Game Analysis: Dead Letter Dept. (PC)

Imagine this: you’re sitting at your desk, staring at yet another form, typing out queries to a colleague, or submitting a claim to your insurance company. Now, what if there was a game where you did just that, but on a virtual computer within your actual computer? Enter Dead Letter Dept., a game that’s as bizarre as it is chilling, making you feel uneasy from the get-go. It instantly brought back memories of my time at an accounting firm, where I entered client data into the system while zoning out to Spotify for hours on end.

Dead Letter Dept. throws you into a first-person perspective horror game with a single goal: input details from old, undelivered mail—letters, addresses, clippings, or even languages from outer space that Earth’s inhabitants couldn’t fathom. You embody a seemingly average individual who’s just moved to the city, living amongst unpacked boxes in a cramped apartment, while temporarily working a data entry job. The setting? Dystopian. Dimly lit, industrial corridors stretch beyond sight, their eerie green glow casting shadows that put you at ill ease. Despite this, when I found my assigned computer—a relic-like monitor from the ’90s—I felt an unexpected comfort.

At first, your in-game day is straightforward. Although things feel a bit off with some of the content you encounter. I’m not the world’s fastest typist, but my 67-69 words per minute with around 92-93% accuracy gave me room for a little fun with typing tests while playing. As you delve deeper into the game, what starts innocuously soon gives way to increasingly unsettling material that sends shivers down your spine—making you question if the seemingly random addresses and the gibberish you’re typing could have darker undertones.

Every experienced gamer and media critic, like myself, might begin with low expectations. Yet, this game surprised me with its captivating mystery and spine-chilling adventure that stands out as both unique and memorable. Don’t just take my word for it—launch Dead Letter Dept. and start typing to uncover its secrets.

Joining me on this journey is Madeleine, the resident horror enthusiast who somehow relishes getting spooked. While horror isn’t quite my vibe, she has a knack for dragging me into eerie situations—that’s why I’m adding my perspective to this review. This game exemplifies psychological horror, and while it might make your soul leap out occasionally, its real strength lies in the pervasive sense of being watched. That feeling of unease just gnaws away at you.

As the days progress within the game, you’re not merely typing out non-translatable mail texts anymore; you start to sense a deeper connection. It’s as if the scattered fragments are whispering secrets directly to you—the protagonist, who’s either haunted by a torrid past or holds forbidden knowledge. It spirals into different narratives, offering varied endings.

In essence, the game comprises six workdays, taking approximately three hours to finish. With multiple possible endings, Dead Letter Dept. truly encourages replays. Importantly, it’s not for those playing in short stints. Each playthrough allows a single save, so a plan’s essential to prevent losing progress. Immersing yourself fully amplifies the game’s chilling atmosphere, turning it into more than just a typing exercise.

As a self-proclaimed non-horror buff, I found Dead Letter Dept. surprisingly enjoyable. It innovates within the typing game genre and crafts a story engaging enough to pull you back in. The setting reverberates with an unsettling aura without descending into goriness. Its controls and music mesh seamlessly with the overall ambiance.

With a dash of ironic humor and a degree of genuine intrigue, Dead Letter Dept. is the kind of game that makes even those shy about horror—like me—fully immersed and intrigues them. It ventures beyond being a simple game and becomes a compelling experience you’ll come back to, drawn by the mystery. For those hesitant about horror’s embrace, this might just be the title to tempt you into the genre, even if only peeking over someone’s shoulder.

This review reflects my experience with a game copy provided by the publisher. As I wrap up, here’s my verdict: Dead Letter Dept. is a gripping journey into madness. Ingeniously turning mundane data entry into a thrilling nightmare, it’s perfect for horror aficionados, yet accessible and fun for those dipping a tentative toe into the eerie unknown.