Difference between revisions of "Postal"
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|release history = ''Postal'' first released in open beta on July 21, 1997.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.csoon.com/issue27/p_rip1.htm|title=RIPCORD GAMES ANNOUNCES EXCITING 'POSTAL' BETA-TEST/CONTEST OPPORTUNITY|date=2024-03-07}}</ref> The beta was playable until August 21, 1997.<ref name="TechFAQ9">{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991109042004/http://www.gopostal.com/techfaq9.htm|title=Techfaq9 - When I shoot things, everyone on the screen catches on fire. (retrieved)|date=2024-03-06}}</ref> | |release history = ''Postal'' first released in open beta on July 21, 1997.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.csoon.com/issue27/p_rip1.htm|title=RIPCORD GAMES ANNOUNCES EXCITING 'POSTAL' BETA-TEST/CONTEST OPPORTUNITY|date=2024-03-07}}</ref> The beta was playable until August 21, 1997.<ref name="TechFAQ9">{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991109042004/http://www.gopostal.com/techfaq9.htm|title=Techfaq9 - When I shoot things, everyone on the screen catches on fire. (retrieved)|date=2024-03-06}}</ref> | ||
− | The game released to retail for [[Windows]] and [[Mac OS]] on September 24, 1997 | + | The game released to retail for [[Windows]] and [[Mac OS]] on September 24, 1997.<ref name="pcgamer"/><ref name="ogr"/> A [[Linux]] port developed by [[Company:Loki Software|Loki Software]] released on October 29, 2001, and an [[OS X]] port developed by [[Company:Ryan C. Gordon|Ryan C. Gordon]] released on July 26, 2005.<ref name="loki"/><ref name="mac"/> An expansion, ''[[#DLC and expansion packs|Special Delivery]]'', released on August 27, 1998.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991104214816/http://www.gopostal.com/press12.htm|title=POSTAL GOES "SPECIAL DELIVERY" (retrieved)|date=2024-04-05}}</ref> |
− | ''Postal'' later released | + | ''Postal'' later re-released to several digital stores, including [[Store:GamersGate|GamersGate]] on October 30, 2008, [[Store:GOG.com|GOG.com]] on April 22, 2009, and [[Store:Steam|Steam]] on March 21, 2013.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127211941/http://runningwithscissors.com/gamersgate|title=Running With Scissors Cuts Digital Delivery Deal with GamersGate <nowiki>|</nowiki> Running With Scissors Official Website (retrieved)|date=2023-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008180530/http://www.runningwithscissors.com/postal-games-join-gog-library|title=POSTAL Games Join GOG Library <nowiki>|</nowiki> Running With Scissors Official Website (retrieved)|date=2023-10-20}}</ref><ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524055550/http://runningwithscissors.com/main/index.php?topic=1225|title=POSTAL 1: Now on Steam! (retrieved)|date=2023-10-20}}</ref> |
The game's Steam release was followed by updates that introduced performance improvements, widescreen support, modernized controls, and other enhancements.<ref name="2013update">{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/232770/discussions/0/810919691141362852|title=What's in the latest update?! :: POSTAL General stuff|date=2023-12-08}}</ref><ref name="2015update">{{Refurl|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/232770/view/2909844527766294493|title=POSTAL - POSTAL 1 goes on sale and receives major controller improvements! - Steam News|date=2024-03-06}}</ref> Due to compatibility issues, multiplayer and the level editor were removed.<ref name="DevCall">{{Refurl|url=https://runningwithscissors.com/calling-all-wannabe-devs-come-update-the-original-postal/|title=Calling All Wannabe Devs - Come Update The Original POSTAL - Running With Scissors|date=2024-02-21}}</ref> | The game's Steam release was followed by updates that introduced performance improvements, widescreen support, modernized controls, and other enhancements.<ref name="2013update">{{Refurl|url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/232770/discussions/0/810919691141362852|title=What's in the latest update?! :: POSTAL General stuff|date=2023-12-08}}</ref><ref name="2015update">{{Refurl|url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/232770/view/2909844527766294493|title=POSTAL - POSTAL 1 goes on sale and receives major controller improvements! - Steam News|date=2024-03-06}}</ref> Due to compatibility issues, multiplayer and the level editor were removed.<ref name="DevCall">{{Refurl|url=https://runningwithscissors.com/calling-all-wannabe-devs-come-update-the-original-postal/|title=Calling All Wannabe Devs - Come Update The Original POSTAL - Running With Scissors|date=2024-02-21}}</ref> |
Revision as of 05:51, 5 July 2024
This page is for the original Postal. For the 2016 remake, see Postal Redux.
