The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a beloved gaming console of the 1980s and 1990s. One of its most innovative and unique games is Paperboy, released exclusively for the NES in Japan as "Paper Tank" or "" in Japanese. In this article, we'll delve into the world of Paperboy, exploring its gameplay, reception, and availability, including age ratings.

Gameplay Overview

In Paperboy, players take on the role of a young newsboy tasked with delivering newspapers to various locations around a fictional suburban neighborhood. The game is divided into two main modes: daytime delivery and nighttime delivery. During the day, the player must navigate their bike through traffic while avoiding pedestrians, cars, and other obstacles to deliver newspapers to each location. At night, the game becomes more challenging as the streets are filled with obstacles like puddles, trash cans, and other hazards that can slow down or even destroy the bike.

The gameplay is simple yet addictive, requiring players to balance speed and precision to complete their deliveries on time. As the player progresses through the game, new challenges and obstacles are introduced, making it increasingly difficult to succeed.

Reception in Japan

Paperboy was a massive hit in Japan upon its release, praised for its unique blend of action and delivery gameplay. The game's colorful graphics, catchy music, and challenging gameplay made it an instant classic among Japanese gamers.

In Japan, the game received an ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board) rating of "Suitable for All Ages," indicating that it was suitable for players of all ages. However, this rating is not directly equivalent to Western age ratings, as it's based on a different set of guidelines and standards.

Availability in Japan

Paperboy was released exclusively for the NES in Japan and has since become a rare collector's item. In recent years, there have been rumors of a potential re-release or rerelease of the game, but so far, none have materialized.

However, the game is still available on various online platforms, including:

• The Nintendo eShop: Players can purchase and download Paperboy for the Wii U Virtual Console.
• The NES Classic Edition: A miniature retro console preloaded with 30 classic NES games, including Paperboy.
• The Super NES Classic Edition: Another miniature retro console featuring a different set of classic NES games.

Age Rating

In Japan, Paperboy is rated "All Ages" (, Jiyū Eki) by the Japanese rating board, CERO. This rating indicates that the game is suitable for players of all ages and is free from objectionable content.

However, in Western countries, the game's age rating varies depending on the region:

• In North America, Paperboy was rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB.
• In Europe, the game received a PEGI 3+ rating (suitable for players aged 7 and above).
• In Australia, the game was rated "PG" (General Classification) by the Australian Classification Review Board.

Conclusion

Paperboy is a beloved NES game that has captured the hearts of many gamers worldwide. Its unique gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and catchy music make it a standout title in the NES library.

While Paperboy is no longer widely available for purchase new, its availability on various online platforms ensures that it can still be enjoyed by gamers of all ages. Whether you're a retro gaming enthusiast or just looking for a fun challenge, Paperboy is definitely worth checking out.

As an added note, due to the relatively low system requirements and simple gameplay mechanics compared to modern games, there are several hacks and modifications available online that can enhance gameplay, provide new challenges, or even completely overhaul the game's content. These modifications can be found on various gaming forums and websites, but use them at your own risk!

Overall, Paperboy remains a beloved classic among NES fans, and its unique blend of action and delivery gameplay continues to entertain gamers of all ages.