The original Postal video game concludes with a stark and ambiguous scene that leaves the player questioning the fate and sanity of its protagonist, Postal Dude.
The game's finale sees Postal Dude in a desolate, decaying field, where he witnesses a burial. A coffin is being lowered into the ground, and the identity of the deceased remains unrevealed. This scene is widely interpreted by players as Postal Dude's own funeral, suggesting either his death, a complete descent into madness, or a symbolic end to the rampage he has carried out. The ambiguity forces players to ponder the consequences of his actions and the psychological state he inhabits.
Evolution of the Ending
It's important to note that the ending seen in the final release of Postal was not its initial conception. The developers made a deliberate change to the game's conclusion prior to its release:
- Original Intention: The game was initially planned to end with a shocking vision involving an elementary school.
- Reason for Change: The developers ultimately decided against this ending. They stated that the original concept had lost its intended shock value due to the increasing prevalence of real-world school shootings. To avoid trivializing such tragic events and to maintain a profound, unsettling atmosphere, they opted for the more symbolic and introspective funeral scene. This revised ending aimed to evoke a sense of dread and reflection without directly referencing sensitive real-world tragedies.
This final, unsettling image leaves a lasting impression, cementing Postal's reputation for its dark themes and psychological undertones.
