Paperboy 2 (SNES)
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- For other games in the series, see Paperboy.
Paperboy 2 is an action game developed by Eastridge Technology and published by Mindscape. Unlike its prequel, Paperboy 2 was not originally an arcade game, but rather a sequel that was released for various home consoles at the time. The SNES version is arguably the most popular version of the game.
The game plays similar to its predecessor, but with added features. The player can choose between a Paperboy or Papergirl, although these only serve as cosmetic changes, rather than give each a unique ability. The player can also throw papers both to the left and right, as the stages change orientation now. There are also a lot of obstacles trying to get you like in the first game, including hands coming out of sewers, ghosts, gargoyle statues, and even people rolling tires. A unique feature of this game are its side-quests. For instance, you can throw a paper at a robber holding up the mini-mart and you'll make the front-page news in the next level. You can also hit a runaway baby stroller with a paper to stop it, which also makes front-page news.
Like the prequel, at the end of the stage is a training course, which functions similar to the previous title. The game also has a two-player competitive play mode. Also like the first game, there are three routes; Easy Street, Middle Road, and Hard Way. However, only Easy Street can be chosen from the beginning, with the latter two being available via a 4-number password. There are twenty-one stages in all; seven levels (each day of the week) per route. As the stages progress, there are more obstacles present, and existing obstacles are faster.
The game received positive reviews from critics and players alike, though most agreed that the game lacked the charm of the original game.
Screenshots
Music
Like most Eastridge Technology games, there is a minimal selection of music. Paperboy 2 only consists of two songs; the Paper Route and Training Course themes. The SNES version's music is arguably the most well-known version. Many listeners have compared the song to the Seinfeld Theme due to its use of the Korg M1 Slap Bass patch, as well as the song being in the key of E. However, Rich Shemaria, the game's composer, said that it is unlikely that he was inspired by the song because he never watched the show. According to Rich, he listened to the music of the first game and tried to capture the feel of it in this game. This can be supported by not only every beat using the cowbell after the intro, but also because the song plays around the same tempo as the original, and the song using a heavy bassline.
Rich commented on the soundtrack:
According to Rich, the music sounds a bit different than he wrote it. This is most likely due to Nick Eastridge, the game's sound programmer, arranging his music for the SNES.
Recording
| # | Title | Composer | Arranger | Length | Listen | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Paper Route | Rich Shemaria | Nick Eastridge | 3:16 | Download | |
| 02 | Training Course | Rich Shemaria | Nick Eastridge | 0:41 | Download |
Credits
- Ripper: KungFuFurby
- Recorder: Doommaster1994
- Not Credited Composer: Rich Shemaria
- Not Credited Arranger/Programmer: Nick Eastridge
(Source: Verification from composer, sound driver; game lacks credits.)
As per usual with Eastridge Technology games, this game lacks credits. Rich Shemaria identified himself as the composer, and Nick Eastridge as the arranger and sound programmer.
Game Rip
The game doesn't use the SPC chip in the standard way, so usually, the game would have to be ripped in SNSF. However, KungFuFurby reprogrammed the sound engine so that SPC files could be logged.
Releases
Links
- gamefaqs.gamespot.com/snes/588559-paperboy-2 - GameFAQs.
- mobygames.com/game/snes/paperboy-2 - GameFAQs.
