Difference between revisions of "Postal III"
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(been sitting out but decided to correct a few things and add a bunch of stuff that was previously undocumented outside of certain places. also references references references) |
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|introduction = | |introduction = | ||
− | |release history = The game is known for its instability and poor optimization, to the point of being officially disavowed by series creator, Running With Scissors.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200627071245/https://runningwithscissors.com/postal-iii-2/|title=Postal III|date=May 2023}}</ref> On September 26, 2023, the | + | |release history = The game is known for its instability and poor optimization, to the point of being officially disavowed by series creator, Running With Scissors.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20200627071245/https://runningwithscissors.com/postal-iii-2/|title=Postal III|date=May 2023}}</ref> On September 26, 2023, 11 years after the last update, the ZOOM Platform version received the Fart Gun DLC and a set of fixes for multiple long-standing issues, including crashes when throwing items or grabbing a human shield.<ref name="Postal3ZoomPlatform2023">{{Refurl|url=https://www.zoom-platform.com/news/postal-iii-im-filled-with-glee|title=Zoom Platform - Postal III, I'm filled with glee!|date=2023-09-26}}</ref> |
− | |current state = | + | |current state = Versions outside of the original Russian retail release require a workaround to bypass the ActControl DRM; see [[#Game doesn't launch|Use the updated Starforce domain for ActControl DRM activation]]. |
}} | }} | ||
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{{Availability/row| retail | | activation | {{DRM|StarForce|5}} Orignal Russian release. | | Windows }} | {{Availability/row| retail | | activation | {{DRM|StarForce|5}} Orignal Russian release. | | Windows }} | ||
{{Availability/row| retail | | Steam, activation | {{DRM|ActControl|}}<ref name="actcontrol" /> All other releases. | | Windows }} | {{Availability/row| retail | | Steam, activation | {{DRM|ActControl|}}<ref name="actcontrol" /> All other releases. | | Windows }} | ||
− | {{Availability/row| ZOOM | postal-iii | DRM-free | Includes bug fixes and the Fart | + | {{Availability/row| ZOOM | postal-iii | DRM-free | Includes bug fixes and the Fart Gun DLC.<ref name="Postal3ZoomPlatform2023"/> | | Windows }} |
{{Availability/row| GamersGate | postal-3 | Steam, activation | {{DRM|ActControl|}}<ref name="actcontrol">http://actcontrol.net/</ref> | | Windows | unavailable }} | {{Availability/row| GamersGate | postal-3 | Steam, activation | {{DRM|ActControl|}}<ref name="actcontrol">http://actcontrol.net/</ref> | | Windows | unavailable }} | ||
{{Availability/row| Steam | 10220 | Steam, activation | {{DRM|ActControl|}}<ref name="actcontrol" /> Not available in Germany. | | Windows | unavailable }} | {{Availability/row| Steam | 10220 | Steam, activation | {{DRM|ActControl|}}<ref name="actcontrol" /> Not available in Germany. | | Windows | unavailable }} | ||
+ | {{Availability/row| developer | https://runningwithscissors.com/shop/ | Steam, activation | {{DRM|ActControl|}}<ref name="actcontrol" /> Sold by series creator, Running with Scissors. Choice of a key, physical base game copy, Collector's Edition in pink box, or the XX 20th Anniversary Pack. | Steam | Windows | unavailable }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{ii}} Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/858-postal-3-nodrm/ Postal 3 NoDRM] to remove the DRM. | {{ii}} Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/858-postal-3-nodrm/ Postal 3 NoDRM] to remove the DRM. | ||
+ | {{--}} Retail disc copies released outside of Russia no longer install on Steam via the CD/DVD installer feature, requiring you to download it through Steam itself, or extract it manually. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Version differences=== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Russia received 3 different special edition versions. The '''Deluxe Edition''' includes the base game, a soundtrack CD, a "making of" DVD, a map of Catharsis, and a magnetic Krotchy. The '''Collector's Edition''', in either a big black or pink box, includes the same as the '''Deluxe Edition''' but now has an added copy of the Postal movie, an artbook, and a Krotchy plush doll.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://gamer.ru/postal-iii/vidy-izdaniy-postal-iii|title=Gamer.ru|date=May 2023}}</ref> The Gama-Gama exclusive '''Гама-edition''' now has the soundtrack, "making of" movie, map of Catharsis, and artbook in digital form, but now includes other bonuses like a cardboard pattern, the Fart Gun DLC, early access to playing the game, and +1622 bonuses added to your Gama-Gama account.<ref>{{Refurl|url=http://www.gamer.ru/postal-iii/polnyy-pipets|title=Gamer.ru|date=May 2023}}</ref> | ||
