Running With Scissors—the studio that gave the world the chaotic Postal—is setting aside its signature grotesque style in favor of psychological horror for the series’ first official spin-off, Flesh & Wire. Gone is the frenzied mayhem, replaced by a dark atmosphere; in place of the deranged gunman stands his victim—an ordinary college student poised to become the universe’s new anti-heroine. The game was announced at IGN Fan Fest 2026, and a fresh gameplay trailer released in July has only stoked anticipation. A 2027 release is planned for PC (Steam, GOG) and PlayStation 5—but that is just the tip of the iceberg.
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Who is Angel, and why is she seeking revenge?
The story centers on Angel, an ordinary college student whose life was turned upside down after an encounter with the Postal Dude—the very same madman from the original game. Her goal is to track him down across Arizona and exact revenge for the tragedy that changed her life forever. She is aided in this quest by her loyal Sphynx cat, Solomon. Players must guide Angel through a nightmare where reality blurs with hallucinations. The shift in roles is radical: we play not as the gunman, but as the victim—a change that completely upends the series’ established dynamic.
The Dreamscape: A Key Game Mechanic
The defining feature of Flesh & Wire is the “Dreamscape,” a surreal dimension Angel periodically enters. Here, her traumas and fears take physical form as monsters, and familiar locations are twisted beyond recognition. In this realm, the ordinary environment intertwines with memories and otherworldly horrors, creating an abyss teeming with danger. Players will have to master not only firearms but also mysterious artifacts and improvised tools—the arsenal here is extensive and brutal.
When and where Flesh & Wire will be released
There is no exact date yet; Steam lists December 30, 2027, as a placeholder, with the release tentatively scheduled for autumn or late in the year. Confirmed platforms include PC (Steam, GOG) and PlayStation 5. There is no word yet on Xbox or Switch versions—the developers are remaining silent. However, the game will feature Russian subtitles—this has been officially confirmed. The project has already garnered over 2,600 wishlists on Steam—a solid start for a new IP.
Why Flesh & Wire isn’t just another Postal
The studio isn’t looking to repeat itself. Postal 4 is in the past, and Running With Scissors is now charting a new course. Visually, the project evokes classic hits from Monolith—particularly F.E.A.R., with its slow-motion blur effects and intense firefights. Judging by the trailer, the combat pace is more deliberate, placing greater emphasis on cover and precision. As studio founder Vince Desi noted, Flesh & Wire marks a return to the “dark, psychological horror roots” established in the original 1997 Postal. It is a tribute to the studio’s own legacy rather than an attempt to chase trends. Postal vs. Flesh & Wire: Comparison Table
Feature Postal (classic series) Flesh & Wire
As you can see, the differences are striking; the developers are consciously moving away from the familiar to maintain the interest of an audience craving something serious and dark. Flesh & Wire is not merely a spin-off but an attempt to reimagine the universe, revealing that an abyss of genuine horror always lurked beneath the grotesque.
