Despite the uproar caused by anti-bullying campaigners, Canis Canem Edit which looks for all the world like Grand Theft Auto crossed with Grange Hill isnt the Columbine simulator critics had feared. Instead, its a good-natured, old-fashioned romp that has more in common with Harry Potter than Scum, and follows the trials of a neglected kid as he joins an American boarding school and tries to win the acceptance
of his peers; the surly, good-with-his-fists teen often preventing the runts of the social hierarchy being bullied, rather than dishing out unwarranted punishment himself.
But for anyone whos played GTA, Canis sprawling, non-linear structure where completing tasks wins the respect of teachers and friends alike, and opens new areas
of the school and surrounding town will be achingly familiar. And while its hilariously scripted and tremendous fun, its undeniably a little disappointing that Canis follows
GTAs template so doggedly, rather than using the charming premise to offer something completely fresh.