+ | {{ii}} Japan received a '''Special''' edition which includes the game alongside a pink Krotchy mousepad.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/147/G014744/20120621009|title=4gamer.net|date=May 2023}}</ref> | ||
+ | {{ii}} The game received 3 more updates under Akella's control. Official patch notes (alongside a translated version) [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qD4tzkcEaybjJNaSowTQnBONIme58KxasukbDEMzBI8/edit here]. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Latest Steam version is slightly different compared to v1.12, most notably being compiled at a later date (January 24 2012) and the cat upgrade icons for certain weapons not showing up. | ||
+ | {{ii}} The ZOOM Platform 1.2 version includes multiple bug fixes, most notably fixing the main issues caused by the No DRM patch, throwing items and taking human shields crashing the game.<ref name="Postal3ZoomPlatform2023"/> | ||
==Monetization== | ==Monetization== | ||
{{DLC| | {{DLC| | ||
− | {{DLC/row| Fart | + | {{DLC/row| Fart Gun / Гамамет | An exclusive bonus weapon that was for sale from the Russian digital game key store Gama-Gama, either for pre-ordering Postal III '''Гама-edition'''<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://gama-gama.ru/detail/postal-3-pipec-edition|title=Gama-Gama|date=May 2023}}</ref> or by buying it individually.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111128035416/http://www.gama-gama.ru/Prod/Postal_3_DLC_GamaGun|title=Gama-Gama|date=May 2023}}</ref> The weapon is also available in the retail copies released outside Russia, with an official UI translation into English.<br>Added to the ZOOM Platform version on September 26, 2023.<ref name="Postal3ZoomPlatform2023"/> | Windows}} |
}} | }} | ||
{{ii}} A free remake of the addon with both the English and Russian UI translations are available [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=612601058 here]. | {{ii}} A free remake of the addon with both the English and Russian UI translations are available [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=612601058 here]. | ||
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===Skip intro videos=== | ===Skip intro videos=== | ||
{{Fixbox|description=Delete or rename files|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mars icecream|date=2017-9}}</ref>|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Delete or rename files|ref=<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Mars icecream|date=2017-9}}</ref>|fix= | ||
− | Delete or rename {{file|logo_1_akella.bik}}, {{file|logo_2_RWS.bik}} and {{file|logo_3_TMS.bik}} in {{folder|{{P|game}}\p3\media}} | + | Delete or rename {{file|logo_1_akella.bik}}, {{file|logo_2_RWS.bik}} and {{file|logo_3_TMS.bik}} in {{folder|{{P|game}}\p3\media}}, and {{file|SOURCE_LOGO.bik}}, {{file|NVIDIA.bik}} in {{folder|{{P|game}}\p3_english\media}}. If using the Russian translation, go to {{folder|p3_russian}} instead and also delete {{file|WARNING.bik}} in {{folder|{{P|game}}\p3_russian\media}}. |
− | and {{file|SOURCE_LOGO.bik}}, {{file|NVIDIA.bik}} in {{folder|{{P|game}}\p3_english\media}}. | ||
}} | }} | ||
===[https://archive.org/details/postal-3-update-files Official Update Files]=== | ===[https://archive.org/details/postal-3-update-files Official Update Files]=== | ||
− | {{ii}} Updates released periodically after the original retail release from Russia, previously hosted on Running with Scissors' | + | {{ii}} Updates released periodically after the original retail release from Russia, previously hosted on both Akella's and Running with Scissors' websites.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214113655/https://runningwithscissors.com/?page_id=853|title=Postal III|date=May 2023}}</ref> |
{{ii}} Unnecessary if playing off the Steam or ZOOM Platform release, as those are already updated to the most recent patch. | {{ii}} Unnecessary if playing off the Steam or ZOOM Platform release, as those are already updated to the most recent patch. | ||
{{--}} Requires an activation key for the Russian version for the DRM, which makes it incompatible with every other version. | {{--}} Requires an activation key for the Russian version for the DRM, which makes it incompatible with every other version. | ||
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|eax support = | |eax support = | ||
|eax support notes = | |eax support notes = | ||
− | |royalty free audio = | + | |royalty free audio = false |
− | |royalty free audio notes = | + | |royalty free audio notes = Licensed music is used throughout the game, but can be disabled by muting the music through options and skipping the FMV cutscenes. |
