Paper Boy
Reviewed by Jack Bladel
A port of an arcade classic, the NES version of Paperboy is a classic
in its own right. You are the Paperboy, who must give subscribers their
paper every morning...but with numerous obstacles to your success in
the way. There is even an actual obstacle course you must go through
to finish your route (this serves as a sort of bonus round after each
day's normal delivery route).
An interesting note: Despite the fact that the word "boy" is in the title,
Paperboy seems to be one of the most successful games at appealing to
both boys and girls. Pure Nintendo fun has no gender bias!
Graphics: 2.5 out of 5
The graphics in the NES version are nothing special, especially when
compared to the graphics in the arcade version. The clever cartoonish
style of the original is intact, though, and the color palette is limited
but sharp. I have not encountered much flicker or slowdown.
Music and Sound: 4 out of 5
Fairly subtle background music, but very prominent and effective use
of sound effects -- car horns, crashes, and that ::blllloooop!:: sound you
hear when you hit the front door/mailbox with a paper.
Game Challenge: 3 out of 5
Expert console gamers will probably say this one is way too easy. I say
this about that: It's not so hard that you can't enjoy the whole looney-tooney
atmosphere going on around you, or that you will get frustrated very quickly.
As such, I'd say Paperboy's challenge is easy-to-moderate, and that helps
out in the next category: gameplay.
Game Play-Fun: 5 out of 5
The category in which Paperboy really shines is gameplay/fun. This isn't
a dry paper delivery simulation; this is a cartoon with YOU as the main
character! Breakdancers, construction workers, skater dudes, drag racers,
tornadoes, cranky old ladies, annoying little long-haired dogs, and even
the Grim Reaper (!) will try to stop you from your appointed rounds. The
controls are tight, so you can focus on the action and not worry about
having to throw the controller across the room out of frustration.
Frustration
Very little. Not too hard, you can probably play this one with fairly
young children and have a good time. Paperboy is all about fun, not
showing off your lightning-fast reflexes.
Replayability: 4 out of 5
You may have little trouble getting to the end of the game, but you can
always try to top your high score. Moreover, Paperboy is so darn much
fun that you will want to play just for the wacky atmosphere, and maybe
some nostalgia as well.
Overall: 4.5 out of 5
Paperboy is a simple yet delightful action game. The simplicity is a plus,
as it keeps the experience light-hearted and entertaining. Paperboy is the
perfect way to take a break from Ninja Gaiden, or whatever other super-hard
game you have been playing, without having to turn off the NES.