Anyone who’s known me for a while or isn’t completely oblivious knows I’m not drawn to the horror genre. My aversion isn’t really about the horror itself but more about those annoying jump scares that come along too often. I play games to unwind, and I’m not a fan of being on edge to the point of almost needing a change of underwear. Yet, I find a certain charm in psychological horror. It strikes a balance that makes me just uneasy enough to be intriguing and satisfying. Today, I’m delving into a new title that fits right into that category. We’re diving into DEAD LETTER DEPT., a fresh psychological horror experience set to hit screens at the month’s end.
DEAD LETTER DEPT. is slated for a PC release via Steam on January 30th. The premise alone has piqued my interest. In this eerie escapade, you take on the role of a temp worker at a postal warehouse. Your task is handling undelivered mail that’s managed to elude delivery for a slew of reasons. Trust me, bad handwriting is merely the tip of the iceberg for why these letters have found their way to your desk.
You might think your role is straightforward: simply retype words and addresses on misplaced mail. It sounds like a no-brainer data entry job, right? Well, “should be” is key here because soon, you’ll notice some unsettling patterns emerging from these letters. Call it paranoia or sharp intuition, but something may lead you to suspect those messages could be intended for you.
In a lonely, dim warehouse, entirely isolated, your only link to the outside world is the mail you’re processing. Over time, the job reveals itself to be increasingly surreal and possibly threatening. Strange stories and occurrences arise from the letters, feeding your feeling that you’re under surveillance. Sure, paying rent is crucial, but if it might cost you your sanity, is it really worth it?
DEAD LETTER DEPT. stands out as a typing adventure where you input different prompts into your screen, all to crack damaged images. This gives you a peek into the lives of those missing their mail, unearthing buried secrets along the way. Each playthrough promises to be unique, thanks to the massive volume of mail to sift through. Deciding if the voyeuristic thrill outweighs the creeping dread is up to you.
For those who find the concept of reading someone else’s mail intriguing, DEAD LETTER DEPT. will arrive very soon. If you’re eager to get a sneak peek, there’s a demo available on Steam right now. Like me, though, you might choose to hold off until the complete game lands, which is just a few weeks away.
