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In Paperboy, an arcade game released by Atari Games in 1984, you assume the role of a brave and daring boy who must deliver newspapers to subscribers in his neighbourhood while avoiding a series of obstacles and hazards along the way.
The main objective of the game is to successfully deliver the newspapers to each house before time runs out.
Players must ride their bike through the streets, throwing newspapers into subscribers' mailboxes, however, the road will not be easy, as they will encounter obstacles such as ferocious dogs, moving cars, annoying neighbours, pedestrians, pets and even unusual obstacles such as skateboard ramps or burning obstacles.
The game is played in a side-scrolling perspective, and as you progress through the levels, it becomes increasingly challenging. You will have to deal with different weather conditions, such as rain and snow, which will make your newspaper delivery task more difficult.
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Paperboy's gameplay is characterised by a mix of skill and strategy. Players must have a good command of the controls to navigate the streets and dodge obstacles, while also being precise when throwing newspapers into mailboxes.
In addition, the game also features the possibility of earning extra points by performing tricks such as throwing newspapers into the correct mailbox or breaking objects along the way.
As you progress through the game, the difficulty level increases, with more obstacles and demanding subscribers requiring precise delivery.
However, there are also moments of relief, such as the quiet neighbourhood day, where players can enjoy an easier and more relaxed playthrough.
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Paperboy is known for its retro aesthetic and nostalgic charm. The 2D graphics, vibrant colours and catchy music create an engaging and addictive gaming experience.
In addition, the game also has a touch of humour, as players can collide with obstacles in a comical manner and receive funny comments from subscribers if they fail to deliver newspapers correctly.
This game has left a lasting mark on the history of video games, becoming a timeless classic.
Paperboy has been adapted and released on many different platforms over the years, including video game consoles such as the NES, Sega Genesis and Game Boy, as well as on mobile devices and in an online game format.