PN Review: The Letter

For those who see the score and are inclined to stop reading, please don’t.  Scores don’t tell the whole story.  Yes, The Letter (at present) is below average, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not worth buying.  I actually liked more of the game than I disliked believe it or not.  It’s just that the things I disliked are so key that my score must reflect them.  But please keep reading to learn more.

The Letter represents Tree Fall Studios jump from PC gaming to the home console realm. This is a new and young studio still going through their share of growing pains.  The Letter has some very real issues, no question about it.  But considering both the context behind its release and its $1.99 price, makes it much easier for me to focus more on the elements I did enjoy. There were actually more of these than you might think.  The Letter might be subpar, but it’s not without some merit.

This game makes good with its intriguing foundation.  It’s a first person horror game where you play as a young boy searching for clues about his missing father.  Without giving spoilers I want to say that there’s no violence shown (just a brief glimpse of blood), nor any demonic elements in the story, which develops through finding of Letters left by the lost dad.  The atmosphere is still effectively creepy.

The visuals (though clearly dated) are not bad, and everything runs smooth.  I like how the lighting adds to the creepy setting, with the added benefit of masking some of the technical hardships. There’s also a fair amount of freedom to wander and explore the sizable job terrain with little in the way of invisible barriers and such.  I think the music satisfies as well, with the ‘Construction Valley’ track definitely the most fitting.  Occasional subdued vocal clips are an effectively creepy audio touch.  The controls were easy and responsive, and the ability to jump (albeit only needed sparingly) makes me envision how TreeFall’s plans for 3D platformer may eventually turn out.

With all that said, there are two main things forcing me to give the score I am.  One is the lack of any GamePad use – not even Off-TV play!   It always disappoints me when developers overlook the GamePad, and to do so completely with such a popular feature is dire!  Besides Off-TV play, the GamePad could’ve been used to read hidden letters, or maybe as a map or inventory display.  Like the game itself, the GamePad’s potential is untapped.  Second and more serious is the game’s length.  I beat it in just under 45 minutes, taking my time and exploring.  The 5 minute length being tossed around online only applies to replay (or if you’ve watched a YouTube vid).  At any rate, it’s much too short for a mysterious adventure game.

It isn’t just length though – it’s the hasty feeling the game possesses.  An unfinished air hangs over The Letter.  The story ends so abruptly, and replay value (at present) is nonexistent!  To be fair, I was expecting a shorter game.  TreeFall’s PC games are short, and they even admitted prior to release that (due to the limited funds received via their crowdfunding campaign) The Letter would be “much shorter than originally planned”.  Still, the amount of content doesn’t seem appropriate for a console game.  I wish it would’ve been delayed a few months, or labeled as chapter one.  There are other parts of the game that could use polish and more quality for sure, but these are my primary areas of concern.

On the other hand, it does speak to the entertainment I was having that I’m lamenting the game’s length.  A long but uninteresting game certainly fares no better.  Still, when I wanted The Letter to keep going it did not.  Downloadable content will make this a future reality, but it is regrettable for all involved that it’s not here from outset.  The impressions from this rushed release can only be reversed with more content – it must be stressed that DLC can’t come soon enough!  This will be a good learning experience for Tree Fall, who’ve plainly seen their reach exceed their grasp due to over eagerness.

Unlike most games I’ve scored below average, you can see I actually have a fair amount of appreciation and hope for where The Letter is trying to go– it just wasn’t ready for prime time. When updates arrive, this review will likewise be updated.  A submission has actually already been made, which will feature new buildings and items, and expanded dialogue among other things.  Until it’s implemented, you must ask yourself is an hour or less worth of entertainment with promised updates worth it?  I did like The Letter … while it lasted.  At just $1.99 it could still be worth it for some, especially as few $1.99 dare to go the route of a 3D adventure.  But if you buy The Letter hoping for a polished, finished experience you’ll be quite disappointed – buy it to support a fledgling indie developer instead.