Team Review: Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

In today’s digital age, it’s not unusual to find ourselves glued to a computer screen, whether it’s for crafting emails, filling out bureaucratic forms, or any other mundane task. So, you might find it peculiar that a game would have you doing just that—staring at a virtual computer screen, buried within your own, punching in addresses, snippets, and at times, unintelligible nonsense. Welcome to Dead Letter Dept., a quirky and unsettling journey that hooks you right from the start. I can’t help but reminisce about my days at an accounting firm, typing clients’ names and addresses onto a digital ledger, zoning out alongside a Spotify playlist as my distraction.

Dead Letter Dept. is an eerie first-person POV horror game that tasks you with an unusual mission: digitizing the contents of undelivered mail. Sometimes that’s a straightforward letter or address; at other times, it’s bizarre alien texts that defy understanding. Our protagonist is an ordinary person newly settled in a bustling city, stuck in a cramped apartment filled with unpacked boxes, embarking on a temporary data entry job. The setting oozes dystopia, with industrial corridors resembling a prison, stretching endlessly under sickly, dim lighting that carves shadows into the walls. While the environment is far from welcoming, there’s a strange comfort when you first sit down at your retro-looking monitor—a relic from the 90s, harmless at first glance.

The routine starts simple. But as you dive deeper into your digital task, you notice things are amiss. While I’m not the speediest typer, I hover around 67-69 words per minute with decent precision. Not that speed really matters here, but it turns out to be an amusing test of my typing chops in this horror game. Initially, nothing seems too chilling. Yet, each passing game day layers on sinister elements, creeping in an undercurrent of menace through the words and images on the screen. I’ll say no more, but this game hooks you, keeping you on edge with strategic scares that aren’t your typical horror fare.

As a professional critique connoisseur, my initial expectations were low, but Dead Letter Dept. pleasantly surprised me with its fresh and immersive experience. It’s a captivating ride that intrigues and frightens. Don’t just take my word—experience the enigma of Dead Letter Dept. firsthand!

I’m Alex Southgate, and I’ve got this habit involving horror games: if in doubt, I rope in Madeleine. She relishes the thrill of horror, and I’m tagging along this time. Though I tend to shy away from jumps, I’ll try my best to weigh in on this creepily dystopian typing escapade.

Dead Letter Dept. excels in crafting psychological horror. It’s not about cheap scares (though I did jolt more than once); it’s about that unsettling feeling you’re being observed. As you type, an unavoidable sensation engulfs you—a disquieting unease that’s tricky to describe. The game isn’t as terrifying as it is deeply unsettling, and deciding what bothers you more might become a game of its own.

The structure is straightforward at first as you fill in illegible mail text. However, soon you’re tricked into feeling that these messages—while indecipherable—are deeply personal. Where our protagonist hails from remains a mystery, but whether there’s a buried secret or forbidden knowledge, by game’s end, a nightmarish spiral ensues, wrapped in several possible conclusions.

Dead Letter Dept. spans over six playing days, taking roughly three hours to complete—ideal for a single-session adventure. The game offers multiple endings, inviting replays to unveil all its narrative paths. It’s perfect for those who can spare more than just a quick play. Beware: if you quit midway, the slip in immersion can transform it into just another typing game. Stick it out for an enthralling, spine-tingling experience.

As someone not typically into horror, this game was surprisingly enjoyable. Dead Letter Dept. innovatively weaves tension through its story, engaging even those wary of full-blown horror elements.

Technically, Dead Letter Dept. hits the mark. Its setting exudes just the right kind of discomfort without gruesome overkill, accompanied by fitting controls and soundtracks. It embodies the thrill of a sinister short story you’ll crave to revisit.

Typically, I need a trusty horror buff like Madeleine to brave such games, but Dead Letter Dept. broke that mold. Playing solo became delightful, and I wholeheartedly recommend it, particularly to anyone who, like me, might feel a bit jittery in the dark. No offense intended—I’m in the same camp.

This review is based on a game copy provided by the publisher.

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

Dead Letter Dept. is a thrilling dive into chaos, turning mundane data entry into a mesmerizing horror journey. It’s a must-play for horror enthusiasts and an unexpectedly fun ride for the more timid among us.