Paperboy: Stunt/Training Course

The Context: Being a paperboy sucks. Waking up early in the morning to perform a thankless job is bad enough, but the whole thing becomes downright unbearable when you factor in rain storms, snow and any other hazardous condition native to your region. Thankfully the hero of Paperboy doesn't have to worry about the climates, because he has his hands full with dogs, cars, RC planes, homeless people and dozens of other obstacles. If he's able to deliver enough papers he'll be able to tackle the stunt/training course. From there it's back to another day of mindless work for next to no money.

The Rules: In the stunt/training course there are no rules! This bonus stage involves ramps, dirt paths and targets to hit with your undelivered product. Unlike the main levels, this dirt course offers no obstacles and offers players a chance to wind down after a long day of throwing papers to the nearby customers. Once players complete this short course, they'll move on to the next street on their route.

The Verdict: Now here's a great example of a bonus level that's actually better than the regular game. I've always contested that the problem with Paperboy is that you have to play Paperboy. But all of that suffering is worth it when you finally get to the stunt/training course. This bonus stage is so good; that it makes going back to regular old Paperboy feels that much worse. It's a shame the developers could come up with a way of making every inch of this game as much fun as the all too brief bonus level.

Completely Missing the Point: After playing through Paperboy, I'm convinced that it's high time we liberate those innocent victims whose only crime is delivering you a newspaper. What have they done to deserve this minimum wage torture? I say it's a good thing our nation's newspapers are dying. Yes, I know that it means there will be less local news coverage and unreported corruption will run rampant. But we all need to sacrifice something for the greater good, and I say there is no better thing to do than save the innocent paperboy. Who's with me?