TEAM REVIEW: Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

In today’s world, many of us spend countless hours in front of a computer fulfilling mundane tasks like sending emails to colleagues or filling out forms. Imagine, then, diving into a game that has you glued to a virtual computer screen, mirroring your real one, tirelessly typing in addresses, brief notes, data, and occasionally nonsensical text. This is the bizarre yet captivating essence of Dead Letter Dept., a chilling game experience that’s unsettling from the start. I can’t help but reminisce about my time at an accounting firm, where I spent hours inputting client details while tuning out the monotony with a Spotify playlist.

Dead Letter Dept. thrusts you into a first-person horror experience. Your primary task? Input information from old, undelivered mail. Sometimes it’s letters or addresses, other times clippings or indecipherable languages from distant worlds. You play as a regular individual who lands in a bustling city, occupying a cramped apartment with unpacked boxes, tasked with a temporary data entry job. The setting is dystopian, echoing vibes of a prison with its endless industrial corridors and dim, eerie lighting casting a greenish hue over everything. Strangely enough, I found solace in the seemingly antiquated computer that was my workstation. At first glance, it seemed benign—a regular, outdated monitor from the 90s.

From the get-go, the work seems quite straightforward, if a tad off-putting. Typing isn’t my forte, as my speed hovers around 67-69 words per minute with roughly 92-93% accuracy. But this isn’t about speed or skill; it’s about the immersion. Initially, there’s nothing too terrifying, but as each day progresses, the narratives and visuals on-screen become more sinister, reminiscent of a serial killer’s troubled mind. With each passing moment, the unease grows, tested further by unconventional jump scares.

As someone who prides themselves on critiquing media, whether film or literature, I approached this game with tempered expectations. However, I came away impressed by its rich narrative and bone-chilling ambiance that makes it a truly unique experience. Don’t just take my word for it; immerse yourself and see what Dead Letter Dept. uncovers for you.

Now, onto Alex Southgate’s perspective. My rule of thumb with horror games? Get Madeleine on board. Her fondness for scares means she’s perfect company on this eerie escapade. Although I’m not a fan of horror, here are my thoughts on this creepy thriller.

Dead Letter Dept. excels at psychological horror, generating a tense atmosphere without over-relying on jump scares—even though I almost jumped out of my skin a few times! It’s more the unsettling, ever-present feeling of being watched as you punch away at your keyboard. It’s about discomfort more than fear, a subtle uneasiness that lingers.

As you input seemingly random text from undelivered mail, patterns begin to emerge, hinting at a deeper, personal connection to your character’s past. Associations start to form, creeping forward subtly. The game unfolds over a series of six workdays, with multiple endings depending on your path, encouraging replays to discover every storyline avenue.

Though typically not one for horror games, Dead Letter Dept. draws you in with its compelling tale and foreboding environment. It’s not just a sequence of typing tasks; it’s an interwoven narrative that plays out like an eerie short story, complemented by its atmospheric setting and haunting soundtrack. I found myself returning to it—a testament to the game’s craft.

Even for those who shy away from horror, there’s something here. So, if the prospect of exploring the dark nooks of an unsettling dystopian world intrigues you, type away and see where this journey takes you. Just remember: it’s more than just mail on your screen.

Many thanks to the publisher for the review copy of the game.

Dead Letter Dept. Review Breakdown
— Gameplay: 10/10
— Plot/Writing: 9/10
— Design/Visuals: 8/10
— Replayability: 9/10

Overall Score: 9/10
Review Summary: Mail worth reading
Dead Letter Dept. transforms mundane data entry into a terrifying narrative journey, making it a must-play for horror fans. Even if horror isn’t your usual fare, this game promises engaging fun and spine-tingling moments.