Tom the Postgirl is the weird, quirky adventure of a nutty courier that is more interested in causing chaos than delivering a package.
Through video games, we can achieve our wildest dreams. Soar through the skies, save the world, kill a god. The ultimate form of expression, all art forms, from music to visuals and programming, coalesce into something truly special. That is why when a unique premise comes along, it is impossible not to be allured by it. In the case of Tom the Postgirl, the fantasy achieved is more mundane but equally amusing: becoming a chaos gremlin.
The Most Important Job In the World
Taking on the role of a mail delivery girl (who would’ve guessed), Tom the Postgirl is not just about delivering packages. I could say that the premise itself is simply an excuse to engage in silly shenanigans. Exploring a small town along 5 brisk chapters, completing the task at hand is easy, but the temptation to do more is always there.
See, Tom is a bit of a peeping tom, and before and after delivering a package, you can become an amateur voyeur. While this idea could make some people uncomfortable, its in the extremely ridiculous execution that it should be taken with a grain of salt.
Bathed in shades of grays and a striking red, the art style of Tom the Postgirl is the first thing you will notice. The second? How comical the animations are rendered. This is because Tom herself, with her big black eyes, perpetual smirk, and long red coat, is instantly recognizable. The town itself is just as weird. All kinds of people, from hippies to old couples, nudists and fetishists, and the odd robot or alien inhabit this quirky place. This is why the long, drawn-out animations when peeking at the neighbor’s windows are more fun than strange. The dark humor of Tom the Postgirl strikes that balance well.
What’s In The Package?
“Chaos gremlin” is a term of endearment used to refer to beings who cause unpredictable mischief, like a raccoon or a panda. Tom the Postgirl is on the more absurd side of things. While every act has that cut-out mission of simply delivering what people ordered, side quests that vary from chapters are always available.
On the first act, for instance, you can find the chickens that flew out of a coop scattered throughout. How do you bring them back? By quite literally kicking their butts all the way to the barn. It could sound evil, but again, it all lies in how it is shown. Exaggerated animations paired with a Wilhelm scream will never not be funny.
The overarching plot takes a hard turn halfway through the game, to its benefit. Like other animated works of art before it, Tom the Postgirl has a heartfelt message in between all that chaotic gameplay. Did I say there was a rave in a church at some point? As Tom walks about doing her job while stalking her community, a teenager is also stalking her in turn. What happens when they finally meet needs to be seen to be believed.
As it can be easily finished in two to three hours, Tom the Postgirl has an intriguing mechanic to bring you back for more antics. By the end, the score of how you behaved is tallied and shown in what type of person you are. Looking at the myriad goals attainable as well, it is a rather fun way to spend a day. Let’s not forget that there is an achievement called “Drawn A Dick Yet?” after walking too much, as the game traces your steps. Just so you know what kind of silly humor we are talking about.
Conclusion: Tom the Postgirl
Like watching an episode of a classic show from Cartoon Network, Tom the Postgirl revels in showing an endlessly anarchic courier. Its commitment to the silly bit goes to funky and freaky places that never lose their dark humor. Clocking in at just the right time for an experience of its kind, its particular take on replayability will have players curious as to how much more mayhem they can cause in their next playthrough. Chaos gremlins unite.
