Dead Letter Department (PC) Team Review

In our tech-driven world, where many of us are glued to computer screens typing emails or filling out forms, the last thing you’d expect to find is a video game that mimics this mundane task. Yet, here we are with Dead Letter Dept., an eerily captivating experience that manages to inject tension and discomfort into the simple act of data entry. Flashbacks hit me of my days toiling at an accounting firm, where entering client details was my daily grind, softened only by the solace of a Spotify playlist humming in the background.

Dead Letter Dept. thrusts you into a first-person horror setting with a deceptively simple goal: transcribe the data from undelivered mail. Sounds pretty straightforward, right? But oh, the devil is in the details. Some of these letters feature addresses, others clippings, and occasionally, you’re faced with indiscernible alien writings that no earthly being could fathom. You play a person finding their footing in a new city, residing in a cramped space with unpacked boxes, while holding a temporary role in data entry. The atmosphere is oppressively dystopian, with endless industrial corridors and dim lighting casting unsettling shadows. Oddly enough, the only familiar comfort is the aged computer on your desk, seemingly harmless and straight out of the 90s.

At first, the tasks on your in-game job are as dull as they sound. As someone who types at the moderate pace of 67-69 words per minute, I found a strange satisfaction in seeing how my typing skills translated in this eerie setting. However, mindless typing soon transitions into a suspenseful affair. Strange narratives begin to unfold, reeking of a serial killer vibe. Without spoiling too much, I’ll just say this — brace yourself. The unease slowly builds, leading to some unexpected jump scares, though they veer away from cliché horror game tactics.

Despite my originally low expectations, I was swept away by the game’s immersive storytelling. As someone who usually savors a diverse array of media, I found myself unexpectedly hooked. Alex Southgate, who usually prefers the company of someone brave like Madeleine for moral support in horror games, chimes in with his insight. While I generally do not relish scares, this game masterfully blends its chilling environment with compelling engagement, making it feel worth every pulse-racing moment.

Dead Letter Dept. unfolds over six in-game days, demanding roughly three hours to play through — essential for players looking to explore the different narrative paths leading to several possible endings. With only one save slot, the game requires a commitment, as stepping away frequently will disrupt the immersion. This is essential to fully appreciating the psychological pressure it places on you, merging realistic typing with a story that’s anything but normal.

Even as someone who typically avoids horror, I found Dead Letter Dept. deeply compelling. Its approach to the typing genre is refreshingly original, crafting a narrative that tempts you to explore its depths more than once. Instead of drawing you in with gore, it keeps you glued to your screen with subtle, spine-tingling atmosphere. The minimalist design and music complement this experience seamlessly, embodying a chilling short story you’ll want to revisit.

In conclusion, Dead Letter Dept. is not just about facing the ominous unknown—it’s a gripping and nuanced dive into psychological horror, spun from the seemingly ordinary task of data entry. Whether you’re a genre aficionado or a cautious explorer like myself, this game promises adventure and trepidation in equal measure.

This review was based on a copy provided by the publisher. Here’s a quick verdict:

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

In essence, Dead Letter Dept. takes an ordinary task and transforms it into a suspense-laden thrill ride—a must-have for horror fans. Even if you’re not typically into horror, it’s an exciting way to dive into the genre.