Release Date – 17th October 2006
Publisher – Rockstar Games
Developed By – Rockstar Vancouver
Also released on – PC, XBOX 360, Wii (Bully: Scholarship Edition)
Bully – It’s a Dog Eat Dog World
Canis Canem Edit (known as Bully in North America) is an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar Vancouver and published by Rockstar Games.
Rockstar has never officially confirmed their reasons for changing the name to Canis Canem Edit (“Dog Eat Dog” in Latin) in PAL regions. The most likely answer, however, is that the change was made to diminish controversy surrounding the title.
Set in the fictional town of Bullworth, New Hampshire, protagonist Jimmy Hopkins must adjust to his new life at Bullworth Academy; a notorious boarding school with a reputation as one of the “toughest and worst” in the country.
Bullworth Academy – Meet the Factions
Throughout your playthrough, you’ll encounter a number of different factions and interesting characters, many of whom attend Bullworth Academy.
There are five unique factions divided throughout the school.
The Bullies
The Bullies are the first faction you meet. They act as a sort of introduction to Bullworth academy’s profound social system and can be considered a sub-faction. The Bullies don’t have allies or turf and practically anybody is their target. It doesn’t take long for Jimmy to fall into their line of sight.
The Nerds
Years of bullying and torment have rendered The Nerds reclusive and mistrustful. Although physically weak, they are intellectually superior and shouldn’t be underestimated. The Nerds can be found hanging around the library.
The Preppies
As far as The Preppies are concerned, money means power. It’ll be your job to prove otherwise. Trained in the noble art of boxing, Preppies put up a good fight. If they can’t put you down through condescension, they’ll try using their fists instead. The Preppies are commonly found around their dormitory or the gym in Old Bullworth Vale.
The Greasers
Looking like a throwback to the 1950s, The Greasers may dress peculiarly, but it’s not wise to say it to their faces. Hailing from the poor district of Bullworth, they love fixing up pedal bikes and causing mayhem. The Greasers tend to hang around the auto shop or in New Coventry.
The Jocks
What they lack in brains, they make up for in brawn. Jocks have taken so many knocks to the head, it’s become second nature to them. Concerned more with gains than grades, these guys run the school. Check the gym or the football field if you’re looking to find the Jocks. Where else would they be?
There’s also another faction that you’ll encounter later into your playthrough. You’ll discover more about them once you reach Chapter V.
Do You Play as a Bully?
That ultimate goal of Canis Canem Edit is by no means to be a bully. Bullworth Academy is already writhing with bullies, factions are constantly feuding, and innocent bystanders often fall victim to their actions.
As the new kid, Jimmy is instantly seen as easy prey. He knows that he’s tough and he intends to prove it by challenging each faction to a show of strength. Jimmy comes across as brash, but it’s clear that he has compassion for the vulnerable kids.
By taking over each faction, Jimmy intends to unite Bullworth Academy under one rule – his own!
Throughout your playthrough, you’ll find yourself brawling with a large percentage of the school’s population. Those belonging to factions are likely to encounter Jimmy’s wrath during his ascension to power.
What you choose to do in your spare time is up to you. You can race your bike, learn boxing, visit the funfair, get a job, go on a date or take part in some light vandalism. Sure, you can choose to bully other kids (even adults), but that’s your choice.
So, do you play as a bully in Bully? Not by default, but you can choose to if you wish.
What You Go to School For
Amidst the fighting and scheming, it’s sometimes easy to forget that you are at Bullworth Academy to learn.
There are plenty of classes to attend including Art, Chemistry, English, Gym, Shop and Photography. It’s worth attending these classes as you’ll unlock a range of useful items and skills which can help you on your journey.
Each class has a unique mini-game or task which you must complete to pass. These are mostly fun and make for a nice break from wreaking havoc.
Of course, you don’t have to attend class. Get caught playing hooky by a prefect though and you’ll be frog-marched to class.
Bully PS2 – Our Verdict
We love Canis Canem Edit. Rockstar Games has the formula down to a tee when it comes to sandbox games.
Canis Canem Edit is an original contribution to gaming and is certainly one of the best ps2 games we’ve played. We’re yet to see anything quite like Bully surface since its release in 2006.
With that said, there are rumours circulating that Bully 2 is in the works…
Is Bully 2 Being Made?
We hope so. We really hope so. A Bully sequel has been long-rumoured, but Rockstar Games has yet to provide any confirmation of a Bully 2.
Although Rockstar Games hasn’t provided anything concrete, they do appear to be mercilessly tormenting fans with subtle nods to the franchise. Who’re the real bullies; eh?
Hints to a Bully 2
In Red Dead Redemption 2, during the mission “The Noblest of Men, and a Woman” you may come across a unique gun with a certain familiar Latin phrase engraved across the barrel. Yep, that’s right “Canis Canem Edit”.
Now, perhaps it’s just a bit of Latin or perhaps it’s a simple nod to a past game. But it certainly makes you wonder.
Another more recent nod to the Bully franchise came about in GTA Online’s Diamond Casino & Resort update.
This update allows players access to a penthouse where they can buy a variety of items to decorate the interior. One such set of items is artwork. One piece of artwork features imagery very reminiscent of the Bullworth Academy coat of arms. What’s more, the name of the piece is none other than Canis Canem Edit.
In the meantime, pick yourself up a copy of Bully on the PS2. Otherwise, try the Scholarship Edition on Nintendo Wii, XBOX 360 and XBOX One. This version features enhanced graphics as well as new classes, unlockables, characters and missions.
Bully PS2 Opening Credits
