks you more than you’d care to admit, this game encourages you to face the shadows—all in good fun, of course.

A reviewer copy was kindly provided by the publisher.

Dead Letter Dept.

– Gameplay: 10/10
– Plot / Writing: 9/10
– Design / Visuals: 8/10
– Replayability: 9/10

Overall: 9/10

The game presents mail like never before: a scary plunge into a world turned on its head by data entry gone rogue. Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or just testing the waters, this game will surely leave a mark.