Team Evaluation: Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

In a world where we spend countless hours in front of our computers, typing away emails and filling out forms, the last thing you’d expect is a game that mirrors that very scenario. But here we have Dead Letter Dept., a bizarre and unsettling game where you’re glued to a virtual screen on your computer, entering addresses, brief texts, and sometimes nonsensical data. This oddity is captivating from the get-go. It takes me back to my time at an accounting firm, entering client data for hours, zoning out with Spotify as my only escape.

Dead Letter Dept. is a first-person horror game, and your task is simple yet eerie: type out details from lost mail. Be it letters, addresses, newspaper cutouts, or cryptic alien text, your job is to decipher and document them. Playing as an ordinary individual in a tightly-packed apartment, you’ve just moved to a bustling city and landed a temporary data entry job. The setting immediately screams dystopia, with its endless, prison-like corridors lit by dim green lights casting creepy shadows. Despite this, I oddly found comfort in the old-school computer screen assigned to me. It seemed harmless enough, like something out of the 90s.

On your first day, tasks are straightforward, though a strange vibe lingers. While my typing speed averages 67-69 words per minute with around 92-93% accuracy (thank you, online tests!), speed isn’t crucial here. It’s an intriguing mix of honing real-world skills and navigating a horror game. Initial days aren’t terrifying, but as the game progresses, you sense something amiss. It’s not long before the words on the monitor take on a more sinister tone, akin to a serial killer narrative. Heads up: there are some jump scares, but they break the mold of typical horror game tropes.

As an avid media critique, I had low expectations diving into Dead Letter Dept., assuming it wouldn’t fare well. Imagine my surprise when I was pulled into this haunting and original game. Trust me, you need to try it yourself; it’s an experience!

Now, joining me in this exploration is Alex Southgate. I have a principle in horror game scenarios: bring in someone braver, which is why Madeleine’s my choice. For reasons only she understands, she loves the thrill, unlike me. So, I’ll add my perspective on this creepy, futuristic typing adventure.

At its best, Dead Letter Dept. delves into psychological terror. This isn’t about loud scares—instead, it’s the crawling sensation of being observed. As you type away, stuck in your routine, an inexplainable feeling dawns upon you. It’s not outright fear; rather, an unsettling disquiet that lingers long after you’re done playing.

The game has you decoding indecipherable text from mail. Over time, these documents start to form patterns, hinting they might be communicating directly with you. We know little about your character, save for your relocation. Have you witnessed or partaken in something dreadful? Regardless, you’re spiraling down into nightmares, leading to one of many possible endings.

Playable over six virtual workdays, the game wraps up in about three hours, but it’s worth every moment. With different endings, it invites multiple playthroughs. Prepare to invest time as it doesn’t suit brief gaming breaks. A sole save for each playthrough emphasizes this necessity; quitting risks losing engagement and progress. Embrace the discomfort—solid immersion is rewarding.

Though not a horror buff, I found myself captivated by Dead Letter Dept. with its fresh twist on typing games. While it incorporates horror, it not only lives up to, but exceeds expectations, opening doors for everyone—even those typically hesitant with horror.

Technically, Dead Letter Dept. ticks all the right boxes. Its eerie setting relies on psychological dread rather than explicit gore; controls and music align seamlessly. The experience is akin to a creepy, yet fascinating short story you’ll want to explore again.

As someone timid when facing horror, only engaging cautiously through others, Dead Letter Dept. is a triumph. I wholeheartedly recommend it, especially for those a little jittery about fear—not as a criticism, but as a fellow hesitant soul.

This evaluation is based on a game copy provided by the publisher.

Dead Letter Dept.

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

Mail worth reading
Dead Letter Dept. offers an exhilarating, chilling plunge into unsettling chaos. It skillfully turns the mundane world of data entry into a suspenseful horror show. While it’s perfect for horror enthusiasts, even those wary of scare-fests will find it exhilarated.