Claim set · data/claims/paperboy-history.yaml

Paperboy (history and reception)

Game: Paperboy.

Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games files Paperboy under Atari Games with the month 85/04 (April 1985), in the Atari Games section and in its alphabetical index. The list's introduction says the Japan list is in kana order and the overseas list in alphabetical order, so the entry reads as the overseas one; the list doesn't say in which country the month applies. paperboy-history/arcade-release

BookアーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · overseas index (OCR text lines 45178-45182)Paper Boy Atari Games 85/04アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · ATARI GAMES section (OCR text line 29648) — the OCR interleaves two columns, Atari's 1970s games (78/xx) and Atari Games's (85/xx); Paper Boy sits in the Atari Games run between "85/03 Empire Strikes Back" and "85/06 Peter Pack Rat"85/04 Paper BoyアーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · introduction (OCR text line 188)索引を兼ねた五十音順の国内編リスト（海外編はアルファベット順Our translationthe Japan list, in kana order, doubling as an index (the overseas list in alphabetical orderRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The OCR has no 国内編/海外編 heading near Atari Games; the month is stated as reading as the overseas list's.

Read in the OCR text only: the printed page and the page image haven't been checked, and the OCR doesn't put a 国内編 or 海外編 heading near the Atari Games section. The list gives year and month only and names no source for its dates.

Cited by: Paperboy

By July 1985 an advert in Canadian Coin Box listed Atari's "Paperboy" as in stock, beside Data East's Commando. paperboy-history/arcade-canada

MagazineCanadian Coin Box Magazine, July 1985 · advert, "In Stock" list (OCR text lines 28-33)In Stock Plus All New Equipment Data EastCanadian Coin Box Magazine, July 1985 · advert, "In Stock" list (OCR text line 33) — the OCR wraps the titles in doubled quote marksAtari ''PaperboyRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "An advert in Canadian Coin Box", not a distributor's.

The OCR text doesn't give the distributor's name near the list; the page image hasn't been read.

Cited by: Paperboy

Atari Games's operators manual (TM-275, © 1985) describes Paperboy as a game for its System II cabinet, for one player or two alternating, steered with a handlebar control whose buttons throw the papers. paperboy-history/arcade-cabinet

ManualPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · title page (scan p. 1)TM-275Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · copyright page (scan p. 4)© 1985 by Atari Games Corporation All rights reserved.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · chapter 1, introduction (scan p. 9) — the OCR reads the trademark sign as "TM"Your System IITM cabinet is designed to be used for a vaPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayPAPERBOY is a one- or two-player (alternating) gamePaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayPress either button on the handlebar control toPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Playthrow papers.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · chapter 1 (scan p. 10), inspecting the gamePlease inspect your System II PAPERBOY game (or kit)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted "Please inspect your System II PAPERBOY game (or kit)" (scan p. 10).

The Internet Archive item dates the manual 1984 in its file name; the manual's own copyright line says 1985. The manual names no designers or programmers in the pages read.

Cited by: Paperboy

In the arcade game the player delivers papers from Monday through Sunday, and a whole week of deliveries ends the game. The paperboy starts with ten customers in brightly colored houses and ten non-customers in dark ones; a paper on a customer's porch or in the mailbox is a delivery. A missed delivery loses that customer the next day, damage to a customer's property also loses the customer, and losing all ten gets the paperboy fired. A day with every customer served earns a Perfect Delivery Bonus and wins back one lost customer. Extra papers thrown at targets at non-customers' houses (windows, lamps, statues) build a Breakage Bonus. He carries at most ten papers and restocks by riding over paper bundles, and any collision costs a life. After each day comes the Training Grounds, an obstacle course of targets and jumps against the clock, where a collision only ends the course. paperboy-history/arcade-play

ManualPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Play — the OCR hyphenates "eventu-ally" after SundayYour main objective is to deliver papers to your customers from Monday through SundayPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Playcompleting an entire week of deliveries concludes the game.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayYou begin the game with ten customers and ten non-cusPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayYour customers live in the brightly colored houses; non-customers live in dark colored houses.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Playyou must throw a paper either on their porch or into their mailbox.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayAny damage done to a customer’s property also results in the loss of that customer.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayLosing all ten of your customers will get you fired and your game is over.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Playyou will receive a Perfect Delivery Bonus for that day.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Playwill get one of them back as a re-subscriber.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Play — the OCR hyphenates "respec-tive"its respective point value goes into the Breakage BonusPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayPAPERBOY can carry a maximum of ten papers at a timePaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayA collision with anything results in the loss of a life.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayYou can’t lose lives in this bonus roundPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Playtry to cross the finish line before the time at the top of the screen runs out.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayFailure to deliver a paper to a customer results in the loss of that customer on the next day.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Playat which to throw your extra papers (windows, lamps, statues, etc.)Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Playbut can restock his supply by riding over paper bundlesPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game PlayPAPERBOY Training Grounds. This obstacle course is filled with various targets at which to throw and jumps to make.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Game Play — the line before ends "any col-"lision just ends the training course segmentRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the next-day loss for a missed delivery, the targets, restocking over bundles and the Training Grounds.

Cited by: Paperboy

At the start of each game the player picks a route: Easy Street, Middle Road, or Hard Way. Each has its own houses, characters, and training course, and scores are doubled on Middle Road and tripled on Hard Way. The manual calls it "really three games in one". paperboy-history/arcade-streets

ManualPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Select a StreetEasy Street, Middle Road, or Hard Way.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-6 (scan p. 14), Select a Street — the OCR hyphenates "charac-ter"Each of these streets has distinctly different house designs and character appearance.Paperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · pp. 1-6 to 1-7 (scan pp. 14-15), Select a Streetscores are doubled on Middle Road, tripled on HardPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-7 (scan p. 15), Select a Streethas a unique training course at the end of eachPaperboy operators manual with illustrated parts lists (Atari Games, TM-275, 1st printing) · p. 1-7 (scan p. 15)It’s really three games in one.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Paperboy

Namco's Japanese flyer presents Paperboy as an Atari System II game with stereo music through JBL speakers, sound effects, and speech, and a new-type handlebar bike controller that feels like a real bicycle. The game runs through the days of the week up to Sunday, with a bonus stage at the end of each day. paperboy-history/arcade-japan-flyer

PublisherPaperboy arcade flyer (Japan, Namco) · back, maker's line株式会社ナムコOur translationNamco Ltd.Paperboy arcade flyer (Japan, Namco) · back, headingアタリシステムIIのビデオグラフィOur translationthe Atari System II's video graphicsPaperboy arcade flyer (Japan, Namco) · back, features — the line goes on "果、音声合声が" (音声合成, speech synthesis); the OCR reads サウント for サウンド特製 JBL スピーカーでのステレオ音楽、特殊サウント効Our translationstereo music through specially made JBL speakers, special sound effectsPaperboy arcade flyer (Japan, Namco) · back, features — the OCR reads パイク for バイク; the next line reads "「本物の自転車」の操作" (operating "a real bicycle")ニュータイプハンドルパイクコントローラーはまるでOur translationthe new-type handlebar bike controller is just likePaperboy arcade flyer (Japan, Namco) · back, how to playの日にルート通りに進み日曜日まで配達します。Our translation(the player) follows the route each day and delivers up to Sunday.Paperboy arcade flyer (Japan, Namco) · back, how to playユニークなボーナスステージが各曜日の終わりに与えらOur translationa unique bonus stage is given at the end of each dayRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "Namco's Japanese flyer presents", with no claim that Namco sold it.

Read in the flyer's OCR text, which is rough; the page images haven't been checked. The flyer prints no date in its text layer.

Cited by: Paperboy

Altron's Famicom booklet, printed after 1990 (its latest copyright line), says Atari Games developed Paperboy in the United States in 1985 and that it came out in Japan in October of the same year as an upright arcade game, remembered for its 3D-looking graphics and real bicycle-style handlebars. paperboy-history/arcade-japan-release

Manualペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 3, ペーパーボーイについて (About Paperboy)ペーパーボーイは1985年に米国のアタリゲームズ社により開発された業務用のビデオゲームでありOur translationPaperboy is an arcade video game developed in 1985 by Atari Games of the United Statesペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 3, ペーパーボーイについて (About Paperboy)日本にも同年10月にアップライト業務用Our translationand in Japan too, in October of the same year, as an upright arcade (video game)ペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 3, ペーパーボーイについて (About Paperboy)本物の自転車タイプのハンドルが付いていてOur translationit has handlebars of the real bicycle typeRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: "Printed after 1990 (its latest copyright line)", not 1991.

