Imagine this: in a world where sitting before a computer and typing out endless emails or filling out forms has become the norm, who would’ve thought we’d stumble upon a video game where you’re essentially staring at a virtual screen, typing in random details and gibberish? Enter Dead Letter Dept., a quirky and unnerving experience that instantly raises the hair on the back of your neck. Reflecting on the days when I worked an administrative job at an accounting firm, I remember numbly entering client names and addresses into the system, often distracting myself from the monotony with a Spotify playlist. This game hits close to home in the eeriest way.
Dead Letter Dept. is a first-person psychological horror game, placing you in charge of typing out details from undelivered mails. Sometimes these are letters, addresses, articles, and sometimes they’re bizarre strings of alien languages impossible for any earthling to decipher. The protagonist seems like an ordinary person, newly settled into a packed apartment, boxes everywhere, just arrived in the city, holding a casual data entry job. The environment is starkly dystopian, industrial-like corridors that stretch endlessly, lit poorly in a sickly green glow that only serves to increase the feeling of unease. However, amid this cold, uninviting setting, there’s an unexpected sense of comfort found at the assigned computer—an old monitor straight from the 90s.
The game starts quite simply; the initial workday is straightforward, but there’s an undercurrent of oddness in its content. Now, while I’m not the fastest typer around, averaging between 67 to 69 words per minute with about 92-93% accuracy, Dead Letter Dept. didn’t demand quick typing skills, though it was amusing to flex them in this chilling game. Day by day, as the assignments grow darker, more complex, and the screen displays unsettling imagery and text seemingly out of a serial killer’s scrapbook, the suspense mounts. Let me tell you, this game can keep you glued and make you averse to blinking, with a few jump scares scattered along the way, though not the typical ones we come to expect from horror games.
Now, I tend to approach media—including games, films, and books—with a skeptical eye, so my expectations were rather low. Yet, Dead Letter Dept. blew me away with its mystery and immersion, pulling players into a uniquely terrifying but unforgettable experience. Don’t just take my word for it—get typing and unravel the mystery for yourself!
Alex Southgate
When it comes to horror games, I usually rely on my friend Madeleine’s fascination with all things spooky. Despite her love for the thrill of fear (a sentiment I do not share), I felt drawn to join her on this adventure. So, here is my humble take on this unsettling, dystopian typing game.
Dead Letter Dept. is precisely what you expect from top-notch psychological horror. It doesn’t rely heavily on jump scares, though it did have moments that were quite jolting. Instead, it’s more about fostering a deep sense of discomfort, like you’re being watched, which is hard to shake off. It’s less about outright fear and more about creating an intense sense of unease.
The real game kicks in when you start noticing connections in the documents you’re typing. It seems they’re speaking directly to you, dredging up a potentially dark past or perhaps insights you shouldn’t have. Each playthrough ends differently, leading you deeper into its haunting narrative.
The game plays out over six workdays, totaling roughly three hours of gameplay—a perfect fit for a narrative with multiple endings. Because of this, it has significant replay value. You have to be ready to commit a chunk of time, though, since you only get one save per playthrough. Quitting midway isn’t advised unless you’re prepared to lose your progress and, frankly, doing so might break the immersive spell of this brilliantly understated horror experience.
As someone who usually treads lightly when it comes to horror, I found Dead Letter Dept. engaging, turning the typing genre into something fresh and exciting without the horror elements dominating the experience. This opens it up to players who might usually shy away from horror.
Technically, Dead Letter Dept. offers up all the mechanics and atmosphere you’d hope for. The setting is effectively creepy, relying on mood rather than gore, and the controls and soundtrack complement the overall unsettling narrative. It feels like stepping inside a dreaded yet compelling short story and leaving a pull for revisiting.
Usually, I’d be the one hiding behind Madeleine’s back during horror games, but not with Dead Letter Dept. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it, and honestly, I can recommend it even to those who, like me, tend to shy away from the darkness.
So, as a piece played with a cautious hand but enjoyed thoroughly, Dead Letter Dept. offers a refreshing look at gaming in the horror genre. It’s a game that manages to entice and engage, a terrific piece for those who are equally skeptical but open to adventure.
This review was based on a copy of the game provided by the publisher.
Dead Letter Dept.
Gameplay: 10/10
Plot / Writing: 9/10
Design / Visuals: 8/10
Replayability: 9/10
Overall Score: 9/10
Mail worth reading:
Dead Letter Dept. is a thrilling dive into a world teetering on the edge of madness. How does it feel when mundane data entry spirals into a terrifying journey? Fans of the horror genre, or even those like me who gingerly step into it, will find it compelling fun and a must-try.
