Team Review: Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

In our tech-driven world, where many of us spend countless hours glued to a computer screen composing emails, filling out forms, or merely requesting information from colleagues, the notion of a video game designed around staring at a virtual computer might seem both unusual and utterly mundane. Yet, here we are with "Dead Letter Dept.," an intriguing, eerie adventure that hooks you right from the start. It transports me back to my days at an accounting firm, where I would zone out to Spotify while monotonously entering client details for hours on end.

"Dead Letter Dept." is a first-person horror game that places you in the shoes of a character tasked with inputting details from old, undelivered mail. Imagine typing out a mix of letters, addresses, article clippings, and bizarre alien languages that defy Earthly comprehension. Your protagonist is someone new to the city, holed up in a cramped apartment strewn with unopened boxes, and is working a temporary data entry gig. The game’s setting exudes a dystopian vibe, with industrial, prison-like corridors stretching endlessly and bathed in dim, sickly green light, casting unnerving shadows. Finding comfort in your assigned computer amidst such an unwelcoming environment comes as a surprise—it looks pretty ordinary, like a relic from the ’90s.

Your first virtual workday starts off simply enough, though some of the content feels slightly unsettling. I clock in at around 67-69 words per minute with 92-93% accuracy according to online typing tests, but in "Dead Letter Dept.," speed isn’t as crucial as the creeping dread that unfolds. Initially, nothing seems overtly disturbing, but as the days pass and challenges escalate, unsettling, even sinister undertones emerge in the texts and images on the screen. Without spoiling too much, the game cleverly uses mild jump scares—not your typical horror fare—to keep you on edge.

Despite my initial skepticism—I tend to be a tough critic when it comes to movies and books—I find "Dead Letter Dept." refreshingly unique and captivating. It takes players on an unforgettable and original horror journey. But don’t just take my word for it; dive in and start typing to discover its eerie allure yourself!

Alex Southgate:

When I encounter a horror game, I usually call on Madeleine, who loves the thrill of a good fright, to join me in the experience. While I don’t typically enjoy being scared, I’m here to offer my perspective on this sinister, dystopian typing game.

"Dead Letter Dept." excels in psychological horror. Rather than relying on cheap jump scares, it builds an unsettling atmosphere, making you feel as if you’re constantly being monitored. As you input the coded messages, a chilling sense of foreboding tightens around you. Instead of just record-keeping, it feels like these scattered documents are weaving a personal narrative or even sending messages to you alone.

The game immerses you in an enigmatic tale through six workdays, promising different endings that make it worth replaying multiple times. Just ensure you have enough time to commit—it’s a three-hour run-through requiring a dedicated chunk of playtime due to the single-save feature.

Being somewhat of a horror skeptic, I was pleasantly surprised by how engrossing "Dead Letter Dept." proved to be. It reinvents the typing game genre with an engaging storyline that draws you back. It refrains from tarnishing the experience with gruesome horror tropes, making it accessible to both horror fans and new explorers alike.

Even for those, like me, who are less inclined toward the eerie, "Dead Letter Dept." is highly commendable. It’s a playable, enjoyable experience even for folks who might typically shy away from the dark. And for that reason, I strongly suggest you give it a try, especially if you find the darkness a tad intimidating.

Editor’s note: This insight is drawn 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

Review Summary:
"Dead Letter Dept." is an exploration of unsettling madness, transforming monotonous data entry into a hair-raising adventure. A must-play for horror fans, it still manages to hook those typically averse to chilling experiences.