For this story, PALGN has teamed up with Rockstar to take a look at the recently renamed Canis Canem Edit (known as Bully in the States). After stirring up controversy overseas though a mistaken belief that the game promotes bullying, we could think of no better game to explore. PALGN recently had an exclusive opportunity to go hands on with Canis Cadem Edit and, in the lead-up to our preview, we’ll be taking a look at some key aspects of the game. Today we answer the question: "Who is Jimmy Hopkins?"
Just another day at Bullworth.
Jimmy Hopkins is an unusual protagonist. At only fifteen-years old, he isn’t your typical video game hero. After being expelled from the last five schools he attended, he was sent to the only school left that would take him - Bullworth Academy. Being the only school that will have anything to do with Jimmy, it really is his last chance.
Many of Jimmy’s problems stem from a poor relationship with his parents. Jimmy doesn't have much of a role model. His mum is about to marry her fifth husband – a rich old man who relishes the thought of Jimmy being shipped off to Bullworth. In fact, it was his stepfather who enrolled him in the school before taking Jimmy's mum on an around-the-world luxury cruise. It’s treatment like this that has forced Jimmy to become quite a tough nut.
Now that we know a bit of Jimmy’s back story, we’ll take a look at how he controls in the game. Each morning he wakes up in bed. There's a save point on his desk, so you can save your progress before starting the new day. Interestingly, the way you are dressed in the game will affect how other characters interact with you. Jimmy’s bedroom features a closet that allows you to change clothes. So if Jimmy wants to impress that pretty brunette in Science class, he’s going to have to wear something nice.
Once out of Jimmy’s dorm, a few things become obvious. The game runs on day-night cycle. You can only go to class when it’s the correct in-game time. In-between classes it’s possible to roam around the school and finish incomplete tasks, represented by yellow crosses on the mini-map. Tasks are set by any number of teachers, friends or school cliques, although cliques will only provide Jimmy with tasks if their respect for him is sufficiently high.
The shop signs feature classic Rockstar humour.
Getting around school is easy. The left analogue stick moves Jimmy around, and tapping the X button will get him to move quicker - definitely useful when in troublesome situations, or if he's late for class. However, if Jimmy were to find himself in trouble, he can always hide in a bin or tear away on his stakeboard. Jimmy is nimble as well, and can climb trees and slide down stair-railings as he pleases.
At 09.00 the bell for classes will ring, and you’ll need to get Jimmy to class in time, or be severely punished. Sometimes there'll be a choice of classes available; these can be cycled between using the d-pad. An orange bell will represent the location of the selected class on the mini-map. We'll be looking at the classes that Jimmy can attend more in-depth later on.
As you can imagine Jimmy isn't exactly an A-grade student. His academic performance can (at best) be described as variable. When he tries he can do whatever he wants, but when is trying in school ever really that appealing? Luckily enough, Bullworth isn't exactly the most testing school for students, though this has attracted some of the most manipulative, conniving and troublemaking kids around. If Jimmy gets on the wrong side of the wrong people, then he's going to be hassled. The Bullworth society is governed by a rigid network of cliques. Jimmy needs to be ready to defend himself as his reputation grows. There is nothing tough kids hate more than a new student arriving who has a reputation for being tougher than they are.
I hate Mondays.
At any time during the game you're able to freely roam around and make your own choices, although you may want to wait until after school has finished for this to happen. On top of being able to explore the school, Jimmy can hop on his skateboard and head into Bullworth town. Bullworth is a large town with many different zones and activities. There are a number of shops (clothing stores, general stores etc.) and amenities (hair dresser, pool hall, tattoo hut etc.) that Jimmy can use if he’s got enough cash. If not, there are always part-time jobs to perform. During summer months, Jimmy can earn a bit of cash by mowing lawns, or he could shovel snow if it’s winter time. At Bullworth Academy itself, there are plenty of people who need things done for them. The nerds may need a bodyguard to get past the jocks, or the preppies might need some dirty work done; either way, it's clear that Bullworth Academy is a gold mine for a kid with an eye for opportunity.
Whilst Jimmy is always free to roam around, at 7pm the evening curfew encourages Jimmy to be inside the school grounds. It's not compulsory to be on school property at this time, but it is the time when a lot of the pupils plot against each other, giving Jimmy a great opportunity to make some spare change by helping out one or other of the school cliques in their constant struggles to one up each other.
Jimmy has a tough life at Bullworth. But he's stuck there for at least one entire school year. Not one to dwell on his misfortunes, Jimmy is looking to make the most of a bad situation by worming his way through the underbelly of life at Bullworth. Whether it be just to survive or to make it big for himself, there can be no doubt that Jimmy will always be in the thick of the action.
Canis Canem Edit Cover Story
Part 1 (Who is Jimmy Hopkins?) - Part 2 (Canis Canem Edit hands on preview)
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