POSTAL (1997)

POSTAL is the first installment in a controversial series of shooting games. Known for its extreme violence, dark humor, and provocative themes, the game takes players through a wild, chaotic spree of destruction. The concept revolves around the protagonist, a character who decides to "go postal" and wreak havoc on his hometown, fulfilling his urge to unleash chaos in an unforgiving world.

Plot

The game follows the story of the main character, The Postal Dude, a homeless middle-aged man on the brink of insanity. He believes his town has been poisoned by the U.S. government through a nerve agent and sees himself as the only clear-minded individual left in the area. He perceives everyone around him as "infected," and his mission is to eliminate them. Driven by conspiracy theories and delusions, The Postal Dude sets out to kill those he deems responsible, hoping to reach a nearby U.S. Air Force base that he believes is behind the attack.

Gameplay

Unlike its more popular sequel, POSTAL utilizes a 2D perspective, with a mix of top-down and isometric views. Each level requires the player to eliminate a certain number of enemies, which include civilians, police officers, and military personnel. Once the player completes the required amount of kills, a door to the next level will appear. A notable feature of the game is that the player can still progress through the level even if The Postal Dude is killed, as long as the necessary kill count is met.

The Postal Dude is armed with up to eight different types of weapons. Each weapon varies in strength and has a limit to its ammunition capacity. The primary weapon is a basic firearm with infinite ammo, though it is the weakest. The game emphasizes action-packed combat, offering players an array of choices for how to approach each situation, whether through gunplay, explosive devices, or sheer brute force.

Expansions and Adaptations

POSTAL saw the release of an expansion pack called Special Delivery, which introduced additional levels and new characters, enhancing the original gameplay experience. In 2016, the game was remastered and launched as Postal Redux, offering updated visuals and gameplay tweaks to appeal to a new generation of players while maintaining the essence of the original title.

Despite its popularity, POSTAL was also adapted into a film by director Uwe Boll, though this attempt at bringing the game’s chaotic narrative to the big screen was not well-received by audiences or critics alike.

Postal (1997) is a game that knows exactly what it wants to be: shocking, chaotic, and unapologetically dark. Its top-down shooting and controversial themes make it a unique, if extreme, experience. The gameplay is simple but satisfying for those who enjoy fast-paced, over-the-top action.

However, this is not for everyone. The violence and black humor are intense and can be deeply disturbing. If you are looking for a light or story-driven game, Postal is not the right choice. But for fans of retro, controversial shooters, it delivers a bold, unforgettable ride.

We recommend Postal only to players who can handle its extreme content and enjoy classic, edgy games. Approach with caution, but expect a game that leaves a strong impression.