A retrospective account by the Famicom version's publisher, whose back cover carries a © 1990 Tengen line (paperboy-history/famicom-release); it gives month and year, not a day. Read in the OCR text, which spaces the Japanese; the page image hasn't been checked.

Cited by: Paperboy

Crash reviewed Elite's ZX Spectrum conversion in October 1986, at £7.95, with Steve Lamb and Tony Mac on its author line. Its fact box gives the screens as a "scrolling township" and the use of color as monochromatic, for the most part, to avoid glitches. paperboy-history/spectrum-crash

MagazineCrash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), Paper Boy — the OCR reads "Producer Eltte"; read on the page imageProducer: EliteCrash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), Paper Boy — the OCR reads "E7.ae"; read on the page imageRetail Price: £7.95Crash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), Paper Boy — the OCR reads "Authof : Sieve Lamb afid"; read on the page image, where a blot covers the y of TonyAuthor: Steve Lamb and Tony MacCrash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), comments box — the OCR reads "Scream: scrolling towrisNp"; read on the page imageScreens: scrolling townshipCrash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18, comments boxUse of colour monochromatic, for the most part, so as to avoid glitchesChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Crash's author line names a game's programmers. The OCR of the review's body is too garbled to quote at length, and the body hasn't been read on the page image.

Cited by: Paperboy

Crash gave the Spectrum version 88% overall, with 84% for use of computer, 86% for graphics, 89% for playability, 91% for getting started, 87% for addictive qualities, and 86% for value for money. paperboy-history/spectrum-crash-score

Value
{
 "review": "Crash",
 "of": 100,
 "scores": {
  "use of computer": 84,
  "graphics": 86,
  "playability": 89,
  "getting started": 91,
  "addictive qualities": 87,
  "value for money": 86,
  "overall": 88
 }
}
MagazineCrash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), Paper Boy, ratings — read on the page image, 2026-11-06, with the rest of the box; the OCR gives the column of marks as "84% 66% 9VTm 91% 87% 86% n%i"Use of computer 84%Crash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), Paper Boy, ratings — the OCR reads 66%; the page image shows 86%Graphics 86%Crash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), Paper Boy, ratings — read on the page imagePlayability 89%Crash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), Paper Boy, ratings — read on the page imageGetting started 91% Addictive qualities 87% Value for money 86%Crash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), Paper Boy, ratings — read on the page image; the OCR's last mark is "n%i"Overall 88%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Crash rates each heading as a percentage.

Cited by: Paperboy

Crash's general rating called it "another slick, playable conversion from Elite". One reviewer, to whom the arcade game had never appealed, said Elite had as usual done an excellent job of converting it; another found the control hard to get used to at first. paperboy-history/spectrum-crash-verdict

MagazineCrash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18 (image n17), comments box, general rating — the OCR reads "Ganaral rating: An<^her s^, piaya^e oc^Tverik¥i from"; read on the page imageGeneral rating: Another slick, playable conversion from ELITECrash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18, first comment — the OCR reads "arcade tpamee that }u«t didn't appeal to me-" (arcade games that just didn't appeal to me); not checked on the page imagedidn't appeal to meCrash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18, first comment — the OCR reads "as usual, have done en eKcetlent Job of OOnvetting from th# Original"; not checked on the page imageas usual, have done an excellent job of converting from the originalCrash, issue 33 (October 1986) · p. 18, third comment — the OCR reads "Control wm quite hard lo get used to at firs^t"; not checked on the page imageControl was quite hard to get used to at firstChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The text layer doesn't hold the reviewers' names.

