Team Evaluation / Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

Imagine this: you spend your day sitting at a desk, tapping away at keys, carefully entering data into a computer. Now, picture doing exactly that, but in a video game. It doesn’t seem like your typical gaming adventure, right? But here comes “Dead Letter Dept.”—a bizarre, unsettling game that’s bound to leave you with a lingering sense of unease. It brings back memories of my stint at an accounting firm, lost in the monotony of inputting client details, all to the backdrop of a trusty Spotify playlist.

“Dead Letter Dept.” is a first-person horror game that thrusts you into the shoes of an ordinary person in a new city, tasked with typing out details from peculiar, undeliverable mail. These can range from letters to addresses and even cryptic clippings in languages that seem out-of-this-world. Your character, stuck in a tiny apartment with unpacked boxes, takes on a temporary data entry position in a gloomy, dystopian setting. The place is far from inviting, with its industrial hallways stretching seemingly into infinity, only lit by eerie, greenish shadows. Yet strangely, there’s comfort when you find yourself at a vintage computer, reminiscent of monitors from the 90s.

On your first day, the game seems simple—almost innocuous. As someone who types at a modest rate of about 67-69 words per minute, as those online typing tests suggest, I found it a fun way to hone my skills. However, as gameplay progresses, the nature of the content shifts from the mundane to the sinister. You can’t shake off the feeling that something is not quite right. Without spoiling too much, this game isn’t just about jump scares, although it’s got those in spades. Instead, it’s a haunting experience that will have you constantly on edge, wary of the screen flickers and the ominous click of keys.

Now, bearing in mind I’m quite picky when it comes to entertainment—be it films, books, or games—I didn’t quite know what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself drawn into a mesmerizing and unique narrative. But don’t just take my word for it, dive in and discover Dead Letter Dept.’s mysteries for yourself!

And then there’s Alex Southgate, who usually consults Madeleine whenever things get creepy. He’s joining me here to share his thoughts on this unsettling yet captivating game. While he might not be a fan of scares, he’s ready to offer his insights into the eerie, dystopian typing adventure.

Dead Letter Dept. excels at psychological horror, focusing on building a sense of unease rather than relying solely on jump scares, although Alex admits to almost leaping out of his skin once or twice. As you play, a sense of paranoia simmers, as if there are eyes on you, scrutinizing your every keystroke. It’s not so much terrifying as it is profoundly unsettling—which in some cases, is even worse.

As you progress, the mundane task of deciphering undeliverable mail transforms into a dark game of connect the dots. The seemingly random pieces of text start to feel like they’re speaking directly to you. Who is this player character? Did they leave behind a troubled past or are they uncovering secrets meant to stay buried? Either way, it becomes clear that you’re spiraling into a waking nightmare with multiple possible endings.

The game unfolds over six intense workdays, promising about three hours of chilling gameplay packed with different endings. This means it’s perfect for multiple playthroughs. You will want to explore every narrative path the story offers. Just a heads up, if you’re someone who prefers short gaming bursts, this might pose a challenge since the game only offers a single save point per playthrough. Exiting prematurely could mean losing valuable progress, which is critical for maintaining the immersive atmosphere.

Even from a non-horror enthusiast’s perspective, Dead Letter Dept. offers a unique experience. The game’s ability to seamlessly integrate typing-based gameplay with chilling storytelling is an impressive feat. It’s accessible to those who might not usually gravitate toward horror games but are intrigued by a good story.

In terms of the technical aspects, Dead Letter Dept. doesn’t fall short either. Its setting artistically balances the eerie without crossing into gratuitous territory, and the soundtrack and controls align perfectly with its haunting tone. It feels like navigating through a chilling short story you can’t help but return to.

As someone who usually needs a horror game buddy like Madeleine, I find myself unexpectedly engaged here. I must recommend it not only to horror aficionados but also to those slightly fearful of the unknown. This review comes courtesy of a copy provided by the publisher, and it’s safe to say, the experience was well worth it.

With a gameplay score of 10/10, writing at 9/10, and visuals at 8/10, Dead Letter Dept. earns an overall impressive 9/10. It takes everyday data entry and turns it into a compelling horror story, appealing not just to the genre’s fans but to anyone looking for a fresh dive into interactive storytelling.