Developers | |
---|---|
Running With Scissors | |
macOS (OS X) | Ryan C. Gordon[1] |
Linux | Loki Software[2] |
Publishers | |
Ripcord Games | |
Canada | Softek International[3] |
Japan | MicroMouse[4] |
Korea | Shinsung[4] |
Russia | Akella |
Europe | Take-Two Interactive[5] |
Classic and Uncut | Whiptail Interactive[6] |
Engines | |
RSPiX[Note 1] | |
Release dates | |
Windows | September 24, 1997[8][9] |
Mac OS (Classic) | September 24, 1997[8][9] |
Linux | October 29, 2001[10] |
macOS (OS X) | July 26, 2005[1] |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 56 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase, Freeware |
Modes | Singleplayer, Multiplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | Bird's-eye view, Isometric |
Controls | Direct control |
Genres | Shooter |
Art styles | Stylized |
Themes | Dark, 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 |
Warnings
- The macOS (OS X) version of this game does not work on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) or later due to the removal of support for 32-bit-only apps.
Postal is a singleplayer and multiplayer bird's-eye view and isometric shooter game in the Postal series developed by Running With Scissors and published by Ripcord Games.
Postal first released in open beta on July 21, 1997.[11] The beta was playable until August 21, 1997.[12]
The game released to retail for Windows and Mac OS on September 24, 1997.[8][9] A Linux port developed by Loki Software released on October 29, 2001, and an OS X port developed by Ryan C. Gordon released on July 26, 2005.[10][1] An expansion, Special Delivery, released on August 27, 1998.[13]
Postal later re-released to several digital stores, including GamersGate on October 30, 2008, GOG.com on April 22, 2009, and Steam on March 21, 2013.[14][15][16]
The game's Steam release was followed by updates that introduced performance improvements, widescreen support, modernized controls, and other enhancements.[17][18] Due to compatibility issues, multiplayer and the level editor were removed.[19]
On December 28, 2016, Running With Scissors released the source code for Postal.[20] A community-contributed update released on November 14, 2017, restoring Super Postal-exclusive levels, Christmas bonus content, multiplayer over LAN, level selection, and other legacy features.[21]
In December 2019, the game became permanent freeware on Steam and GOG.com.[22][23]
General information
- Postal Plus Help (retrieved) - Official help site
- GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
- GOG.com Support Page
- Steam Community Discussions
- Source code on BitBucket (retrieved)
- Source code on GitHub - Outdated compared to the BitBucket release[24]
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | Custom DRM code may sabotage the game by igniting all characters or forcing the Postal Dude to commit suicide.[12][25] | |||
Developer website | ||||
GOG.com | Freeware. | |||
Steam | Freeware. | |||
ZOOM Platform | Freeware. Your Mom's Box Set also available. |
|||
Humble Store | ||||
Developer website (unavailable) | Softwrap DRM. | |||
GamersGate (unavailable) | ||||
Green Man Gaming (unavailable) |
Version differences
- Going Over the Edge is a violence-neutered European edition that removes enemy executions, the marching band in Parade of Disasters, and the Elementary School post-game cutscene.[26] Censored content can be restored with official patches.
- Super Postal, also known as Postal Premium Pack, is a Japanese edition that includes the Special Delivery expansion and two exclusive levels, Tokyo and Osaka.[4] All blood and the Elementary School post-game cutscene are removed. Exclusive levels and audio from this edition are included in digital releases.[21]
- Postal Plus includes the Special Delivery expansion. Re-released in 2003 as Classic and Uncut, which includes the "Monday" demo of Postal 2 with retail releases.[6] All digital releases are based on this edition.
Demo
- A one-level demo of The Construction Site.
- Available to download from PCGamingWiki Files.
