Released in 1985 by Atari Games, Paperboy quickly became one of the most iconic and unique arcade games of its time. Blending action, strategy, and humor, Paperboy introduced players to the life of a newspaper delivery boy on a mission to deliver papers while avoiding obstacles, all while adding a quirky, fun-filled spin on the traditional racing and delivery genres. The game is still remembered fondly by retro gaming enthusiasts for its distinctive gameplay and offbeat charm.
Paperboy was one of the first arcade games to offer players a chance to step into the shoes of a delivery person, with each level serving as a new challenge in the life of a paperboy. The game combined a fresh gameplay concept with an unusual level of freedom, allowing players to experiment with different tactics to complete their deliveries.
The Story of Paperboy: Delivering More Than Just Newspapers
In Paperboy, players assume the role of a young newspaper carrier tasked with delivering newspapers to subscribers in a suburban neighborhood. The goal is simple: deliver the daily newspaper to each house while avoiding various hazards like cars, pedestrians, and animals. Players must pedal down the street on their bicycle and throw newspapers at the correct houses to complete each level.
What set Paperboy apart from other arcade games of its time was the innovative use of the control system. The arcade cabinet featured a handlebar controller that allowed players to simulate the motion of riding a bike, adding an extra layer of realism to the experience. Players would control their paperboy’s bike, moving left and right, dodging obstacles, and aiming their paper throws with precision.
Unlike many arcade games that followed a linear path, Paperboy featured an open-world neighborhood where players could explore the streets and make decisions about how to approach each delivery. For example, players could choose to deliver papers to every house, avoid some homes, or even throw newspapers at the wrong houses for a bit of fun. This level of freedom made the game feel fresh and exciting, as players could decide how they wanted to play each round.
Gameplay Mechanics: A Balancing Act Between Speed and Accuracy
The mechanics of Paperboy are simple but require a great deal of skill and timing to master. Players ride their bicycle along a street, moving up and down the sidewalk, while tossing newspapers at the correct homes. However, the catch is that each house has a specific delivery spot—either the front porch or the doorstep—and missing the correct spot or throwing a newspaper at the wrong house results in a penalty.
In addition to delivering newspapers, players must avoid a series of obstacles that threaten to derail their progress. These obstacles include cars, pedestrians, dogs, manhole covers, and even rival paperboys. The game becomes more challenging with each level as the speed of the action increases, and the number of obstacles grows. If the player crashes into something or fails to deliver a paper, their score decreases.
Paperboy is split into levels, with each level representing a different day in the life of the paperboy. The player must successfully complete a set number of deliveries each day to progress to the next level. The game’s ultimate goal is to reach the end of the week with as many successful deliveries as possible while avoiding accidents and penalties.
Fun Facts About Paperboy
- The Iconic Handlebar Controller: The Paperboy arcade cabinet was known for its handlebar controller, which was a first for its time. This unique control scheme gave players the feeling of actually riding a bike, making the experience more immersive. It also required players to make quick, accurate decisions, just like a real paperboy would.
- The Quirky, Funny Content: Paperboy was filled with eccentric characters and humorous elements. For example, players could throw newspapers into the windows of homes, shattering glass, or aim them at pedestrians to make them jump out of the way. Some houses even had robotic dogs that could chase after the paperboy, adding a touch of whimsy to the game.
- Neighborhood Mayhem: One of the standout features of Paperboy was the chaotic nature of the neighborhood. Players had to deal with hazards like angry homeowners, rival newspaper delivery boys, and obnoxious children. The game’s depiction of suburban life was both comical and surprisingly accurate, with players experiencing the frustrations of a paperboy trying to avoid being run over or hit by objects while delivering the paper.
- The Game’s Fame: Although Paperboy wasn’t as widely recognized as some other arcade hits like Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, it gained a devoted following. Its quirky gameplay and memorable design helped it stand out from other arcade games of the era. It even inspired sequels and ports to various home consoles in the years following its arcade release.
- Success Across Platforms: Following its success in arcades, Paperboy was ported to several home gaming consoles, including the NES and Sega Master System. The game maintained its charm and appeal across different platforms, introducing it to a wider audience of players who might not have visited the arcade.
- A Sequel and Spin-offs: Paperboy was popular enough to inspire a sequel, Paperboy 2, which was released in 1991. While the basic concept remained the same, the sequel introduced new gameplay features and improved graphics, as well as new obstacles like vending machines and construction workers. Paperboy also made appearances in various other games and collections over the years, ensuring that the franchise remained in the public consciousness.
- Cultural Influence: Paperboy had a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Its unique premise and engaging mechanics influenced several future games, particularly those that combined racing with obstacle avoidance. Games like Crazy Taxi and Jet Set Radio can trace their roots back to the fun, fast-paced gameplay that Paperboy helped popularize.
- The Paperboy’s Name: In Paperboy, the protagonist is an unnamed paperboy, but his red hat and vest have become a signature part of his design. Some fans affectionately refer to him as “Paperboy,” but he is one of the few arcade game characters to remain nameless.
Secrets and Tricks in Paperboy
- Maximizing Deliveries: To get a high score in Paperboy, players need to deliver newspapers to as many houses as possible. However, it’s not just about throwing papers at houses; it’s important to land them in the right spots. By focusing on precision and aiming for the exact spots, players can rack up more points with each successful delivery.
- Avoiding Obstacles: The key to surviving in Paperboy is avoiding obstacles. Players should be quick on the draw and try to predict where the next hazard will appear. Mastering the art of dodging cars, animals, and pedestrians is crucial for progressing through the game without losing precious lives.
- Hidden Bonuses: Some houses in Paperboy offer hidden bonuses. If players are able to hit certain windows or targets with a perfectly timed throw, they will earn extra points or bonus lives. These rewards are often hidden within the chaos of the level, so keep an eye out for any unusual homes.
- Rival Paperboy: The rival paperboy will appear on the street during certain levels. He can be an annoyance, but players can actually interfere with his deliveries by knocking him off his bike. This will prevent him from delivering papers, earning players some bonus points in the process.
- Fast Completion for Better Scores: Completing each level quickly will not only allow players to reach the end of the game faster, but it also rewards players with a time bonus. This is crucial for getting high scores and progressing further in the game.
Why Paperboy Is Still Loved Today
Despite its simple concept, Paperboy has endured as one of the most beloved arcade games of its era. Its unique gameplay, quirky characters, and humorous take on the life of a paper delivery boy made it stand out from other arcade hits. Even though it may seem like a casual game at first glance, Paperboy offers layers of complexity and challenge that make it as entertaining today as it was in 1985.
The game’s lighthearted approach, combined with its engaging mechanics and memorable visual style, has cemented its place as a classic in the arcade gaming pantheon. Whether players are enjoying the nostalgic experience of playing it on an old arcade machine or exploring the game for the first time, Paperboy remains a standout example of how arcade games can be both fun and innovative.
In conclusion, Paperboy is a truly unique and iconic game that defined an entire genre. Its blend of humor, fast-paced action, and memorable gameplay mechanics continues to resonate with players, proving that sometimes, the most enduring games are the ones that offer the most fun. Paperboy is not just a game; it’s an unforgettable experience that keeps players coming back for more.