Satirical first-person shooting experience
POSTAL: Brain Damaged is a premium action game from Hyperstrange and Running with Scissors. As a part of the cult classic POSTAL series, this is a first-person shooter that ups the ante with more shooting, violence, and crass humor. It combines sci-fi and dark fantasy as you go through seemingly random encounters inside The Postal Dude’s mind.
Retaining its retro-style graphics, fast-paced gameplay, and mature themes, POSTAL: Brain Damaged is a great treat for fans of the franchise, which keeps this game not suitable for younger audiences. Other similar games include Half-Life, Dusk, and Blood: Fresh Supply™.
Explore the world of The Postal Dude
POSTAL: Brain Damaged is considered a spin-off of the main series. Instead of The Postal Dude breaking down and causing mayhem in the real world, this one focuses more on exploring the protagonist’s psyche. Face aliens, monsters, and twisted versions of people in the dude’s life, such as the people he interacts with during his stay in the medical institution.
In terms of visuals, it opts for the retro vibes, complete with the pixelated gore. The set designs, while generally appearing incomprehensible, are well thought out and actually serve as a great representation of how random and chaotic the dude’s mind has become over the course of his adventures. Combined with effective audio effects, the game has that random yet exciting appeal until the end.
Still, like any other POSTAL game, this is simply intended for mature audiences. From the story, the dialogue and sound bits, and even the weapon designs evoke themes that are sexual, violent, or generally politically incorrect by nature. For fans of the franchise, however, this humor is exactly what made the franchise become a cult classic. Other than that, the shorter-than-average playthrough length is another concern.
A good spinoff
In short, POSTAL: Brain Damaged is a worthy spin-off that pays a good tribute to the main series. While it departs from the usual premise where an unstable man finds his way in the real world, it takes the opportunity to extend the limits of what’s possible in terms of gameplay and storytelling. It is definitely enjoyable, replayable, and not for a younger audience.