}} | }} | ||
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|audio = false | |audio = false | ||
|subtitles = true | |subtitles = true | ||
− | |notes = | + | |notes = Removed from the ZOOM Platform version as of v1.2. |
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
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|subtitles = false | |subtitles = false | ||
|fan = true | |fan = true | ||
− | |notes = Fan translation, [https://www.mediafire.com/file/axk98ox5bvb338t/Postal_3_JP_Text_Patch.zip/file download]. The official Japanese | + | |notes = Fan translation, [https://www.mediafire.com/file/axk98ox5bvb338t/Postal_3_JP_Text_Patch.zip/file download]. The official Japanese localization is currently lost, and is not in any version, despite official media showing it was translated.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://youtu.be/TQVjTphJqEE|title=Postal III Japanese Trailer|date=May 2023}}</ref> |
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
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===Game doesn't launch=== | ===Game doesn't launch=== | ||
{{ii}} Postal III has issues with it’s DRM, which has been one of the main suspected reasons for its removal from Steam, alongside the current state of the publisher of the game. | {{ii}} Postal III has issues with it’s DRM, which has been one of the main suspected reasons for its removal from Steam, alongside the current state of the publisher of the game. | ||
− | {{ | + | {{++}} Doesn’t apply for the ZOOM Platform version. |
{{Fixbox|description=Use the updated Starforce domain for ActControl DRM activation|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Use the updated Starforce domain for ActControl DRM activation|fix= | ||
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{{Fixbox|description=Use the Postal 3 NoDRM patch|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=Use the Postal 3 NoDRM patch|fix= | ||
Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/858-postal-3-nodrm/ Postal 3 NoDRM]. | Use [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/858-postal-3-nodrm/ Postal 3 NoDRM]. | ||
− | {{--}} Various game mechanics such as throwing | + | {{--}} Various game mechanics such as throwing items using human shields can crash the game with the NoDRM fix. |
+ | {{++}} Crashing issues caused by the patch are now fixed with the ZOOM Platform v1.2 update.<ref name="Postal3ZoomPlatform2023"/> | ||
}} | }} | ||
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* <code>ai_expression_optimization 1</code> (disables NPC expressions whenever those NPCs are off-screen) | * <code>ai_expression_optimization 1</code> (disables NPC expressions whenever those NPCs are off-screen) | ||
{{ii}} <code>mat_queue_mode</code> determines the threading mode the material system uses. A value of -1 uses the default for your system, a value of 0 uses synchronous single thread, 1 uses queued single threaded mode, and value of 2 uses multi-threaded mode. The default value is -2, and reading the translated Russian within the default configuation files reveals that this was intentional: multi-threading breaks Postal 3's PhysX implementation when turned on (the coat detaches from the protagonist, along with other physics bugs). | {{ii}} <code>mat_queue_mode</code> determines the threading mode the material system uses. A value of -1 uses the default for your system, a value of 0 uses synchronous single thread, 1 uses queued single threaded mode, and value of 2 uses multi-threaded mode. The default value is -2, and reading the translated Russian within the default configuation files reveals that this was intentional: multi-threading breaks Postal 3's PhysX implementation when turned on (the coat detaches from the protagonist, along with other physics bugs). | ||
+ | {{++}} Doesn’t apply for the ZOOM Platform version as they are included by default inside both {{file|autoexec.cfg}} and {{file|zoom_p3_fix.cfg}}, alongside a few other commands. | ||
}} | }} | ||
Revision as of 14:02, 27 September 2023
Developers | |
---|---|
Trashmasters | |
Publishers | |
Akella | |
Engines | |
Source | |
Release dates | |
Windows | November 23, 2011 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 24 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase |
Microtransactions | None |
Modes | Singleplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | Third-person |
Controls | Direct control |
Genres | Action, FPS, Shooter |
Art styles | Cartoon |
Themes | Comedy, North America |
Series | Postal |
Postal | |
---|---|
Postal | 1997 |
Postal² | 2003 |
Postal III | 2011 |
Postal Redux | 2016 |
Postal 4: No Regerts | 2022 |
Postal: Brain Damaged | 2022 |
Poostall Royale | 2023 |
Postal III is a singleplayer third-person action, FPS and shooter game in the Postal series.
