Team Review: Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

In today’s world, where most of us find ourselves endlessly typing away at our computers—whether it’s shooting off emails at work or filling out tedious forms—the idea of a video game centered around data entry feels hilariously meta, almost absurd. Enter Dead Letter Dept., a strange yet captivating horror game that traps you in its eerie world right from the beginning. I’m instantly reminded of my own time spent punching in endless client details at an accounting firm, lost in my thoughts with only a Spotify playlist to save my sanity.

Dead Letter Dept. is a first-person horror experience that drops you into the shoes of a character tasked with inputting details from undelivered mail. Your task is anything but ordinary; some mails are simple addresses, others are cryptic messages, and a few in alien languages that leave you squinting in confusion. The protagonist has just moved to a bustling city, living out of boxes in a cramped apartment, and takes on a temporary data entry job. The setting has an unsettling dystopian feel—with its prison-like corridors and dim lighting—that leaves you uneasy yet intrigued. Surprisingly, there’s a strange comfort in sitting down at the retro monitor for your job. At first glance, it seems innocent, much like the old computers from the 90s.

Initially, the game eases you in gently. However, as you begin typing the first day, the mundane gradually gives way to the bizarre. My typing speed is mediocre, hovering around 67-69 words per minute, but that hardly mattered here. The game arrays increasingly sinister and mysterious messages before your eyes, making you question the motives behind them. Without revealing too much, I’ll warn you—the game thrives on silence and atmosphere, making you always wary of what might transpire.

As a reviewer, I often approach media with a critical eye and modest expectations. However, Dead Letter Dept. took me by surprise—it’s a refreshingly original adventure that’s both eerie and compelling. But don’t just take my word for it; immerse yourself in its narrative and see where it takes you.

I typically avoid horror games unless accompanied by someone braver, like Madeleine. Curiously, she relishes the feeling of being spooked, so she makes the perfect co-pilot for this adventure. Despite my reservations, I decided to plow ahead and add my perspective on this chilling, dystopian typing game.

This game doesn’t rely on hackneyed jump scares, although a few might leave you breathless. What’s more terrifying is the creeping sensation—an intangible unease—that something is watching you as you type away. It’s not frightening in a direct sense, yet it achieves an unsettling atmosphere that keeps you tense and apprehensive.

You begin your days sifting through indecipherable mail, noticing an emerging pattern in the fragmented documents. It feels like they’re speaking to you, directly addressing secrets best left unknown. We don’t get much backstory about the protagonist, besides the fact that they’ve relocated, perhaps leaving something ominous behind. Dead Letter Dept. progressively traps you in a psychological nightmare, ending in manifold ways depending on your choices.

Spanning six in-game days, the game can take about three hours to complete. With several different endings to explore, it’s highly replayable. However, it’s not suited for casual players, as you’ll want to dedicate enough time to finish each playthrough without frequent interruptions. This commitment enhances the immersive experience, ensuring it’s much more than just a simple typing game.

Even as someone not naturally drawn to horror, I found Dead Letter Dept. immensely enjoyable. The game pushes the boundaries of what typing games can achieve by marrying the mundane with the terrifying, creating a story intriguing enough to keep players coming back. Crucially, the horror elements are balanced, providing a gripping narrative without overwhelming terror, making it accessible to newcomers and veterans alike.

Technically, the game excels. Its disturbing setting avoids excesses of gore, and the tight control mechanics and fitting soundtrack contribute to an experience that feels like a disturbing, yet addictive short story. This is one you’ll find yourself returning to repeatedly.

In conclusion, Dead Letter Dept. is an impressive—and surprisingly enjoyable—venture into horror for those wary of the genre. I say this as someone who typically prefers peering over a braver shoulder while these tales unfold. Despite my hesitance with the horror genre, I wholeheartedly recommend this game to all, even those who might be a bit apprehensive about the dark. Trust me, it’s more fun than it is frightening.