Game appreciation: Bully // AKA Canis Canem Edit (released 2006)

First want to take a moment to say RIP to any UK users on Spacehey, as of writing this the new law in place restricts them from using Spacehey without a VPN, as An doesn't have the resources to follow the new law. (More info on Goat's blog here)

But continuing, I bought Bully around 2013 during a Rockstar sale on Xbox. It's been a couple of years since I played, but I remember it fondly, and revisiting the soundtrack affirms this. While soundtracks don't necessarily make a game good (Postal 3), when used right, they can improve a player's experience. This soundtrack is fantastic front to back on its own, and what makes it stand out is its mix of genres and instrumentation from Shawn Lee. (Playlist of music that was used or inspired in Bully)

My special interest used to be in Bully, much appreciation to YTbers Nathanns, Simonbestia, and the channel that originally made me delve deeper into the games development, Swegta. It's been a while since I was so into the game, so I don't remember much, but those who are interested I highly recommend delving deeper into the games development, as there is much content and information to uncover. 

From what I do remember, here are some fun facts about Bully! 

1. The song used in "Rats in the Library" was supposed to be used in place of the Final Showdown.

2. Bully was supposed to be a much more mature/darker game, this is proven by pre-release subtitles containing much more swearing like "shit", the pill bottle model in game containing "methamphetamine", and in the showdown with Edgar, if Jimmy where to fail, he would fall into the acid below. 

3. Ever since the games release there have been many theories and legends, but my personal favorite where the myths. Many speculated that Bully's main antagonist, Gary, was a werewolf due to the scar on his face matching the one on the mask (it doesn't). But probably the truest myth in game where the aliens, as there is an alien outfit, alien pictures in the asylum, the Hobo being picked up seemingly by a UFO after collecting all of his transistors, and there even being an alien biology minigame in co-op.