Paperboy

""It's a rough job, but somebody's gotta do it!!""

Paperboy is an Action-type NES video game of a different kind. In this game, you travel up the street, delivering newspapers to your customers. Seems simple, right? WRONG. EVERYTHING in this game is constantly out to get you, but that's what makes this game fun. And when I mean everything, I mean EVERYTHING: construction workers, skateboarders, tires, tornadoes, Grim Reapers, cars, parked cars, sewers, lawn mowers, broom-wielding ladies, dogs, motor scooters, kids on tricycles, and other ''hazards''. But, if you do happen to give every assigned customer a paper, a non-customer will resubscribe, making your job ''easier''. However, if you do not get the paper placed in their mailbox or on their doorstep, that person will cancel their subscription. You can even get revenge on a non-subscriber by breaking their windows and knocking over their trashcans! Of course, if you see an obstacle, whatever it may be, you can nail it with a newspaper to stop it dead in its tracks to save a trip to the hospital. The only things you can't stop are the motor scooters, tornadoes, and the cars. Below are some details:

Gameplay: 8/10
Gameplay can be a bit shaky at times, but overall is pretty good. You just basically move to the left and right and throw papers. You can also speed up or slow down if you need to (which happens on several occasions).

Graphics: 6/10
Graphics are just a bit above mediocre. At least you can tell what caused you to wreck. I love that guy breakdancing on the sidewalk!

Music/Sound: 8/10
If you know me, I like games with good music. This game is no exception. It has one of the most famous themes of all video games. If you hear this theme somewhere, you'll more than likely think ''Hey, that's the Paperboy theme!''. Sound is pretty good otherwise.

Fun Factor: 10/10
This game is hilarious. It is actually funny to purposely wreck and see what happens. Try running into a parked car. Now that is funny!!

Difficulty: 8/10
This is a moderately difficult game, until you get the hang of it. It will take a while. The hardest part is getting through one week. I got as far as Thursday of the second week. It is unlikely that you'll be throwing your controller at this one, because it is so funny that your anger and joy sorta balance out.

Conclusion
Paperboy is great. It's hysterically funny, yet it's challenge is not to be underestimated. You can even have twice the laughs, once you hook up another controller and play 2-player mode. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have.

Overall Rating: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/24/03, Updated 02/24/03