TEAM REVIEW / Dead Letter Department (PC)

These days, we often find ourselves glued to our computer screens, typing emails or filling out forms. Now, imagine a video game where the main activity is pretty much the same: staring at a digital monitor within your actual monitor, absorbed in entering data, addresses, and sometimes complete nonsense. Welcome to Dead Letter Dept.: a peculiar and unsettling journey that’s as creepy as it is captivating. It reminds me oddly of my own stint at an accounting firm where I got lost zoning out to Spotify while entering endless streams of client names and addresses.

Dead Letter Dept. transports you into a first-person perspective horror game with a singular aim—keying in details like those on forgotten mail. The protagonist is someone new to the hustle and bustle of city life, working a temporary data-entry gig, residing in a cluttered apartment with still-packed boxes. Its world is stark and dystopian, filled with long, prison-like hallways imbued with a sickly green hue. Amidst this bleak setting, I found a peculiar sense of comfort upon first encountering the old, innocuous computer I’ve been assigned.

In the early in-game days, the job seems mundane. Even my typing speed of around 67-69 words per minute with 92-93% accuracy isn’t really put to the test here. The horror element creeps in slowly, without much fanfare initially. However, as days progress, so do the level of disturbances; cryptic messages and violent images start appearing on the screen, turning what seemed like a data-entry exercise into an unnerving ordeal. Let’s just say, you might find yourself wary to glance away from the monitor. And yes, brace yourself for jump scares, though they stray from the traditional horror tropes.

To be candid, I approached Dead Letter Dept. with skepticism. But what unfolded was an unexpectedly immersive and chilling adventure unlike any other. The experience felt authentic and inventive—one that compelled me to keep delving deeper into its enigmatic narrative. But don’t just take my word for it; dive in and experience the mystery yourself!

I had a companion on this eerily captivating journey. Madeleine, who for reasons beyond my understanding, seems to enjoy being thrilled by horror games, joined me. Normally, horror is not my genre, so her presence was a comfort. Although unsettling, Dead Letter Dept. isn’t about gore but about the sensation of an unseen presence haunting you while you’re engrossed in typing. It’s not the fear of being scared but the unease of feeling watched—that’s what lingered long after.

Your role starts off innocuously: just punch in what’s there on the mail. The suspense builds subtly as the days go by, leading you to suspect there’s more than meets the eye. You might begin to question the innocence of your backstory, wondering if you’ve unwittingly become part of something dark and sinister. Regardless of how things unfold, expect a distinct sense of dread as you inch toward one of the multiple endings.

The game, spanned over six in-game days, promises around three hours of immersive gameplay. The multiple endings enhance its replay value, tempting you to unravel the myriad paths the story could take. Just a heads up: this isn’t a game for casual, short sessions. You have one save slot per playthrough, so ensure you have the time to see it through. This is key to maintaining the haunting atmosphere. Start-stop gameplay detracts from the experience, leaving it as nothing more than a typing game.

Despite not typically gravitating towards horror, I was pleasantly surprised. Dead Letter Dept. takes a fresh spin on the typing game genre, its narrative compelling enough to keep one intrigued. Even the horror elements complement rather than detract, extending its appeal beyond die-hard horror fans to those who might otherwise shy away.

Technically, Dead Letter Dept. nails it with its atmospheric design, effectively creepy setting, intuitive controls, and an evocative soundtrack. Playing it feels akin to immersing oneself in a chilling short story, compelling enough for multiple revisits.

As someone who usually relies on Madeleine’s shoulder for horror company, I can honestly endorse Dead Letter Dept. It’s a game deftly executed to allow even the fainthearted, like myself, to enjoy it solo. Thus, for those who might need a little courage in the darkness, it’s worth every minute of exploration.

This review is based on a copy provided by the publisher. Here’s how it rates:

Dead Letter Dept. Ratings:

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

In conclusion, Dead Letter Dept. is an ingeniously eerie take on horror gaming, transforming the mundane chore of data entry into a riveting fear fest. It’s a must-play for horror enthusiasts, yet accessible enough for the more timid.