Summary
- Release Year: 1997
- Genres: Indie, Shooter
- Platforms: Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Running with Scissors
- Publishers: Ripcord Games
Postal (1997): A Controversial Classic
Postal is a survival horror isometric third-person shooter video game developed by Running With Scissors and published by Ripcord Games in 1997. The game was met with controversy upon its release due to its extreme violence and dark humor. However, it has since gained a cult following among fans of the survival horror genre.
Gameplay
Postal is set in the fictional town of Paradise, Arizona. The player takes control of the Postal Dude, a disgruntled and unhinged man who is trying to get revenge on the people who have wronged him. The game is played from an isometric perspective, and the player must use a variety of weapons to kill enemies and complete objectives.
Postal is known for its over-the-top violence and gore. The player can use a variety of weapons to kill enemies, including guns, knives, and explosives. The game also features a number of environmental hazards, such as fire and electricity, that can be used to kill enemies or solve puzzles.
Story
The story of Postal is told through a series of cutscenes and in-game dialogue. The player learns that the Postal Dude is a former postal worker who was fired after he snapped and killed his supervisor. After being fired, the Postal Dude goes on a rampage, killing anyone who gets in his way.
The story of Postal is dark and twisted, but it also has a strong sense of humor. The game is full of black comedy, and the Postal Dude is a darkly charismatic character.
Controversy
Postal was met with controversy upon its release due to its extreme violence and dark humor. The game was banned in several countries, and it was the subject of a number of lawsuits. However, the game has since gained a cult following among fans of the survival horror genre.
Legacy
Postal has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game’s over-the-top violence and dark humor have been imitated by other games, and the game has been credited with helping to popularize the survival horror genre.
Postal has also been the subject of a number of academic studies. The game has been used to explore themes such as violence, mental illness, and the dark side of the American dream.
Conclusion
Postal is a controversial classic that has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game’s over-the-top violence and dark humor have made it a favorite among fans of the survival horror genre. However, the game has also been criticized for its glorification of violence.
Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Postal is a unique and memorable game. It’s a game that will stay with you long after you finish playing it.
Additional Information
- Postal was developed by Running With Scissors, a small independent game development studio.
- The game was published by Ripcord Games, a now-defunct video game publisher.
- Postal was released on February 25, 1997.
- The game was banned in several countries, including Germany, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Postal has been the subject of a number of lawsuits.
- The game has been cited as an inspiration for a number of school shootings.
- Postal has been praised by some critics for its originality and dark humor.
- The game has been criticized by others for its glorification of violence.
- Postal has been the subject of a number of academic studies.
- The game has been parodied in a number of other video games.
- A sequel to Postal, called Postal², was released in 2003.
- Director Uwe Boll has bought the movie rights for the series, and has produced a film of the same name.
- A March 2001 re-release of the game, called Postal Plus, included a “Special Delivery” add-on.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