Cited by: Paperboy

Looking back in February 1990, Your Sinclair called Elite's Spectrum Paperboy frenetic and fun, with graphics "massive and very detailed", and said it had been a YS Megagame in November 1986. paperboy-history/spectrum-ys

MagazineYour Sinclair, issue 50 (February 1990) · p. 70, PaperboyA real golden oldie from Elite.Your Sinclair, issue 50 (February 1990) · p. 70, PaperboyPaperboy was frenetic and fun, demanding quick reactions and a good memoryYour Sinclair, issue 50 (February 1990) · p. 70, PaperboyThe graphics were massive and very detailed - just like the original coin-op in fact.Your Sinclair, issue 50 (February 1990) · p. 70, PaperboyIt scored a YS Megagame back in November 1986Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Part of the issue's fiftieth-birthday feature, in a section of personal favorites from the magazine's first year. The November 1986 review itself hasn't been read.

Cited by: Paperboy

Zzap!64 reviewed Elite's Commodore 64 version in February 1987, at £9.95 on cassette and £14.95 on disk, joystick only. In its account the paperboy starts with eight newspapers and three lives, a paper that misses may break a window, and the end of the road brings a BMX stunt course. paperboy-history/c64-zzap

MagazineZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 106, Paperboy — the OCR reads "Elile" and "or>ly"Elite, £9.95 cass, £14.95 disk Joystick onlyZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 106, Paperboy — the OCR reads "ot eight ifewspaperg"He starts the game with a reserve of eight newspapers.Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 106, Paperboyand one of his three lives are lostZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 106, Paperboypaper may break a windowZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 106, Paperboy — the OCR reads "BMJf"the end of the road he has to ride over a BMX stunt course.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The review runs over pp. 106-107; the ratings are on p. 107.

Cited by: Paperboy

Zzap!64 gave the Commodore 64 version 44% overall, with 78% for presentation, 48% for graphics, 79% for sound, 63% for hookability, 40% for lastability, and 35% for value for money. paperboy-history/c64-zzap-score

Value
{
 "review": "Zzap!64",
 "of": 100,
 "scores": {
  "presentation": 78,
  "graphics": 48,
  "sound": 79,
  "hookability": 63,
  "lastability": 40,
  "value for money": 35,
  "overall": 44
 }
}
MagazineZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 107 (image n106), Paperboy, ratings — the OCR reads "787="; read on the page image, 2026-11-06, with the rest of the boxPRESENTATION 78%Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 107 (image n106), Paperboy, ratingsGRAPHICS 48%Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 107 (image n106), Paperboy, ratingsSOUND 79%Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 107 (image n106), Paperboy, ratingsHOOKABILITY 63%Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 107 (image n106), Paperboy, ratingsLASTABILITY 40%Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 107 (image n106), Paperboy, ratings — the OCR reads "VALJE FOR MONEY 35%"VALUE FOR MONEY 35%Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 107 (image n106), Paperboy, ratings — the OCR reads "OVERALL 44°/"; read on the page imageOVERALL 44%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Zzap!64 rates each heading as a percentage.

Cited by: Paperboy

Zzap!64's ratings box called it "a dull, second-rate conversion". One reviewer found it playable but nothing special and vastly overpriced, and the conversion a waste of time, effort and money; another called it an uninspiring arcade conversion; the third said it left them feeling cold. paperboy-history/c64-zzap-verdict

MagazineZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 107 (image n106), Paperboy, ratings — the OCR reads "Arluil ^pi^ond-fiiteronveigicn"; read on the page imageA dull, second-rate conversion.Zzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 106, first comment — the OCR reads "tlmv"; not checked on the page imageit was a waste of time, effort and moneyZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 106, first comment — the OCR reads "nottilng spacial"; not checked on the page imageis quite playable, but nothing special and vastly overpriced for what it offersZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 106, second comment — the OCR hyphenates "conver-sion"uninspiring arcade conversionZzap!64, issue 22 (February 1987) · p. 107, third comment — the OCR reads "toft me feeling cold"; not checked on the page imageleft me feeling cold.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The text layer doesn't hold the reviewers' names.

