TEAM REVIEW: Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

In a world where many of us are glued to a computer screen, typing emails or entering data for insurance claims, stumbling upon a game where you spend the bulk of your time peering at yet another virtual screen can be quite unexpected. Introducing Dead Letter Dept., a bizarre and unsettling atmosphere, sparking discomfort from the get-go. It fondly reminds me of my days in an admin role at an accounting firm, where endless data entry was accompanied by a comforting Spotify playlist.

Dead Letter Dept. throws you into a first-person horror experience with a singular mission: input details from old, undelivered mail. The items range from letters and addresses to article clippings, and perhaps most intriguingly, alien languages that defy earthly understanding. You embody a character who is new to the big city, living in a compact apartment with unpacked boxes, and juggling a temporary data entry job. There’s a distinct dystopian aura, with industrial, prison-like corridors and dim green lights casting unsettling shadows. Strangely enough, when I stumbled upon my assigned computer—a relic of the ‘90s—it felt unexpectedly reassuring.

On your first day at this virtual job, you’re met with simple tasks that quickly leave you feeling uneasy. Although I clock in between 67-69 words per minute with roughly 92-93% accuracy on a typing test, speed isn’t a necessity here. The real joy—or terror—lies in watching the in-game story unfold. Each day, the typing challenges morph and take on a darker energy, growing more sinister with images and narratives that invoke a serial killer vibe. Without delving too deeply into spoilers, be prepared for a chilling, edge-of-your-seat experience, peppered with unexpected jump scares that veer away from the usual horror tropes.

Even with my sometimes critical stance on media, I must admit this eerie, immersive journey is remarkably original. Don’t just take my word for it; give Dead Letter Dept. a try and see the bizarre allure for yourself!

Enter Alex Southgate, my go-to for anything horror-related. She dives headfirst into the frights I shy away from, and together, we’re tackling this spooky typing adventure. Dead Letter Dept. excels in psychological horror. It doesn’t rely solely on jump scares—though there are a few that sent my soul momentarily skyward—but instead, it masterfully evokes a persistent sensation of being watched. As you type away, that unnerving awareness grows. The narrative—a mix of your mysterious past and unspeakable knowledge—spirals into a chilling nightmare, complete with multiple endings to explore.

The game unfolds over six workdays and wraps up in about three hours, making it incredibly re-playable. Each ending offers a unique twist, so you’ll want to revisit it. However, this title isn’t for those who only snag playtime in short bursts. Progress is saved once per run, meaning you need a few solid hours to commit. This continuity fuels its chilling immersion. Ducking in and out will break the ambiance, reducing it to just another typing game.

Though not a horror buff, I loved my time with Dead Letter Dept. It brings a fresh twist to the typing genre, offering an enticing narrative that invites multiple revisits. Even with its elements of horror, the game remains accessible for those who wouldn’t usually venture into such territory.

With brilliant yet understated visuals, smooth controls, and perfectly fitting music, Dead Letter Dept. is like stepping through the pages of an unnerving short story. This title impresses me—someone who usually needs a buddy for horror games so much that I’ve recommended it to fellow apprehensive souls in the dark. Trust a scaredy-cat—it’s worth it.

This engaging review stems from a game copy provided by the publisher.

Dead Letter Dept. Review

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

Overall: 9/10

Mail Worth Reading
Dead Letter Dept. offers a thrilling dive into creeping madness by transforming mundane tasks like data entry into a chilling experience. It’s a must-have for horror enthusiasts, yet delightful enough to captivate even those who shy away from the genre’s darker corners.