Paperboy for the Nintendo Entertainment System is a port of the classic 1984 arcade game, developed by Atari Games and adapted for home consoles by Tengen. You play as the titular paperboy (or girl in some later versions) on a bike, trying to deliver newspapers to subscribers while avoiding a chaotic mess of neighborhood hazards, from runaway tires to breakdancing pedestrians.
On the surface, the game sounds like a simple premise — deliver papers, avoid obstacles. But Paperboy thrives on its absurd charm, unique isometric view, and quirky sense of humor. It’s one of those NES games that people remember fondly, even if it occasionally made them want to throw the controller across the room.
Gameplay
The core gameplay loop is simple: pedal along a winding suburban street, toss newspapers into mailboxes (or onto doorsteps if you’re less precise), and avoid everything from dogs to tornadoes. You’re rewarded for delivering to the correct houses — those that remain subscribed — and penalized for missing deliveries or causing damage (though smashing windows of non-subscribers can be oddly satisfying).
The NES controls are… functional, but not always precise. The isometric view, which made the arcade version stand out, can feel a bit awkward with a D-pad. Aiming your throws takes practice, and the movement isn’t always as fluid as you’d want when trying to dodge lawnmowers or angry old ladies.
Each in-game day gets more difficult, with more obstacles and less room for error. There’s also a stunt track at the end of each day, which adds some variety — though it’s more frustrating than fun due to stiff controls.
Graphics & Sound
Visually, Paperboy on the NES is about what you’d expect: colorful but blocky, with enough detail to differentiate houses, hazards, and hilariously random characters. The charm comes from the absurdity — where else can you throw a paper at a rogue RC car or watch Death (yes, Death) loiter on a front lawn?
The sound design is serviceable, featuring a short, catchy theme song and basic sound effects. The crash noises, dog barks, and bike wheel spins do their job, though they’re nothing memorable.
Challenge & Replayability
Paperboy is tough. It’s not a long game, but getting to the end of the week (Sunday) without losing all your lives is an achievement. It’s the kind of game you’ll replay not because of deep mechanics or story, but because you want to beat your high score or finally conquer that one stupid hedge maze.
There’s limited content, and once you’ve mastered the few streets and obstacles, there’s not much new to discover. Still, the short gameplay loop makes it oddly addictive — even if it’s unfair at times.
Final Thoughts
Paperboy on the NES is a nostalgic ride through ‘80s suburban chaos. It doesn’t have the polish or fluidity of today’s games, and the controls can be a pain, but there’s something undeniably charming about flinging newspapers at front porches (and the occasional non-subscriber window).
It’s not for everyone — some will find the controls and difficulty too frustrating — but for retro gamers or fans of arcade-style challenges, it’s worth delivering a few papers.
Pros:
- Unique premise and humor
- Quirky suburban chaos
- Quick, arcade-style gameplay
Cons:
- Clunky controls and stiff movement
- Repetitive after a while
- Brutal difficulty curve
Verdict:
Paperboy is a fun if flawed NES title that delivers a nostalgic newspaper route filled with obstacles, laughs, and occasional rage quits. Worth a ride, but maybe bring a spare controller.
Score: 6/10 – “Special Delivery: Nostalgia Edition”
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