Overview
Paperboy took the mundane job of newspaper delivery and made it chaotic. Players cycled down suburban streets, hurling papers at subscriber mailboxes while avoiding obstacles and, optionally, destroying the property of non-subscribers. The isometric perspective and unique premise made it instantly memorable.
Fast facts
- Developer: Atari Games.
- Release: 1985.
- Perspective: Isometric.
- Control: Handlebar controller (arcade).
Core mechanics
| Element | Function |
|---|
| Cycling | Navigate street |
| Throwing | Deliver papers |
| Dodging | Avoid obstacles |
| Destruction | Bonus vandalism |
Delivery system
| Target | Result |
|---|
| Subscriber mailbox | Points, keeps customer |
| Subscriber door/window | Points |
| Non-subscriber property | Bonus destruction |
| Miss subscriber | May lose customer |
Obstacles
| Hazard | Behaviour |
|---|
| Dogs | Chase player |
| Cars | Cross street |
| Skateboarders | Erratic movement |
| Breakdancers | Block path |
| Grim Reaper | Appears later |
| Tornadoes | Environmental |
Suburban surrealism intensified each day.
Street types
| Street | Difficulty |
|---|
| Easy Street | Beginner |
| Middle Road | Moderate |
| Hard Way | Expert |
Daily progression
| Day | Changes |
|---|
| Monday | Most subscribers |
| Tuesday onwards | Lose unsatisfied customers |
| End of week | Survival celebration |
The training course
End of each day:
- Obstacle course
- Ramps and targets
- Bonus points
- Trick opportunities
Arcade cabinet
| Feature | Design |
|---|
| Handlebars | Steering control |
| Throw button | Paper delivery |
| Immersion | Realistic feel |
Home versions
| Platform | Quality |
|---|
| NES | Good adaptation |
| C64 | Solid port |
| Mega Drive | Enhanced graphics |
| Amiga | Quality conversion |
Cultural impact
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|
| Unique premise | Unlike anything else |
| Suburban humour | Relatable setting |
| Property destruction | Cathartic fun |
| Nostalgia | Fondly remembered |
Legacy
Paperboy proved:
- Mundane settings could work
- Unique premises attracted attention
- Humour enhanced gameplay
- Isometric action viable
See also