Anyone who’s familiar with me—or hasn’t hidden under a rock for ages—knows that the horror genre isn’t exactly my cup of tea. It’s not the themes or settings that put me off. In fact, there are several horror stories I truly enjoy. What really gets to me are those annoying jump scares. I mean, I game to unwind, and having to approach a new release with a pair of fresh undies nearby isn’t what I’d call a relaxing experience. However, psychological horror? Now that’s something I can get into. It offers that perfect amount of spine-tingling discomfort without sending me running for cover. Which brings us to today’s topic. Let’s delve into DEAD LETTER DEPT., a promising addition to the psychological horror genre that’s set to hit our screens at the end of the month.
Mark your calendars for January 30th, because that’s when DEAD LETTER DEPT. makes its debut on Steam. And I must admit, the concept has piqued my interest quite a bit. Picture this: you step into the shoes of a temporary worker at a postal warehouse. Tasked with managing undelivered mail—those stray letters and packages that have failed to find their destination for various quirky reasons. Among them, poor penmanship is probably the most mundane reason these ‘dead letters’ have found their way into your care.
In DEAD LETTER DEPT., your role seems deceptively simple. You’re expected to retype words and addresses on these wayward pieces of mail—a task that should be basic data entry. ‘Should’ is the operative word here because soon, you notice some peculiar and unsettling patterns emerging from the seemingly random mail. It’s almost as if these messages are, unsettlingly, directed at you.
Alone in a dimly lit warehouse, cut off from the outside world, your only connection comes from the letters you handle. As you settle into this routine, the environment starts feeling more bizarre and dreamlike. Strange narratives begin to unravel through the letters, and you just can’t shake the eerie sensation that you’re not entirely alone. Earning your paycheck is one thing, but is it worth possibly risking your sanity in the process?
DEAD LETTER DEPT. is more than just typing what’s on the screen. As you interact with your screen, trying to decode damaged images, you catch glimpses into the lives of individuals whose mail has gone astray—unearthing hidden secrets along the way. And since each playthrough promises a unique experience with a plethora of mail to sift through, there’s a lot to uncover. But the question remains: is satisfying your curiosity worth the creeping dread that follows?
If the idea of snooping through other people’s correspondence intrigues you, DEAD LETTER DEPT. will be available soon. And if you’re eager for a sneak peek, there’s a demo ready to download on Steam right now. But if you’re like me and prefer diving into the full experience, worry not—you won’t have to wait much longer.
