A Dive into 'Postal: Brain Damaged': A Surprising Spin-off

Initially, the 'Postal' series was often dismissed for its controversial and uninspired design; however, a particular entry, 'Postal: Brain Damaged,' has garnered unexpected praise, marking a significant departure from its predecessors. This 2022 first-person shooter, developed by Hyperstrange rather than the original creators, Running with Scissors, aims to deliver a genuinely engaging experience, unlike the widely criticized 'Postal 2' which, despite its open-world concept being ahead of its time in 2003, failed to impress as a shooter.

What sets 'Brain Damaged' apart are its distinctive visual aesthetics and imaginative level constructions. The game showcases a vibrant world with expressionistic angles and pixelated details, a stark contrast to the bland graphics of the main series. The narrative unfolds entirely within the protagonist's chaotic psyche, allowing Hyperstrange to craft levels as surreal dreamscapes. Early stages, such as a disturbingly saccharine yet cursed suburban setting, are populated with an array of bizarre enemies, from shotgun-wielding grandpas to burger-hurling spherical men. The combat system introduces dynamic elements, including the ability to deflect projectiles with a well-timed kick and a slide-jump for rapid traversal, complemented by an expanding arsenal that features a lightning gun and a nailgun capable of creating time-freezing bubbles.

While the initial levels can be somewhat uneven in pacing, with extended downtime between combat scenarios, the game progressively refines its focus, introducing more intricate level designs and a wider array of peculiar weapons and adversaries. Subsequent levels transport players from a detention center to a satirical border wall in Mexico, complete with exaggerated sniper rifle-wielding figures, and later into a 'Quake'-inspired maze. The pinnacle of its design is found in the second episode's opening levels, set in a carnival-themed sanitorium, where ingenious manipulation of perspective incorporates elements like rollercoasters and a Ferris wheel into the environment, culminating in challenging arena battles. Despite its reliance on the 'Postal' series' characteristic crude humor and scattershot satire, 'Brain Damaged' distinguishes itself by prioritizing robust gunplay and imaginative level design, successfully transforming the series' anarchic energy into a compelling shooter experience.

This innovative approach to an established, albeit controversial, franchise demonstrates that creativity and thoughtful execution can elevate even the most unconventional concepts. 'Postal: Brain Damaged' proves that focusing on fundamental gameplay mechanics and bold artistic direction can lead to unexpected success, offering a refreshing and engaging experience that stands out as a testament to the developers' commitment to crafting a high-quality shooter, regardless of its quirky origins.