In today’s world, where most of us spend our time at a computer emailing coworkers or completing forms for insurance, the idea of a video game that revolves around staring at a virtual computer screen might seem bizarre. Yet, here we have “Dead Letter Dept.,” an intriguingly creepy game that manages to unsettle you right from the start. It reminds me of my time at an accounting firm, eyes glazing over as I entered countless client names and addresses, keeping one ear on a Spotify playlist to fight off the monotony.
“Dead Letter Dept.” is a first-person horror game where your main task is to type out details from outdated, undelivered mail. You might find addresses, snippets of letters, article clippings, or even some bizarre, alien language that makes no sense. You’re in the shoes of a regular person who’s just moved to a vast, impersonal city, only to find themselves in a dimly lit, prison-like building with a temporary data entry job. The place reeks of dystopia, with its endless, industrial hallways and unsettling green shadows. Surprisingly, amidst this gloomy environment, a sense of odd comfort washes over you when you spot your assigned computer—a dated monitor reminiscent of the ’90s.
The initial workday in the game is deceivingly simple, but something feels amiss as you type. My typing skills, according to an online test, rate at about 67-69 words per minute with 92-93% accuracy, not that this matters in the game. But I enjoyed the challenge of putting real-world skills to use in a horror setting. It starts off innocently, yet as each in-game day passes, chilling elements begin to emerge from the words and images on your screen. The game’s eerie vibe isn’t your standard horror jump-scare fare; rather, it chills you to your core and makes you afraid to look away.
I have a pretty critical eye when it comes to media—be it films, books, or games—and I wasn’t expecting much. However, “Dead Letter Dept.” surprised me with its gripping, strange world and left me wanting more. Don’t just take my word for it, though. Dive in and see what this unique game has to offer.
Now, let’s hear from Alex Southgate, who usually shies away from horror games. He’s diving into this peculiar typing journey alongside Madeleine, our go-to horror fan.
Alex explains, “Dead Letter Dept.” really masters psychological horror. You won’t find typical jump scares here, although I did nearly jump out of my skin a couple of times. The game’s real power lies in the unsettling feeling that you’re being watched. Typing away at your computer, an itch forms in the back of your mind that something’s not right. It’s not so much fear as it is this nagging discomfort that gets under your skin.
The game begins quietly as you copy mysterious text from undeliverable mail. Yet gradually, the seemingly random pieces start forming a pattern, whispering unknown secrets to you. Your character’s past is shrouded in mystery, having recently moved to this city. Perhaps a dark secret follows you, or maybe you possess forbidden knowledge. Either way, expect to be hurled into a mind-bending nightmare culminating in one of several possible endings.
The game plays out over six workdays, taking about three hours to complete. Importantly, it features multiple endings, making it very replayable. It’s not for those who drop in for a few minutes at a time—you get one save per playthrough. To absorb the full eerie atmosphere, it’s best to play it through in one sitting.
When it comes to horror games, I usually rely on someone like Madeleine, who loves the thrill of the scare. Amazingly, “Dead Letter Dept.” was a game I could handle—and enjoy—solo. It’s a title I highly recommend not just to horror enthusiasts but also to those who might be less inclined to seek out such thrills.
On the technical side, “Dead Letter Dept.” hits all the right notes. It creates a beautifully haunting setting without needing gore, and its controls and ambient music enhance the experience perfectly. It’s like stepping into a chilling short story you’ll want to revisit again and again.
In summary, “Dead Letter Dept.” pulls off something unexpected in the world of typing games, blending an intriguing narrative with enough tension to keep you on the edge of your seat. It comes highly recommended for anyone open to a bit of fright mixed with their gameplay, even if you’re not usually a fan of the darker genre. Just like the frighteningly eerie letters you’ll find in the game, it’s worth exploring.