Monetization
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Special Delivery | Adds four new levels (EZ Mart, Shanty Town, Earthquake and La Palamino Resort) and new multiplayer features (in-game chat, co-op mode, and in-progress game joining).[27] Included in Postal Plus and later editions. |
Essential improvements
Official retail patches
Original release patch
- Available to download, along with the Euro-violence patch, from PCGamingWiki Files.
- Included with installation of the Special Delivery expansion.[28]
- Windows versions of Going Over the Edge must have the Euro-violence patch applied before the retail patch.[28]
- Mac OS versions of Going Over the Edge must have the configuration file renamed to
POSTAL.INI
after patching.[28]
Postal Plus patch
- Available to download from PCGamingWiki Files.
- Classic and Uncut editions are already patched.
Fan patch
- Fixes bugs and adds new features, cheats, and optional balance changes.
- Designed for digital releases.
- An overview of features is presented in the author video, and in the mod readme.
Installation instructions |
---|
Note
|
Game data
- Digital releases on Windows write all game data to
%APPDATA%
.
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\POSTAL.INI[Note 2] <path-to-game>\Postal Plus.ini[Note 2] %APPDATA%\RunningWithScissors\Postal Plus\POSTAL.INI |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
macOS (OS X) | |
Linux | $XDG_DATA_HOME/PostalPlus/ |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\savegame\[Note 2] %APPDATA%\RunningWithScissors\Postal Plus\savegame\ |
Mac OS (Classic) | |
macOS (OS X) | |
Linux | $XDG_DATA_HOME/PostalPlus/ |
- This game follows the XDG Base Directory Specification on Linux.
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
GOG Galaxy | ||
Steam Cloud |
Video
Graphics feature | State | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | Digital releases only. In-game HUD is stretched and menus remain in 4:3. |
||
Multi-monitor | |||
Ultra-widescreen | Digital releases only. In-game HUD is stretched and menus remain in 4:3. |
||
4K Ultra HD | |||
Field of view (FOV) | |||
Windowed | Press Alt+↵ Enter or use the --windowed command line argument. |
||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | |||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | |||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. |
Disable Direct3D texture filtering
- Texture filtering is force-enabled with the Direct3D and OpenGL renderers.
Disable with dgVoodoo 2[29] |
---|
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | ||
Mouse acceleration | ||
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | ||
Full controller support | ||
Controller remapping | ||
Controller sensitivity | ||
Controller Y-axis inversion |
Controller types |
---|
XInput-compatible controllers | Digital releases only. | |
---|---|---|
Xbox button prompts | ||
Impulse Trigger vibration |
PlayStation controllers |
---|
Generic/other controllers |
---|
Additional information | ||
---|---|---|
Controller hotplugging | ||
Haptic feedback | ||
Digital movement supported | ||
Simultaneous controller+KB/M |
Weapon switching with mouse wheel
- In-game mouse wheel binding is broken; successful only on rare occasions.[30]
- Full mouse wheel support has yet to be added in a future update.[31]
Edit the configuration file[32] |
---|
|
Classic controls are unintuitive
- The original control scheme is tank-based; the forward/backward keybinds are for movement, while the left/right keybinds and the mouse are for turning relative to the Postal Dude.
- Replaced with a more conventional twin-stick scheme in digital releases.[18] Classic controls are still available in the options.
Edit controls in-game (retail)[33][34] |
---|
Notes
|
Crosshair stuck at mouse position while using controller
Disable "Use Mouse" in the in-game options[35] |
---|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | ||
Surround sound | ||
Subtitles | ||
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
Royalty free audio |
Localizations
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
Brazilian Portuguese | Fan translation, download. Only the main campaign is translated. |
|||
French | Going Over the Edge editions only.[26] | |||
German | Going Over the Edge editions only.[26] | |||
Japanese | Interface translation in Super Postal editions only. Audio is available in digital releases; change voices in settings. Audio is forced in the Tokyo and Osaka levels. |
|||
Polish | Retail only. | |||
Russian | Retail only. Patch for digital releases here. |
|||
Spanish | Fan translation, download. |
Network
Multiplayer types
Type | Native | Players | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
LAN play | 16 | Co-op, Versus |
||
Online play | 16 | Co-op, Versus Removed from digital releases.[19] |
Connection types
Type | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Matchmaking | ||
Peer-to-peer | ||
Dedicated | Retail only. | |
Self-hosting | ||
Direct IP |
- Co-op only included in the Special Delivery expansion, Postal Plus, and later editions.