Cited by: Paperboy

In the United States Mindscape published its own adaptation for the Commodore 64. Computer Entertainer reviewed it in October 1987, at a suggested retail price of $29.95, one player with a joystick, and listed an Atari ST version as coming. It gave three of four stars for graphics and two and a half for game play. paperboy-history/c64-mindscape

Value
{
 "review": "Computer Entertainer",
 "of": 4,
 "scores": {
  "graphics": 3,
  "game play": 2.5
 }
}
MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 4, Paperboy — the OCR reads "(xx%/xx1/2)"; the stars were read on the page image (image n3), 2026-11-06PAPERBOY (★★★/★★1/2) has been a successful coin-op and nowComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 4, Paperboycomes home in a Mindscape adaptation which has brought most of the excitement home.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 4, Paperboy(one player; joystick required; reviewed on Commodore 64; coming for Atari ST)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 4, Paperboy(MSR $29.95)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 2, rating key — the key's first set is the quality of graphicsgraphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The review is unsigned.

Cited by: Paperboy

Computer Entertainer found Mindscape's adaptation good, holding much of the coin-op's feel, though it doubted the original had enough to it to hold interest for hours. Riding diagonally in the lower right of the screen, it said, hazards come out of nowhere; it called the game simple, but one that hooks the player. paperboy-history/c64-ce-verdict

MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 4, Paperboy, Good AdaptationMindscape has done a very good job adapting this game as it holds much of the feel of the coin-op originalComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 4, Paperboy, Good Adaptationthere's not too much to the premise (this being the fault of the original concept, not Mindscape).Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 4, Paperboy, Good Adaptationyour paperboy is riding on the street in a diagonal direction in the lower right-hand portion of the screen.Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 4, Paperboy, Good AdaptationThe game is simple, but it hooks you!Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Paperboy

Mindscape's Apple II adaptation followed: Computer Entertainer reviewed it in June 1988 at $39.95, with the same marks as the Commodore 64 version, three stars for graphics and two and a half for game play, and called the Commodore version a good seller. paperboy-history/apple-ii

Value
{
 "review": "Computer Entertainer",
 "of": 4,
 "scores": {
  "graphics": 3,
  "game play": 2.5
 }
}
MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · p. 4, Paperboy (Apple II) — the OCR reads "adaptcd"has been adapted for Apple II owners by Mindscape.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · p. 4 (image n3), Paperboy (Apple II) — the OCR reads "(XXx/x X1/2)"; the stars were read on the page image, 2026-11-06PAPERBOY (★★★/★★1/2)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · p. 4, Paperboy, A Popular Titlethis has been a good seller in its' Commodore versionComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · p. 4, Paperboy(MSR $39.95)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The pinned copy is the item's OCR text, without page breaks; the page is the image's (n3). The review's availability line reads "Commodore 64/ 128, Apple ITGS" in the OCR.

Cited by: Paperboy

Computer Entertainer's Top 15 Computer Games listed "Paperboy (Min/Co)" at number 2 in its June and July 1988 issues, behind Gauntlet and then The Three Stooges. paperboy-history/us-chart

MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · p. 1, Top 15 Computer GamesTOP 15 COMPUTER GAMES 1. Gauntlet (Min/Co) 2. Paperboy (Min/Co)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 4 (July 1988) · p. 1, Top Fifteen Computer Games1. Three Stooges (Cin/Co) 2. Paperboy (Min/Co)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Says the chart listed "Paperboy (Min/Co)" at number 2; the unquoted decoding is dropped.

Read in the OCR text. The pages read don't give a key to the chart's abbreviations or say how the chart is compiled.

Cited by: Paperboy

In Britain Elite put Paperboy on compilations: its advert in Crash for March 1988 lists it first on Best of Elite Vol. 2, and an advert in Crash for May 1988 billed it as "Game of the Year 1987" with "more than a year in the U.K. Chart", citing Gallup. paperboy-history/uk-compilations

MagazineCrash, issue 50 (March 1988) · p. 28, advert, Best of Elite Vol. 2BEST OF ELITE Vol.2 1) PAPERBOYCrash, issue 52 (May 1988) · p. 3 (image n2), advert — the OCR reads "PAPeRBOY ^Game of the Year 1987. {s««r«: Mom than a year in the U,K, Chart! gauup)"; read on the page imagePAPERBOY Game of the Year 1987. More than a year in the U.K. Chart! (Source: GALLUP)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The May 1988 item is "an advert in Crash", without naming 6-Pak Vol. 3.

Advertising claims: the advert doesn't say who named it game of the year. The adverts don't say which formats each compilation covers in the lines read.

