Team Evaluation: Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

In a world where many of us find ourselves glued to a screen, whether it’s for crafting emails to colleagues or sorting through the intricacies of an online form, stumbling upon a video game that immerses you in a virtual screen within your actual screen may seem like an oddity. Yet, here comes Dead Letter Dept., a peculiar and unsettling adventure that hooks your attention from the very start. Recalling my days in admin at an accounting firm, where I was often lulled into a trance from hours of client data input, my Spotify playlists were my sole salvation from the monotony.

Dead Letter Dept. invites you into a first-person horror experience where your primary task is to transcribe details from old, undelivered mail – be it letters, addresses, clippings, or cryptic alien languages that defy earthly comprehension. You step into the shoes of a seemingly ordinary person living in a cluttered apartment, fresh to city life with a temporary gig in data entry. The setting exudes a dystopian vibe, with its industrial-style corridors stretching endlessly and casting eerie greenish shadows. It wasn’t the place I expected to find comfort, but laying eyes on my assigned computer brought a strange solace. The monitor, a relic from the ’90s, seemed innocuous at first.

Your inaugural day of virtual work unfolds simply, though the oddities in the content you type hint at something more. While typing isn’t my forte – clocking in at 67-69 words per minute with about 92-93% accuracy on those online typing tests – the game doesn’t penalize you for speed or precision. As new typing challenges emerge, the writings turn spine-chilling, conjuring serial killer vibes. Without letting loose any spoilers, this game keeps you on edge, making even the thought of looking away daunting. Brace yourself for some unexpected jolts, though they break away from conventional horror clichés.

Despite my tendency to be critical of movies, books, and the like, I approached Dead Letter Dept. with skepticism and found myself captivated by its immersive, haunting journey. But don’t just take my word for it. Dive in and see for yourself what it’s all about!

Joining this eerie venture, I’ve employed my go-to horror companion, Madeleine. She thrives on being spooked, while my instincts scream otherwise. Nevertheless, I’ll share my insights on this spooky, dystopian typing game.

At the heart of Dead Letter Dept. lies a psychological horror saga. It’s less about jump scares – though I can’t deny I had one or two out-of-body experiences – and more about the pervasive unease of being observed. As you type away, a chilling sensation creeps up on you, challenging to articulate. It’s less about fear, and more about discomfort, a feeling that begs the question of which is worse.

You begin with the straightforward task of typing undeciphered text from mail. But as days pass, the documents reveal not just patterns but messages tailored to you. The backstory of your character is largely a mystery, but whether there’s a sinister past or forbidden knowledge at play, you’re set to spiral into a nightmare with multiple endings.

Dead Letter Dept. spans six fictional workdays and is completable in roughly three hours. The different endings encourage replayability, but you’re only allowed one game save per playthrough. Carve out a block of time to maintain immersion, losing that creepy tension is easy if you constantly exit the game – it risks devolving into just another typing exercise. Commit to seeing it through; it’s worth it.

As someone who typically avoids horror, I found myself surprisingly delighted with this game. Dead Letter Dept. adds a refreshing twist to typing games, and its gripping narrative keeps you coming back. The horror elements complement rather than overshadow. This makes it accessible to players who might not normally engage with such titles.

On the technical front, Dead Letter Dept. hits all the right notes. The atmosphere is artfully unsettling without veering into gore. The controls and music blend seamlessly, crafting an experience akin to a haunting short story you’ll want to revisit.

Usually, for the horror genre, I’d need Madeleine to metaphorically hold my hand, though I managed to enjoy Dead Letter Dept. solo. With that in mind, I urge anyone slightly apprehensive about the dark to give it a try. No offense taken if you’re one of us; remember, you’re in good company.

This review stems from a game copy given by the publisher.

Overall: 9/10

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

Mail worth reading

Dead Letter Dept. is a thrilling plunge into a world of unsettling mystery, transforming something as mundane as data entry into a spine-tingling horror narrative. Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or a cautious explorer like me, there’s enjoyment aplenty.