Issues fixed
Cannot turn left with keyboard + player turns too fast + NPCs spin rapidly
Use the official patch[37] |
---|
Notes
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9 | Digital releases only. Enabled by default.[39] |
OpenGL | Digital releases only. Forceable with the -opengl command line argument.[17] |
|
Software renderer | Default for retail. Forceable in digital releases with the -software command line argument.[17] |
Executable | PPC | 16-bit | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Windows | |||||
macOS (OS X) | This 32-bit-only macOS game does not work on macOS Catalina (10.15) or later. | ||||
Linux | |||||
Mac OS (Classic) |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Input | SDL | macOS X and digital releases only.[40] |
Multiplayer | MPlayer.com, Heat.net, Kali | Retail only. |
Santa Patch
- Official Christmas-themed patch that replaces certain enemy models and voice lines with Santa Claus.[41][42]
- Included in digital releases and enabled automatically during holidays.[21]
Apply the patch[43] |
---|
|
Hoodcraft
- A new level editor included in digital releases that replaces the original retail level editor.
- See the setup guide on Steam Community
Audio extraction utility
- Official tool for extracting
.wav
audio from.sak
archives. - Download from PCGamingWiki Files.
Mods
- Hotmail - Adds the signature mechanic from Superhot.
- A Day in Paradise - Total conversion of sorts; changes enemies and story but maintains the same levels.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum[44] | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 95, NT 4.0 | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 90 MHz | Intel Pentium 166 MHz |
System memory (RAM) | 16 MB | 32 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 1 MB (compact installation) 157 MB (full installation) | |
Video card (GPU) | SVGA | DirectX 5 compatible |
Sound (audio device) | Sound Blaster or compatible | |
Other | 2x CD-ROM drive | 4x CD-ROM drive |
Mac OS | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum[44] | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 7.1 | 7.5 |
Processor (CPU) | PowerPC 66 MHz | PowerPC 100 MHz |
System memory (RAM) | 16 MB | 32 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | ||
Other | 2x CD-ROM drive | 4x CD-ROM drive |
Linux | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum[45] | ||
Operating system (OS) | Linux kernel 2.2 (glibc-2.1) | |
Processor (CPU) | 166 MHz | |
System memory (RAM) | 16 MB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | ||
Video card (GPU) | XFree86 3.3.5 | |
Sound (audio device) | OSS compatible | |
Other | 8x CD-ROM drive |
Notes
- ↑ RSPiX engine build: 2.0[7]
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 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).
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 IcculusFinger v2.1.27 - last accessed on 2023-10-12
- "Running With Scissors, myself, and the MacNinjas spent some time moving the original Postal to MacOS X. If you want it, the complete game is on the MacWorld "Total Tiger" disc, which hits newstands today, July 26th."
- ↑ Loki Goes Loco for POSTAL! (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-03-10
- ↑ Blame Canada for Going POSTAL! (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-02-06
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Japan and Korea Go POSTAL! (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-02-06
- ↑ Leading Interactive Entertainment Company's European Arm Signs Letter of Intent to Publish and Distribute Six Entertainment Titles for the PC, Including Highly Anticipated Postal (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-12-09
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Whiptail bring you the Original Postal (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-06-17
- ↑ Verified by User:Mystyle48 on 2024-03-25
- The string "RSPiX 2.0 �1996" can be found in the executables of retail releases when examined with ImHex.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Wednesday, September 24, 1997 - PC Gamer News (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-12-10
- "Now Shipping - Postal (Ripcord)"
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 News for September 24, 1997 - Online Gaming Review (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-04-05
- "Another big day for releases: 7th Legion from Epic Megagames, Postal and Forced Alliance from Ripcord and the Intense 3D Voodoo video card from Intergraph should all be found in stores today."
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Loki | Loki in the News | News (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-10-12
- "10.29.01 Postal Plus is now shipping!"
