Postal III (2012)

Postal III presents a choice between normalcy and madness, placing players in control of the Postal Dude and his unhinged pitbull, Champ, as they leave Paradise for the city of Catharsis. Following the catastrophic events that concluded his previous week, the duo arrives in a city that, despite its name, proves to be plagued by chaos and corruption. Economic collapse, radical environmental extremism, and pervasive government hypocrisy make Catharsis a challenging environment, raising the question of how one will navigate its absurd and often violent social landscape.

Story and Setting

The narrative revolves around navigating the unpredictable actions of Catharsis’s inhabitants. Players encounter a manipulative mayor, a berserk mascot with terrorist affiliations, and factions led by a former vice-president committed to eco-activism. Additional threats include unconventional gangs, such as Gay Segway bikers, and a nuclear-obsessed cult led by a sociopathic uncle figure. Every choice made by the player determines the progression of events, forcing a constant evaluation of morality, strategy, and survival.

Gameplay Mechanics

Postal III emphasizes interaction with a complex, reactive environment. NPCs respond dynamically to player actions, creating multiple branching storylines based on behavior. Gameplay is delivered through both on-foot and vehicle segments, maintaining the series’ signature POSTAL style of chaotic freedom. Players can engage in a wide variety of activities ranging from direct confrontation to exploration and problem-solving, ensuring that each playthrough can differ significantly.

Humor and Tone

The game maintains the distinct satirical style of Running With Scissors, offering a darkly humorous take on contemporary social and political issues. The setting parodies real-world events, people, and philosophies through exaggerated characters and scenarios, providing a provocative yet comedic lens on modern society’s absurdities. This tone underpins every element of the game, from story development to gameplay interactions.

Characters and Cameos

Postal III features a range of celebrity and fictional characters. Super porn star Ron Jeremy, Village People’s Randy Jones, internationally controversial director Uwe Boll, and Playboy Playmate Jennifer Walcott appear throughout the city. Additionally, familiar faces from the Running With Scissors universe, including Krotchy, Champ, and the Postal Babes, join the action, sometimes as allies and sometimes as opponents. Their presence adds layers of humor and unpredictability to the game world.

Unique Gameplay Features

The game introduces innovative mechanics, including the Helper Monkey, Grenade Cats, and the BadgerSaw, which expand both combat and strategic possibilities. Players can choose whether to confront or protect others, and certain encounters, such as with Uwe Boll, offer multiple outcomes. Vehicle sequences, interactive environments, and NPC reactions contribute to a highly varied experience where decisions carry meaningful consequences.

Summary

Postal III delivers a provocative, open-ended experience in a city defined by chaos and corruption. Players navigate a world filled with eccentric characters, unpredictable events, and morally ambiguous choices. Through dynamic gameplay mechanics, interactive environments, and a darkly satirical narrative, Postal III challenges players to balance survival, humor, and strategy while exploring the extremes of modern society. The game’s mixture of outrageous humor, celebrity appearances, and unique combat elements ensures a distinctive and engaging experience for fans of the POSTAL series.

Postal III is a wild and chaotic ride that isn’t for everyone. Its humor is edgy, over-the-top, and satirical, leaning heavily on shock value and absurd situations. If you enjoy dark comedy and outrageous, unpredictable gameplay, this game can be entertaining.

However, it is rough around the edges. Bugs, clunky mechanics, and uneven pacing can frustrate players who expect polish or a serious story. The game works best for fans of the series who want another twisted adventure, rather than newcomers looking for a smooth experience.

In short: we recommend Postal III only to fans of the Postal series or those who love extreme, dark humor. Everyone else may find it too chaotic and flawed to enjoy.