Computer Gamer


Paperboy

Publisher: Elite
Machine: Spectrum 48K

 
Published in Computer Gamer #20

Paperboy

Elite are the arcade game conversion specialists and the nummber of licences which they're buying shows the degree of success this policy is enjoying. Their latest gem is Paperboy and Atari will be pleased with Elite's faithful translation of this to the Spectrum.

As anyone who has tried the job knows, being a paperboy can be a pretty hazardous occupation. In the States, they have an easier job because they can get away with throwing the paper onto the front porch of each house as they whizz past on their bikes.

In this game you have to deliver papers to each house on the street but to gain a high score you have to throw the paper accurately. If you miss the house you'll lose the owner's custom and won't get a bonus at the end of the week.

Paperboy

You start off your round on a Monday morning and pedal as fast as you dare to get the round completed as quickly as possible. What you don't know is that there are hazards ahead. Fire hydrants stick out of the pavement, a workman is digging up the path, and some homicidal maniac is waiting to mow you down in his vehicle. All of these problems must be coped with but don't be distracted from your job and keep off the flower beds.

At the end of the street you can have some fun by leaping walls to score bonus points and then your performance is assessed. If you get this far you can loo forward to the delights of a Tuesday morning where even more hazards await.

As the days go on you meet exploding fire crackers, skateboarders, enormous cats and all manner of problems. It's enough to make you hand in your notice but you need the money so you can't.

Although the game is challenging, and certainly addictive, some may find it a little too repetitive but fans of the arcade game will certainly want to add this to their collection.