Cited by: Paperboy

Paperboy came out for the NES in North America in December 1988, with Mindscape as licensee. paperboy-history/release-nes

PublisherNES Games (Nintendo of America release list) · PDF p. 9 — the row gives title, licensee, and month, not a dayPaperboy Mindscape December 1988Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · inside front cover (PDF p. 3)Licensed to Mindscape Inc.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Paperboy

The NES booklet sets the scene in early morning: the paperboy delivers to loyal customers on a route "through the jungles of suburbia", and at the end of each day a hard-nosed boss reviews his performance. paperboy-history/nes-premise

ManualPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Playing the GameIt's early morning and the birds are singing.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Playing the Gamethrough the jungles of suburbia.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Playing the GameAt the end of each day, your hard-nosed boss reviews your performance.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The NES game is for one or two players. When it begins, a screen shows the customers' houses in blue and the non-customers' in red. The paperboy starts with four lives and 10 papers, picks up extra bundles along the way, and loses a life when he crashes. The Training Course after each route gives 45 seconds, and each second left is worth 100 points. On the Daily Report, houses missed or with broken windows flash to show they have cancelled; a day with all deliveries made keeps the subscribers and adds more; a whole week makes the headlines. paperboy-history/nes-play

ManualPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Game SequenceButton to choose a 1- or 2-player game.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Game Sequencecustomers (blue houses) and non-customers (red houses).Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5)You begin the game with four lives.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5)if you crash and fall off your bicycle, you lose a life.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5)with 10 papersPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5), The Training CourseYou have 45 seconds to complete the Training CoursePaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5), The Training Coursethe number of seconds remaining on the timer is multiplied by 100 and added to your score.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 4 (PDF p. 6), The Daily ReportIf you made all your deliveries, you get to keep the subscribers you started off with and gain additional subscribers.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 4 (PDF p. 6), The Daily ReportWhen you get through an entire week of daring deliveries, you'll make the headlines!Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 2 (PDF p. 4), Game SequenceWhen the game begins, you'll see a screen that shows your customers (blue houses) and non-customers (red houses).Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 3 (PDF p. 5)pick up extra bundles of papers as you go in order to finish your route.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 4 (PDF p. 6), The Daily ReportIf you missed any subscribers' houses (or broke their windows!), those houses will be flashing on the screen to indicate that they have cancelled their subscriptions.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the customers-screen, extra-bundles and cancelled-subscriptions lines.

Cited by: Paperboy

On the NES the control pad's forward and back accelerate and slow the bike, and top speed needs forward held; left and right steer, and either A or B throws a paper. paperboy-history/nes-controls

ManualPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7), Control FunctionsPress the Control Pad forward and back to accelerate and decelerate.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7), Control FunctionsTo maintain your top speed, you must continue pressing forward on the Control PadPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7), Control FunctionsPress either the A Button or the B Button to throw a paper.Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 5 (PDF p. 7), Control FunctionsPress the left or right side of the Control Pad to move in the corresponding direction.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the left/right line.

Cited by: Paperboy

The NES booklet's points table gives 750 for a paper in a subscriber's paperbox and 300 for one on the porch, 300 for a non-subscriber's window and for a bush, tombstone, lamp, or garbage can, 200 and 100 for the training course's round and box-shaped targets, and 50 for picking up a bundle of papers. paperboy-history/nes-points

ManualPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), PointsTossing a paper into a subscriber's paperbox:Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), PointsPicking up an extra bundle of papers:Paperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), Points — the text layer gives the seven labels and then the seven values in order; the Internet Archive's DjVu OCR of the same scan puts each value on its label's row (the paperbox row at 750, the bundle row at 50)750 points 300 points 300 points 300 points 200 points 100 points 50 pointsPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 6 (PDF p. 8), Points — the seven row labels in order, as the text layer gives them before the valuesTossing a paper into a subscriber's paperbox: Tossing a paper onto a subscriber's porch: Breaking a non-subscriber's window: Hitting a bush, tombstone, lamp, or garbage can: Hitting a round target in training course: Hitting a box-shaped target in training course: Picking up an extra bundle of papers:Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted all seven row labels in order.

The table doesn't say whether the Famicom booklet's day-by-day scores apply on the NES.

