In today’s world, we’re usually glued to our screens typing up emails or filling out mundane forms, so the last thing you’d expect is a video game centred around typing up data on a virtual computer. Yet here comes Dead Letter Dept., a game that’s utterly bizarre and uncomfortably eerie right from the get-go. It strangely reminds me of those countless administrative hours I spent at an accounting firm, entering endless streams of client names and addresses into a system, barely aware of my surroundings and using music to keep my focus.
Dead Letter Dept. plunges you into a chilling first-person horror experience. Your task is simple – transcribe the details from undelivered mail. Sometimes it’s letters or addresses; other times, bizarre articles or alien languages that seem otherworldly. You play as an ordinary soul, freshly landed in a cramped city apartment, boxes still unpacked, getting by on a temporary data entry job. The setting feels straight out of a dystopian tale. Industrial hallways stretch endlessly, cloaked in a dim green hue casting unsettling shadows. Despite this, the old computer you’re assigned seems somewhat comforting—something familiar from the 90s era.
Initially, the workday in the game starts innocuously, but soon, the bizarreness of the task content hints at something darker. Imagine my surprise as I engaged with this game, even putting my typing skills to the test, benchmarking my 67-69 words per minute. As days pass, the narrative takes on a sinister tone, echoing the macabre with hints of serial killer motifs. Without spoiling too much, let me warn you: this game keeps you hanging at the edge of your seat, even reimagining the typical jump scare.
In my experience, I’m no stranger to critiquing media—films, books, you name it—and my bar for games like these was relatively low. Yet, this game managed to amaze me. It’s a curious and intense dive into a narrative that’s original and compelling. But don’t take just my word—jump in yourself and uncover the depths of Dead Letter Dept.!
Joining me is Alex Southgate, who usually calls on Madeleine for ventures into horror, given her strange affinity for all things chilling—unlike me. But I’ll throw in my two cents on this nerve-racking typing adventure too. Dead Letter Dept. offers psychological horror with a twist. It’s more about the unsettling feeling of being watched than the shock value of a jump scare. You’re an employee typing away, gradually realizing the mail contents are deeply unsettling. It’s less about direct fear and more about the disquiet it stirs within you.
As you tap away on the keyboard, transcribing mail content, an uncanny pattern emerges from the words, as if they’re cryptically calling out to you. Your past is shrouded in mystery, but is it you’ve done something dreadful, or is the information you’ve stumbled upon not meant for ordinary eyes? Either way, brace yourself for a nightmare that could conclude in several different ways.
Playing through Dead Letter Dept. can take around three hours spread across six in-game working days. This game isn’t one for casual fifteen-minute sessions; its charm lies in deep immersion, avoiding frequent breaks to retain that eerie atmosphere. You’re pitted with limited saves for each playthrough, demanding commitment to uncover its chilling paths. This focus is crucial because breaking immersion would reduce it to just another typing game.
Surprisingly, even as a non-horror aficionado, I found myself engaged. Dead Letter Dept. innovatively explores the typing game genre, offering a gripping story that beckons players back, time and again. The horror elements never overshadow the gameplay, allowing even those hesitant about horror games to thoroughly enjoy the experience. For those dipping their toes reluctantly into the horror realm, like me, it’s a compelling venture.
Visually, Dead Letter Dept. captures a creepy aesthetic without crossing into grotesque territory. Every element, from its controls to the music, coalesces perfectly, creating an interactive short story you’ll want to revisit. As someone who shies away from horror, preferring to peer over someone’s shoulder instead, I’m thoroughly impressed. This game dispelled my fears, allowing me to enjoy it on my own. For those of you, like me, who are a bit wary of the dark, don’t shy away; it’s worth the experience.
This review is based on a copy of the game that was graciously provided by the publisher.
Dead Letter Dept.
- Gameplay: 10/10
- Plot / Writing: 9/10
- Design / Visuals: 8/10
- Replayability: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
It’s a gripping journey into a world spun with shadows and unease, taking something as dull as data entry and turning it into a harrowing tale. Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or someone a bit hesitant to dive into scary games, it’s an adventure packed with suspense and intrigue that you wouldn’t want to miss.