The game is known for its instability and poor optimization, to the point of being officially disavowed by series creator, Running With Scissors.[1] On September 26, 2023, 11 years after the last update, the ZOOM Platform version received the Fart Gun DLC and a set of fixes for multiple long-standing issues, including crashes when throwing items or grabbing a human shield.[2]
Versions outside of the original Russian retail release require a workaround to bypass the ActControl DRM; see Use the updated Starforce domain for ActControl DRM activation.
General information
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | StarForce 5 DRM Orignal Russian release. | |||
Retail | ActControl DRM[3] All other releases. | |||
ZOOM Platform | Includes bug fixes and the Fart Gun DLC.[2] | |||
GamersGate (unavailable) | ActControl DRM[3] | |||
Steam (unavailable) | ActControl DRM[3] Not available in Germany. | |||
Developer website (unavailable) | ActControl DRM[3] Sold by series creator, Running with Scissors. Choice of a key, physical base game copy, Collector's Edition in pink box, or the XX 20th Anniversary Pack. |
- Use Postal 3 NoDRM to remove the DRM.
- Retail disc copies released outside of Russia no longer install on Steam via the CD/DVD installer feature, requiring you to download it through Steam itself, or extract it manually.
Version differences
- Russia received 3 different special edition versions. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, a soundtrack CD, a "making of" DVD, a map of Catharsis, and a magnetic Krotchy. The Collector's Edition, in either a big black or pink box, includes the same as the Deluxe Edition but now has an added copy of the Postal movie, an artbook, and a Krotchy plush doll.[4] The Gama-Gama exclusive Гама-edition now has the soundtrack, "making of" movie, map of Catharsis, and artbook in digital form, but now includes other bonuses like a cardboard pattern, the Fart Gun DLC, early access to playing the game, and +1622 bonuses added to your Gama-Gama account.[5]
- Japan received a Special edition which includes the game alongside a pink Krotchy mousepad.[6]
- The game received 3 more updates under Akella's control. Official patch notes (alongside a translated version) here.
- Latest Steam version is slightly different compared to v1.12, most notably being compiled at a later date (January 24 2012) and the cat upgrade icons for certain weapons not showing up.
- The ZOOM Platform 1.2 version includes multiple bug fixes, most notably fixing the main issues caused by the No DRM patch, throwing items and taking human shields crashing the game.[2]
Monetization
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Fart Gun / Гамамет | An exclusive bonus weapon that was for sale from the Russian digital game key store Gama-Gama, either for pre-ordering Postal III Гама-edition[7] or by buying it individually.[8] The weapon is also available in the retail copies released outside Russia, with an official UI translation into English. Added to the ZOOM Platform version on September 26, 2023.[2] |
- A free remake of the addon with both the English and Russian UI translations are available here.
- Doesn't work on every version of the game, it was officially accessible to the player in the v1.10 update if the files were installed.
Essential improvements
Skip intro videos
Delete or rename files[9] |
---|
Delete or rename |
Official Update Files
- Updates released periodically after the original retail release from Russia, previously hosted on both Akella's and Running with Scissors' websites.[10]
- Unnecessary if playing off the Steam or ZOOM Platform release, as those are already updated to the most recent patch.
- Requires an activation key for the Russian version for the DRM, which makes it incompatible with every other version.
Postal III Unofficial Patch 1.13
- This unofficial patch fixes many mission script issues and bugs, re-balances some weapons and missions, adds extra unused and new voice lines for Postal Dude, as well as missing sound effects for weapons and unused loading screens for several missions.
- Beta Mod Pack and Improvement Mod are incompatible with this patch.
