The VideoKid

 Switch
Metascore
65

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 10
  3. Negative: 1 out of 10
  1. GameSpace
    Sep 11, 2018
    80
    As a thoroughly irresponsible teenager, we take to our skateboard to deliver tapes, cause mischief, and avoid oncoming obstacles. This is our Videokid review.
  2. Nintendo Life
    Aug 30, 2018
    80
    While its setup does make it look like one of those soulless endless runners that fill mobile app stores, The VideoKid overcomes that hollow association by offering up a nostalgic love letter to the characters that defined a decade. The random layout means you’ll never get the same run twice, but once you’ve played each section of its celebrity-filled suburbia a few times, you will start to notice plenty of bits being recycled as you head to your final destination. Still, with high-scores to chase and new character skins and tricks to unlock, this modern Paperboy has earned its pay packet.
  3. NintendoWorldReport
    Aug 30, 2018
    75
    The VideoKid is a short visit, not an extended vacation, into a quirky nostalgia-packed arcade run. I enjoyed my brief stay, but for you it might depend on your fondness for The California Raisins or The Thundercats.
  5. Vooks
    Sep 17, 2018
    70
    The VideoKid doesn’t pretend to be anything grander than what it is, a different take on the Paperboy formula with a 80/90s pop culture theme. It improves along the original formula and makes it more playable in this day and age. It really is a game that is best in short bursts. It is quite shallow and when you buy all the tricks and characters within, there is only score to try and beat. If you’re after a cheap arcadey run based game that embraces the pop culture a lot of us grew up with, then there isn’t much to lose here.
  6. God is a Geek
    Sep 14, 2018
    65
    The VideoKid clearly loves the 1980s, and it hopes you do too. But strip away the nostalgia and you're left with a pretty basic experience. Unless you REALLY enjoyed Paperboy, you're better off looking elsewhere.
  7. Pocket Gamer UK
    Apr 23, 2019
    60
    The VideoKid is a mostly safe play on Paperboy that excels when going wild with its garish visuals and legally-questionable references.
  8. Switch Player
    Dec 27, 2018
    60
    The VideoKid, though bearing noticeable similarities to popular mobile titles and with its fair share of faults and issues, is an affordable and entertaining drop-in indie title that you can pick up and play anytime. Challenging, yet charming, and with plenty of nods to 80s pop culture, this is a game that you will be retrying for hours in the hope of reaching your precious Jessica.
  9. IGN Spain
    Sep 3, 2018
    60
    Simple yet fun arcade game that may not be entertaining for long, but as it lasts is a good comeback from the 80's.
  10. GameCritics
    Sep 24, 2018
    50
    For a title on Switch, it’s great — do a run or two while waiting in line for the bus or commuting on a subway and then set it down. On console or PC, I’m not sure it would be worth the pricetag.
  11. Video Chums
    Sep 14, 2018
    40
    Observing all the retro references in The VideoKid is only exciting for a few minutes. Once the novelty wears off, you're left with a shallow and repetitive take on a classic arcade game that doesn't hold up well for today's standards.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 1 out of 4
  1. cengoku
    May 3, 2020
    0
    I liked Paperboy when I was a child but I don't understand this game. One hit and it is game over. The developers could let the choice to theI liked Paperboy when I was a child but I don't understand this game. One hit and it is game over. The developers could let the choice to the gamer if you want a one or 3 hits death. You play less than a minute and after one hit you have to begin a random generated level. The sound is horrible, I had to mute the TV. I like the pixellated style of the touryst by example but hate it on video kid. Very bad choices for a game which could have potential.… Full Review »
  2. LordShamrock
    Apr 1, 2020
    8
    I feel it is fitting to give this game an 80 for some 80s nostalgia! This game sure is full of references to 80s pop culture and even beingI feel it is fitting to give this game an 80 for some 80s nostalgia! This game sure is full of references to 80s pop culture and even being based off of a huge game from the 80s. If you've played Paperboy then you will instantly know exactly what this game is all about.
    I feel that it is a bit more challenging than Paperboy due to the life system. You basically get one shot to complete the level and there are several obstacles in your way to prevent that. Seems like the obstacles get randomized each time except for maybe the sewer area.

    It is a fun game to play in small doses when you have a few minutes with nothing else to do and don't want to dive into a full story driven game.

    There isn't much depth to it but for what it is it is a fun game that was released at the right time to capitalize on the popular nostalgia movement of reliving the 80s and 90s.    … Full Review »
  3. sitebender
    Jul 25, 2019
    8
    The VideoKid is a 3 lane infinite runner / shmup / Paperboy look alike filled with 80s characters. Carebears, He-Man, John McClain, AxelThe VideoKid is a 3 lane infinite runner / shmup / Paperboy look alike filled with 80s characters. Carebears, He-Man, John McClain, Axel Foley, Scar Face, the Delorean and the list goes on and on. These are all random obstacles and methods to get points. On the surface, the game looks like Paperboy, but you shift between three lanes and you can jump on things. You can grind your skateboard on some vehicles, but not all vehicles. Even convertibles, you can grind on, but not all. It's a simple, but fun game with unlimited things to throw, making it more of a shmup where you just shoot everything.

    There is one hit death and only one life. So when you get hit once by the game's questionable collision detection, that's a game over. It wouldn't be a big deal if it didn't take so long to get back into the game.

    The costumes and tricks that you can purchase feel meaningless. There are no leaderboards, nor is there a high score for something so "arcade."

    For $4 or cheaper, it felt well worth it for the fun, entertainment, and amusement this game brought me. I also question just how much nostalgia they can pack in, since it doesn't feel like parody.    … Full Review »
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