- ↑ RIPCORD GAMES ANNOUNCES EXCITING 'POSTAL' BETA-TEST/CONTEST OPPORTUNITY - last accessed on 2024-03-07
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Techfaq9 - When I shoot things, everyone on the screen catches on fire. (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-03-06
- ↑ POSTAL GOES "SPECIAL DELIVERY" (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-04-05
- ↑ Running With Scissors Cuts Digital Delivery Deal with GamersGate | Running With Scissors Official Website (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-10-20
- ↑ POSTAL Games Join GOG Library | Running With Scissors Official Website (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-10-20
- ↑ POSTAL 1: Now on Steam! (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-10-20
- ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 What's in the latest update?! :: POSTAL General stuff - last accessed on 2023-12-08
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 POSTAL - POSTAL 1 goes on sale and receives major controller improvements! - Steam News - last accessed on 2024-03-06
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 Calling All Wannabe Devs - Come Update The Original POSTAL - Running With Scissors - last accessed on 2024-02-21
- ↑ POSTAL - THE ORIGINAL POSTAL HAS BEEN MADE OPEN SOURCE - Steam News - last accessed on 2024-04-17
- ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 POSTAL - 20th Anniversary Community Update for POSTAL - Steam News - last accessed on 2023-06-22
- ↑ In Development: POSTAL 4: No Regerts + POSTAL 2 giveaway - GOG.com (retrieved) - last accessed on 2023-12-12
- "From now on you can also get the first part of the POSTAL series for free on GOG.COM, this time permanently."
- ↑ Running With Scissors on X - last accessed on 2023-12-12
- "Celebrate 8 glorious nights of fire with POSTAL 1 now free on Steam, GOG or http://POSTALgames.com and set ablaze the marching band!"
- ↑ Source code is out-of-date · Issue #1 · RWS-Studios/POSTAL-SourceCode · GitHub - last accessed on 2024-04-17
- ↑ POSTAL Beta - YouTube - last accessed on 2023-12-09
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 POSTAL - Going Over The Edge (European Censored POSTAL) - YouTube - last accessed on 2024-02-23
- ↑ POSTAL - Special Delivery (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-03-06
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 POSTAL Patches (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-03-06
- ↑ Verified by User:Mystyle48 on 2024-03-10
- ↑ Verified by User:Mystyle48 on 2024-02-25
- Tested with the GOG.com release on Windows 11 23H2 with a Logitech M510 mouse. The only way I was able to bind either direction of the scroll wheel was by holding ↵ Enter on the bindable action to rebind it continuously, and rapidly scrolling the wheel at the same time. The wheel registered very infrequently, and even when it did, the game would often unbind the action again if I kept scrolling just a few times after.
- ↑ Question to the devs about possbile future features :: POSTAL General stuff - last accessed on 2024-02-25
- ↑ Feeling Like a Genius :: POSTAL General stuff - last accessed on 2024-02-25
- ↑ WANTED: "Absolute" controls mod for Postal 1, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on 2024-02-20
- ↑ Postal 1 has abominable controls!, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on 2024-02-20
- ↑ Verified by User:Mystyle48 on 2024-03-06
- ↑ postal 1 left turn fix, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on 2024-02-21
- ↑ Link to Postal 1 left turn and 'spinning' NPC's fix, page 1 - Forum - GOG.com - last accessed on 2024-03-12
- ↑ Verified by User:Mystyle48 on 2024-02-24
- Tested with retail Classic and Uncut on Windows 11 23H2. The Postal Dude still turns too fast when pressing right and NPCs still rapidly spin in place at an increasing rate.
- ↑ Please try the beta build! :: POSTAL General stuff - last accessed on 2024-02-21
- ↑ Ryan C. Gordon on X - last accessed on 2024-06-30
- "@directhex It's actually pretty good, but we shipped the Unix port's code on all platforms for Steam, including Windows, believe it or not."
- ↑ SANTA GOES POSTAL (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-03-06
- ↑ POSTAL - Merry Christmas with the Santa Patch! - Steam News - last accessed on 2024-03-10
- ↑ Apply 'The Santa Patch' for maximum holiday cheer! :: POSTAL General stuff - last accessed on 2024-02-21
- ↑ 44.0 44.1 Postal (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-03-10
- ↑ Loki | Products | Postal Plus | Overview (retrieved) - last accessed on 2024-03-10