Bully / Canis Canem Edit

Now, these classes aren't simply to add a pointless and monotonous element to the game for the sake of half-hearted realism (Shenmue and forklifts, take a bow); there are actual benefits to attending, with skill boosts in kissing, fighting and mischief-device making some of the rewards available for reapage. None of the classes are intrusively long and you really don't have to go to them as long as you're able to avoid the steely gaze of the aforementioned prefects - though the rewards are missed out on. It's a nice balance and it works well, offering choice where there could so easily have been none.

Outside of class the game comes into its own, with the free-roaming world open to Jimmy being full of some wonderful character and charm, even if the characters themselves are a little clichéd... well, very clichéd. The cliques surrounding young Hopkins come in the form of the Nerds, residing in the school library; the Greasers, thinking they're tough in the school junkyard; the Jocks tend to meathead it up around the gym; the Preppies tend to be found anywhere around the cafeteria, seemingly too stupid and rich to find anywhere else; and the Bullies linger everywhere really, like a bunch of idiotic idiots. Characterisation does seem lazy, even though it does work.

Jimmy has a rating with each posse - similar to the gang structure in GTA 2 - with actions for any particular group having a positive effect, and vice-versa. Whatever you do, mind, you tend to screw over the bullies, as nobody likes them. To be frank, the characterisations are lazy, but they really couldn't work any other way and it's just another manner in which Canis gets things spot on, bringing back memories of 80s brat-pack movies along with any other highschool teen romp. Kudos to Rockstar for the atmos, then.

Running around on a normal day, Jimmy can take part in any number of pranks, from wedgies to firecrackers, as well as get himself into trouble by breaking into lockers, fighting or generally making an ass of himself. When this happens the police *cough* - sorry - "trouble" meter fills, and prefects become aware of your presence, chasing you down on sight.

It's easy enough to hide however, and even if you're caught the punishments aren't enough to ruin a marathon play session. If running around on a normal day isn't your thing, don't worry as Jimmy quickly gets access to a surprisingly well-controlling skateboard, as well as a BMX later on, and there are buses running from town back to school at all hours for those who really can't be bothered travelling by foot.

So what is the focus of Canis then? Things follow a straightforward story of Jimmy's attempts to unite the school under one banner, as opposed to the numerous warring cliques that are present when he shows up. This is accomplished by taking on dozens of missions handed out by the students - A to B, escort this one, bring this to that one, nothing out of the ordinary. If it weren't for the fun characters the missions would die on their ass, but as it is they are pulled off with a cheeky grin and a genuine sense of fun.

The main antagonist of the game comes in the shape of the first 'friend' Jimmy makes at school - the ADHD suffering psychopath in training Garry, as he soon turns against young James when he realises he isn't as easily manipulated as he had hoped. Nothing is particularly dark or evil about the game, mind, though it isn't all bubblegum and 80s cartoon 'at least he learned a lesson' crap. People fight, things are stolen and morally questionable behaviour goes on. So it's just like real school.

The main story really won't take that long to polish off, but there is a plethora of side missions and general fun to be had inside the school and around the town, making this a game that can outlast its main quest. Rather like another Rockstar game I forget the name of.

There are obviously bad points - not even school is perfect in this day and age. As mentioned, the . Graphically things are fine, but there are times when the aged PS2 hardware struggles to keep up - again this really isn't a gamebreaker, merely a niggle that couldn't have been avoided. Oh, and kissing fat girls sucks. In the game I mean. Obviously...

All in all, Canis Canem Edit is a fantastic game. It's a ridiculous amount of fun at times and is never so hard as to be unfair or diminish any enjoyment. The length of the experience is more or less perfect and the freeform nature of things will keep players coming back for more time and time again after the main missions have been finished. Oh, and it's perfect to rub the 'violent game' brigade's collective face in [anthrax? - Ed], seeing as it's nothing like any of them thought it was. Fools!

Graphics Sound Gameplay Depth Presentation OVERALL 7.0 9.0 8.5 8.0 9.0 8.5

THE VERDICT: Whilst the game doesn't stray very far from the GTA-inspired structure, it is a completely individual experience and is recommended even to those (heathens) that disliked the GTA series.

Video Coverage (Latest Videos & Video FAQ)
PLEASE DO NOT DIRECT LINK TO ANY MEDIA FILE ON KIKIZO
Description	Dur.	Size	Details
Bully / Canis Canem Edit Gameplay footage (normal quality)	0:43	10MB	DF, SD, 4:3 640x180p30 2Mbps
Bully / Canis Canem Edit Trailer 4 (normal quality)	1:07	16MB	DF, SD, 16:9 640x360p30 2Mbps
Bully / Canis Canem Edit Trailer 3 (normal quality)	1:55	25MB	DF, SD, 16:9 640x360p30 2Mbps
Bully / Canis Canem Edit Trailer 2 (normal quality)	1:02	12MB	DF, SD, 16:9 640x360p30 1.7Mbps
Bully / Canis Canem Edit Trailer 1 (normal quality)	1:08	13MB	DF, SD, 16:9 640x360p30 1.7Mbps