Developed by Running with Scissors, Postal Redux is an isometric twin stick shooter, ported from the Window’s and Linux versions released in 2017. This version is also a remake of the first Postal game, released back in 1997. The series has apparently been successful enough to turn into a franchise and even have a movie created on it. This Redux version comes with redesigned levels, remastered voice acting and sound, a new control system and extra content such as new levels. It is also the first Postal game to get a console release, but is it really needed in 2020?

The Postal games are well known for their controversial gameplay of literally being let loose to cause carnage, which includes the murdering innocents. This game is very basic in its goals, as the Postal dude is released onto 23 maps and has to kill a certain amount of hostiles to move on. These hostiles come in the form of police, civilians, soldiers and more with the main aim of the game seeing the player basically going out to commit mass murder.

It is quite baffling that while this is a remaster, there is nothing plot-wise and no reason for the gratuitous violence. Although with a quick Google search, the original did have a narrative and describes the Postal dude as a man who has a mental breakdown after being evicted from his home, and under the belief that the United States Air Force has released a poison gas and only he is unaffected. Not having this or any plot is a missed opportunity, as this would provide reasoning for this mentally unhinged man “going postal”.

Gameplay is similar to most conventional twin stick shooters; left stick to move, right stick to aim with the right trigger to shoot and left trigger to use throwable weapons such as hand grenades and Molotov’s. The game provides a good variety of weapons to cause mayhem and swapping between them on the fly is easy. Unfortunately, aiming is inconsistent, as there is a sort of soft lock-on mechanic that only seems to work some of the time. I found it easier to takedown hostiles from far and harder to hit anything up close, making my general favourite weapon, the shotgun an after thought. Other player actions include a duck, which is never used, as it hard to tell if you are behind cover with the isometric view and an execution button, which executes wounded hostiles multiple ways depending on the weapon the player is carrying.

Visually, Postal Redux looks out-dated. While it does have high definition redesigned levels and the maps are filled of colourful hand painted backdrops, it has tried to stay very faithful to the original, giving it that 1997 look. The screen is also filled with a lot bright red blood and fire that represent the game’s carnage. One neat feature is the player can change and choose the look via different filters, from black and white, to a GameBoy stylised look, a 1997 filter and even a cyberpunkish look.

Oddly enough there is no music during the game campaign. While the sound effects of guns are solid, the constant screams of innocents gets annoying quick. Even the repetitive nature of the dude’s one-liners, mainly after executions, wear out their welcome.

The game comes with a good amount of modes and content though. The player can play the campaign as it was first released will all 17 levels, or just play the newer 6 DLC packs. But the best option is playing the campaign as both the original campaign and DLC together, making it an all-inclusive 23 level campaign. Rampage is another addition and is an entertaining but tough new mode, which is a score based and the player’s main goal is to get a high score.

Without a doubt, this game is not fit for children and it will still upset some adults. Seeing a police officer scream in agony why he tries to crawl away from the impending execution is very confronting and will be unsettling for many. The game can be paused at any time, but it is probably best to play this when the little ones are asleep and not around.

Pottsy for One More Game

Postal Redux was reviewed on a Nintendo Switch and is available now.

4 – Below average – We understand what is trying to be delivered with this title but it has missed the mark. The game is playable but I would only expect fans of the franchise to give it a go. Still wouldn’t pay full price for this one.

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The publisher provided code for this review. Our thoughts on this game are ours and ours alone.