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Review:
CONKER: LIVE AND RELOADED is a re-make of CONKERS BAD FUR
DAY-one of the last games to be developed for the Nintendo
64. It features the same irreverent content with refreshed
graphics and a new multi-player mode. Conker continues to
be a game that is suitable only for adults.
Conker: Live and Reloaded has two modes of play-the remade
version of the single-player Conker's Bad Fur Day, and a
First-Person-Shooter (FPS) multi-player mode. In the single-player
version, the player takes the role of Conker, a squirrel
with a bad attitude and a drinking problem. The plot line
of Bad Fur Day is hard to explain, primarily because it
is so zany; however, the game starts with Conker waking
up lost and with a severe hang-over after a night of heavy
drinking. His goal is to find his way home and back to his
girl Berri. First, however, he has to make it through a
series of strange events and even stranger characters.
There are many reasons why this game is not a good one
for kids. One reason becomes quickly apparent: the developers
clearly have fetish with basic bodily functions, and derive
most of the game's humor from it. Multiple levels dwell
in the muck of potty humor much of which is very disgusting.
In one level, Conker feeds cows a large amount of prune
juice causing them to "relieve" themselves unmercifully.
From this, Conker creates a giant ball of "poo",
which he rolls through several of the next challenges. Later
he needs to get drunk and proceeds to urinate on fiery imps
to put them out. In yet another level, Conker takes on a
boss character known as the "Great Mighty Poo"
by throwing toilet paper rolls in his mouth.
Conker also has plenty of graphic violence. Some is in
the single-player story mode, but present in full-force
during the multi-player FPS mode. Blood splatters on the
screen during combat, close-ups of carcasses are shown and
characters can be started on fire.
Alcohol is mentioned frequently and characters are shown
getting drunk. Even the beginning menu of the game starts
with a pub scene. The player staggers about the pub to select
which type of game they want to play. Finally, vulgar language
has a constant presence in the single-player story. Many
characters use all forms of vulgar language and while some
of the most offensive words are "bleeped out"
it is still quite easy to understand what they are saying.
All in all, it is not surprising that this game is not
recommended for children. Even the packaging itself carries
an extra warning that the game is not intended for anyone
under 17. Yet, it is also evident that this game has plenty
of appeal for younger players. One of the game guides that
this reviewer looked at was written by a 14-year-old. Parents,
watch out for this one, and instead offer some better alternatives
such as PSYCHONAUTS or VIEWTIFUL JOE.
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Jeremy
Gieske has been an avid game player since the
days of the Apple II+ and Karateka. Recently,
however, his interests have developed beyond simply
playing the games, but also trying to understand
the historical, social and cultural impacts of
video games. He recently acquired his Masters
degree with distinction from the University of
Salford in Manchester, England, where he conducted
research on videogames. Jeremy has a background
in design and marketing, and has worked with several
Internet and publishing companies. Recently, he
has written articles for DIGA-the Digital Game
Archive and has worked with the Computerspiele
museum in Berlin, Germany.
