Paperboy (1990-)

• Developer: Tengen

• Publisher: Atari

• Genre: Action

Paperboy for the Atari Lynx was developed by Tengen and published by Atari in 1990. The game was originally created by Atari Games for arcades in 1985 and quickly became one of the most distinctive titles of its era thanks to its unique premise and isometric perspective. The Lynx version brought the arcade experience to the handheld format, joining numerous other ports across systems such as the NES, Sega Master System, Commodore 64, and later platforms like the Game Boy and Amiga. Its release on the Lynx was part of Atari’s strategy to ensure that the handheld featured recognizable arcade hits that could appeal to a wider audience.

The concept of Paperboy drew inspiration from the everyday task of newspaper delivery, though it was transformed into a quirky suburban obstacle course filled with hazards. Players assumed the role of a young paperboy tasked with delivering newspapers to subscribers while avoiding obstacles such as cars, dogs, construction workers, and even unusual hazards like tornadoes. The exaggerated suburban chaos reflected a satirical take on American neighborhood life, making it stand out among the more conventional action and racing titles of the time.

Gameplay revolved around steering the paperboy on his bike along a scrolling street, aiming to hit subscribers’ mailboxes while avoiding collisions and damaging the property of non-subscribers for bonus points. The Lynx adaptation maintained the isometric view of the arcade original and offered responsive controls that fit well with the handheld format. Players were challenged to complete daily routes over the course of a week, with failure to deliver papers to subscribers resulting in their cancellation. Success demanded a balance between precision throws and quick reflexes, making the game both challenging and addictive.

The soundtrack for the Lynx version consisted of light and upbeat tunes that accompanied the cycling and action, though the arcade’s sound design was somewhat simplified to suit the handheld’s hardware. Paperboy was followed by a sequel, Paperboy 2, which released on various platforms in the early 1990s and expanded the concept with new hazards and environments. The Lynx version was promoted as a faithful arcade port, highlighting its fast-paced delivery action on the go. Reception was generally favorable, with praise directed at its faithful adaptation of the arcade style, though some critics noted the inherent difficulty remained a barrier for casual players.

Images from MobyGames