Cited by: Paperboy

The NES booklet lists twenty obstacles, among them skateboard fiends, workmen, tornados, breakdancers, the Grim Reaper, cars, dogs, and lawn mowers. paperboy-history/nes-obstacles

ManualPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 7 (PDF p. 9), ObstaclesSkateboard FiendsPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 7 (PDF p. 9), ObstaclesThe Grim ReaperPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 7 (PDF p. 9), ObstaclesBreakdancersPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 7 (PDF p. 9), ObstaclesLawn MowersPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 7 (PDF p. 9), Obstacles, first columnSkateboard Fiends Workmen Tornados Motorcycles Trees Tires Lawn Mowers Tombstones Grates Fire HydrantsPaperboy NES instruction manual (Mindscape) · printed p. 7 (PDF p. 9), Obstacles, second columnBreakdancers The Grim Reaper Cars Dogs Fences Lawn Ornaments Tricycles Garbage Cans Dog Houses ManholesRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted both columns of the list, so "tornados" rests on a quote.

The list's twenty entries: skateboard fiends, workmen, tornados, motorcycles, trees, tires, lawn mowers, tombstones, grates, fire hydrants, breakdancers, the Grim Reaper, cars, dogs, fences, lawn ornaments, tricycles, garbage cans, dog houses, and manholes.

Cited by: Paperboy

Computer Entertainer reviewed the NES version in April 1989 as newly released by Mindscape, giving three and a half of four stars for graphics and three for game play, and recommended it at a suggested retail price of $42.95. paperboy-history/nes-ce-review

Value
{
 "review": "Computer Entertainer",
 "of": 4,
 "scores": {
  "graphics": 3.5,
  "game play": 3
 }
}
MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 8, no. 1 (April 1989) · p. 13 (image n12), Paperboy — the OCR reads "(XXx1/2/Xxx)"; the stars were read on the page image, 2026-11-06PAPERBOY (★★★1/2/★★★), an extremely popular game for theComputer Entertainer, vol. 8, no. 1 (April 1989) · p. 13, Paperboyhas now been released by Mindscape for Nintendo owners.Computer Entertainer, vol. 8, no. 1 (April 1989) · p. 13, PaperboyRecommended (MSR $42.95)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 2, rating key — the key as the October 1987 issue prints it; the April 1989 issue's key wasn't readgraphics; 2nd set=quality of game play and entertainment value)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The review is unsigned.

Cited by: Paperboy

Computer Entertainer said Mindscape had done a good job of recreating the crisp, colorful graphics, found the game tougher than first thought because the bike rides diagonally in the bottom right corner with hazards that pop up with no notice, and expected it to be a hit with anyone who knew the arcade game. paperboy-history/nes-ce-verdict

MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 8, no. 1 (April 1989) · p. 13, Paperboy, Good Animation and Sound EffectsMindscape has done a good job of recreating the crisp and colorful graphics.Computer Entertainer, vol. 8, no. 1 (April 1989) · p. 13, Paperboy, Good Animation and Sound Effectshazards pop up with no notice.Computer Entertainer, vol. 8, no. 1 (April 1989) · p. 13, Paperboy, Good Animation and Sound Effectswe expect this one to also be a hit with anyone who is familiar with the arcade game.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Paperboy

Altron published Paperboy for the Famicom. The booklet's back cover carries the copyright lines © 1984・1988 Atari Games Corp and © 1990 Tengen, and Altron's address in Shinagawa, Tokyo. paperboy-history/famicom-release

Manualペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 2, opening lineこの度はアルトロンOur translationThank you for buying Altron's (PAPERBOY)ペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · back cover (PDF p. 16) — the OCR reads the © sign as 〇1984・1988 Atari Games Corpペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · back cover (PDF p. 16)1990 Tengen Incペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · back cover (PDF p. 16)株式会社アルトロンOur translationAltron Corporationペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · back cover (PDF p. 16)東京都品川区西五反田2-10-8-810Our translationNishi-Gotanda 2-10-8-810, Shinagawa-ku, TokyoRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted Altron's Shinagawa address line.

The booklet's text layer gives no release date; the Internet Archive item's date, 30 January 1991, and its code ALT-7B are the uploader's and haven't been checked on the page images.

