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[chainsoar]

Canis Canem Edit (Or Bully as it is known by my fortunate fellow gamers outside of Europe) is the latest effort from the rapidly-becoming-legendary Rockstar Games, and the debut release from their Vancouver studio.


Honestly, I'm at a loss as to where to begin. This game was immensely enjoyable and it's difficult to know how to portray how much and still keep this from being too long. However, I shall make an effort. The game is definitely heavily story-driven with a typical Rockstar style plotline, funny, inventive, and immersive. The game uses a reprogrammed version of the lovable San Andreas engine, so SA fans will easily get to grips with the controls and gameplay style. For others who haven't played SA, there still should be no difficulty, as Rockstar have as always managed to make the game comfortable to play without being too easy. Graphics wise, the game is, admittedly, not much more advanced than the graphics in San Andreas, but they're sufficiently smooth.

Throughout the game you play the part of a troublesome young boy by the name of Jimmy Hopkins, who is sent by his mother and new stepfather to a boarding school in New England called Bullworth Academy. From the moment Jimmy sets foot in the Academy, he is plunged into a world of popularity contests, class warfare, and good old fashioned punch ups. You must lead Jimmy on his quest to unite the various factions present in the school and bring peace to Bullworth Academy. Of course, you get to score with a few of the school's hottest girls along the way.

The game is interesting particularly in one aspect, this being that Rockstar Vancouver elected to use individual, non-repetitive models for NPC's (except pedestrians), which means that you will often recognise characters from the storyline wandering around campus. There is also a rather enjoyable selection of transport for Jimmy to use in his travels about the Academy and the nearby town of Bullworth. The range of vehicles is admittedly small, but as Jimmy is only 15, cars are unavailable.

In addition to the use of the reprogrammed San Andreas engine, the fighting style is (at least to my mind, and some others who've played both games) somewhat reminiscent of a previous Rockstar release, The Warriors. However, as in Canis Canem Edit you play one character throughout, you are given the ability to learn new fighting moves, some of which are really, to be quite honest, very cool.

In closing, I can think of nothing else to say than this - if you don't have this game, get it. If you enjoyed San Andreas and you're a fan of Rockstar Games, definitely get it NOW.


Note : An Xbox version was planned, but was cancelled for undisclosed reasons. The game is available on PS2 ONLY.

[Mighty Midget]

If the game is such a must-have, how about adding a couple of teasers (don't reveal, just get us interested)?