Paperboy: An Arcade Classic Reborn on Your Home Computer

Introduction

Paperboy, the iconic arcade game released in 1985, has captivated generations of gamers with its fast-paced action and addictive gameplay. Now, thanks to modern emulation technology, you can experience the thrill of delivering newspapers on your home computer.

Gameplay

In Paperboy, you play as a paperboy tasked with delivering newspapers to subscribers on a busy suburban street. Armed with your trusty bike and a bag full of papers, you must weave through traffic, jump over obstacles, and avoid obstacles while delivering as many newspapers as possible.

Each level presents a new challenge, with increasingly complex obstacles and a limited time frame. As you progress, you'll encounter obstacles such as cars, pedestrians, dogs, and even fire hydrants, all of which can hinder your delivery progress.

Controls

The game's controls are simple yet effective. You use the arrow keys to move your bike left, right, up, and down, while the spacebar is used to throw newspapers. By mastering these controls, you can navigate the obstacles and complete your deliveries with ease.

Graphics and Sound

Paperboy features vibrant 8-bit graphics that capture the charm of the arcade original. The game's soundtrack is equally nostalgic, with catchy tunes that will stay with you long after you finish playing.

Emulation

To play Paperboy on your home computer, you'll need an emulator. Emulators are software programs that allow you to run old arcade games on modern computers. There are several different emulators available, such as MAME, MESS, and RetroArch. Once you have an emulator installed, you can download the Paperboy ROM file and load it into the emulator to begin playing.

ROM Variants

Different versions of the Paperboy ROM exist, each with its own unique features. Some popular variants include:

• Arcade ROM: This is the original arcade ROM, released in 1985.
• NES ROM: This is a port of the arcade ROM to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
• Commodore 64 ROM: This is a port of the arcade ROM to the Commodore 64 home computer.
• Atari ST ROM: This is a port of the arcade ROM to the Atari ST home computer.

ROM Comparison

The following table compares the different ROM variants of Paperboy:

ROM Hacks

In addition to the official ROM variants, there are also a number of ROM hacks available for Paperboy. These hacks modify the game's code to add new features, such as:

• Level Editor: Allows you to create your own levels.
• Character Editor: Allows you to create your own characters.
• Difficulty Mods: Make the game easier or harder.
• Graphics Overhauls: Improve the game's visuals.

Conclusion

Paperboy is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. Thanks to modern emulation technology, you can now experience the thrill of delivering newspapers on your home computer. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy soundtrack, Paperboy is a game that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Further Reading

• Paperboy Wikipedia Page
• Paperboy MobyGames Page
• MAME Emulator
• MESS Emulator
• RetroArch Emulator