Cited by: Paperboy

The Famicom booklet gives two more customers after each day of complete deliveries, up to twenty, an extra life at 30,000 and 70,000 points, 300 points for each second left on the 45-second training course, and a Select button that switches the on-screen text between English and Japanese. paperboy-history/famicom-differences

Manualペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 4, 遊び方 (how to play) — the quote keeps the OCR's stray characters (おゎお客) and skips its 増ぇ全てのおゎお客さんに配達できれば次の日には2件増…最高20件まで増えます。Our translationIf you deliver to all your customers, the next day there are two more, up to a maximum of 20.ペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 5 — the OCR reads 追加るれます for 追加されます点数が30000点と70000点に到達するとライフが1つずつ追加るれます。Our translationWhen the score reaches 30,000 and 70,000 points, a life is added each time.ペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 5, トレーニングコース (training course) — the OCR gives the multiplication sign as an X45秒以内にゴールすると残りの秒数…300がボーナス得点となりOur translationReach the goal within 45 seconds and the seconds left × 300 become bonus pointsペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 5 — the OCR reads モレクト for セレクト英語が出てる画面の時にモレクトボタンを押すと、日本語表示になりOur translationPressing the Select button on a screen showing English switches it to JapaneseRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Restated as "the Famicom booklet gives" for each item.

The NES booklet gives 100 points a second for the training course (paperboy-history/nes-play). Read in the OCR text, which spaces the Japanese; the page images haven't been checked.

Cited by: Paperboy

Altron's Famicom booklet says the NES cartridge, released in 1988, became a big hit, a million-seller with total sales in the United States of over one million copies, and that the Game Boy cartridge released in 1990 was a hit on a par with it. paperboy-history/nes-sales

Manualペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 3, ペーパーボーイについて (About Paperboy) — the quote keeps the OCR's ファミュン and カモット (ファミコン, カセット) and skips its "NE S"1988年に…(米国版ファミュン)のカモットとして発売し大ヒットゲームとなりまOur translationIn 1988 it was released as an NES (American Famicom) cassette and became a big hit game.ペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 3, ペーパーボーイについて (About Paperboy)米国において総販売本数が1 0 0万本以上にも達成された超人気のミリオンセラーゲームですOur translationa hugely popular million-seller game whose total sales in the United States reached over 1,000,000.ペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 3, ペーパーボーイについて (About Paperboy) — the quote keeps the OCR's stray だた1990年に発売されただた同ゲームのゲームボーイカセットも大人気ゲームとなりOur translationthe same game's Game Boy cassette, released in 1990, also became a very popular gameペーパーボーイ ファミリーコンピュータ 取扱説明書 (Paperboy Famicom instruction booklet, Altron, ALT-7B) · PDF p. 3, ペーパーボーイについて (About Paperboy)同NESカセット版と肩を並べるヒット商品Our translationa hit product on a par with the NES cassette versionRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the "on a par" line (同NESカセット版と肩を並べるヒット商品).

The publisher of a later version's claim, not a sales figure from Mindscape or Nintendo. Read in the OCR text, which spaces the Japanese.

Cited by: Paperboy

Computer and Video Games reviewed a Game Gear Paperboy in November 1992; its reviewer Paul Rand said Domark had done a top job of converting the coin-op, and Paul Anglin called it great fun. paperboy-history/game-gear

MagazineComputer and Video Games, issue 132 (November 1992) · PDF p. 80 (printed GO 22), Paperboy, commenthave done a top job of converting this coin-op classic to the GearComputer and Video Games, issue 132 (November 1992) · PDF p. 80 (printed GO 22), Paperboy, commentPAUL RANDComputer and Video Games, issue 132 (November 1992) · PDF p. 81 (printed GO 23), Paperboy, commentSimple and uncomplicated gameplay is the order of the day here. Great fun!Computer and Video Games, issue 132 (November 1992) · PDF p. 81 (printed GO 23), Paperboy, commentPAUL ANGLINChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The word "Domark" stands above Rand's comment in the OCR. The ratings panel isn't in the text layer and hasn't been read on the page image; the contents index gives Overall 83.

Cited by: Paperboy