Pop Buzz UK

Rockstar’s controversial new game Canis Canem Edit, otherwise known as Bully, came out in the UK this weekend. Even from the title you can see the controversy this game has created, with the name being changed in Europe to the Latin for “Dog Eat Dog�. The name has stayed as the original “Bully� in the USA. No official explanation has been forthcoming on this change of heart, but it’s highly likely to stem from the criticism the game has received prior to release from a host of anti bullying organisations, teacher and youth groups. Peaceaholics even staged a protest outside Rockstar’s headquarters in August to complain about the forthcoming release. The media then became involved, with newspapers and even Keith Vaz, a British MP, calling for the game to be banned. How many of these people do you think had actually played the game before ripping it to shreds? I could certainly make an informed guess.

Despite this, the game is now out, and with only a 15 rating, not the 18 as was called for by so many of the ill informed talking heads. Not only that but I’m pleased to say it’s had rave reviews both in the UK, the US and other parts of the world.

Playing Jimmy Hopkins, an attendant at Bullworth Academy, your role in the game is to participate in every element of school life. While it’s focussed on the fun after school or between lesson elements, it does include attending some classes, which are actually minigames based on the subjects you are studying. Attend gym, do well in wrestling or dodge ball, and learn some new fighting moves. The chemistry rhythm game means you have access to the ingredients needed for making stink bombs and firecrackers. Shop class enables you to make and tune a kick ass bike to ride, an essential tool during your school year. You get the idea. There is also the option to skip classes but this won’t help you in the long run. Essentially Bully is an open-ended mission based game, building on the elements of Rockstar’s other massively popular controversial series “Grand Theft Auto“.

In each of the chapters Bully is broken up in to, you’ll meet several of the school’s factions, from nerds to jocks. Throughout the game and through the completion of missions, Jimmy’s arsenal of moves, weapons and abilities grow. They all retain that adolescent feel, with slingshots, potato cannons and bottle rockets amongst your growing arsenal. Missions range from protecting the preppies as they venture through bully territory to racing a classmate to win a girl’s heart. There’s a good variety and depth to the undertakings and you shouldn’t ever get bored.

The gameplay rocks, and neither the graphics nor sound disappoint. Although the PS2 is now an aging console, Bully uses it’s hardware platform well with lifelike animations for all the characters and a great sounding original score.
With a big game world and loads of side missions, this game will also last and be well worth the money. The more you put in, the more you’ll get out. It’s an enjoyable, satisfying experience that has fun written all over it and rams the rent a mouth critics opinions back down their throat with vengeance.

What do you think about the game, the controversy it’s stirred up and video game violence in general? Comments very welcome.

Bully, Canis Canem Edit, Rockstar, Grand Theft Auto, Ps2