POSTAL III Improvement Mod
- Effectively an unofficial patch of sorts; fixes many of the game's issues whilst also re-implementing some of the game's missing features/beta content.
Beta Mod Pack
- Alternative to the Improvement Mod.
- Fixes various game issues, while focusing on the restoration of beta content.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\p3\cfg\[Note 1] |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/10220/pfx/[Note 2] |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\p3\SAVE\[Note 1] |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/10220/pfx/[Note 2] |
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Steam Cloud |
Video
Graphics feature | State | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | |||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | |||
4K Ultra HD | Interface scales poorly. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | |||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | Launch the game with -window -noborder parameter. |
||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Up to 16x. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Up to 8x MSAA and 16xQ CSAA for Nvidia GPUs. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | |||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | |||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | Rendered image uses SDR color space. In-game HDR option refers only to HDR Rendering. |
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | ||
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | Go to the configuration file(s) location, open config.cfg and change joystick "0" to joystick "1" . |
|
Full controller support | You need Mouse and Keyboard to navigate through menus, but you can map Quick Save/Quick Load to any controller button you want. |
|
Controller remapping | ||
Controller sensitivity | ||
Controller Y-axis inversion |
Controller types |
---|
XInput-compatible controllers | Go to the configuration file(s) location, open config.cfg and change joystick "0" to joystick "1" . |
|
---|---|---|
Xbox button prompts | ||
Impulse Trigger vibration |
PlayStation controllers |
---|
Generic/other controllers |
---|
Additional information | ||
---|---|---|
Controller hotplugging | ||
Haptic feedback | ||
Digital movement supported | ||
Simultaneous controller+KB/M |
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | Certain languages (such as German) only have subtitles in the FMV cutscenes. | |
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
Royalty free audio | Licensed music is used throughout the game, but can be disabled by muting the music through options and skipping the FMV cutscenes. |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | All translations (except Russian) use English as a base, so they will have English audio and UI assets. | |||
Brazilian Portuguese | Fan translation, download. | |||
French | Fan translation, download. | |||
German | Removed from the ZOOM Platform version as of v1.2. | |||
Italian | Fan translation, download. | |||
Japanese | Fan translation, download. The official Japanese localization is currently lost, and is not in any version, despite official media showing it was translated.[11] | |||
Polish | Fan translation, download. To fix the characters, follow this guide. | |||
Russian | ||||
Simplified Chinese | Fan translation, download. |
Issues fixed
Game doesn't launch
- Postal III has issues with it’s DRM, which has been one of the main suspected reasons for its removal from Steam, alongside the current state of the publisher of the game.
- Doesn’t apply for the ZOOM Platform version.
Use the updated Starforce domain for ActControl DRM activation |
---|
|
Use the Postal 3 NoDRM patch |
---|
Use Postal 3 NoDRM.
|
FPS is unstable/game is laggy
Edit the autoexec.cfg[12][13] |
---|
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9.0c | |
Shader Model support | 2.0, 2.0b, 3.0 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Physics | Havok, PhysX, APEX | Heavily modified variant, 2.8.4.6, 1.0.0.1 |
Audio | Miles Sound System | 6.6a |
Cutscenes | Bink Video | 1.8w |
Mods
Postal 3 First Person Mod
- Allows you to play the game in first person mode. Paste the script in your autoexec.cfg.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | XP | Vista, 7 |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 4 3.0 GHz Dual Core 2.0 GHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 1 GB | 2 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 13.5 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | Support for Pixel Shaders 128 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible |
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below
%PROGRAMFILES%
,%PROGRAMDATA%
, or%WINDIR%
might be redirected to%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore
on Windows Vista and later (more details). - ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (10220) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ Postal III - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Zoom Platform - Postal III, I'm filled with glee! - last accessed on 2023-09-26
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 http://actcontrol.net/
- ↑ Gamer.ru - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Gamer.ru - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ 4gamer.net - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Gama-Gama - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Gama-Gama - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Verified by User:Mars icecream on 2017-9
- ↑ Postal III - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ Postal III Japanese Trailer - last accessed on May 2023
- ↑ https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=650247633
- ↑ yuanpaper.blogspot.com - last accessed on May 2023