Ep 2. Paperboy
- May 26, 2016
- 16 min
-
8.5 (187)
In this episode of Angry Video Game Nerd, the titular character takes on the classic arcade game Paperboy. As one of the most well-known and beloved games of the '80s, Paperboy presents a unique challenge for the Nerd as he attempts to critique the game's flaws and quirks while also acknowledging its impact on the gaming industry.
The episode kicks off with the Nerd introducing the game and giving some background on its development, including the fact that it was initially designed to be a Top Gun arcade game before being repurposed as Paperboy. He then dives into gameplay, starting with the notoriously difficult controls. As he struggles to get the hang of the bike's steering and the newspaper aiming mechanics, the Nerd spouts off a stream of expletives and complains about the game's frustrating design.
As the episode progresses, the Nerd delves deeper into the game's quirks, including its bizarre obstacles (ranging from pets and pedestrians to wild construction workers and even tornadoes) and the odd placement of certain houses on the game map. He also takes issue with the game's scoring system, which he argues is needlessly complex and makes it difficult for players to track their progress.
Throughout the episode, the Nerd jumps between gameplay footage and his trademark skits and rants, offering his trademark blend of insightful criticism and expletive-laden rants. He also takes some time to reflect on the cultural impact of Paperboy, which he describes as a game that "captured the imagination of a generation" and introduced many players to the concept of "dying" in a video game.
Overall, Angry Video Game Nerd's take on Paperboy is a hilarious and insightful look at one of the most iconic games of the '80s. Whether you're a die-hard Paperboy fan or just looking for a good laugh, this episode is sure to entertain.