Well, it’s about time!! Conker finally makes his debut on the Xbox with a remake of the Nintendo classic - Conker’s Bad Fur Day and an entirely new game for Xbox Live called “Live & Reloaded”, but was the game worth the wait?

Since the whole game is in effect two separate games, I will try and explain each one separately. “Bad Fur Day” is your typical adventure game…stop, let me rephrase that, it’s an adventure game which will appeal to all ages but might shock parents when they see their kids playing the game and hearing a cute squirrel swear or make lewd innuendos. The game leans heavily towards toilet humour but this comes at a price with an age restriction being stamped on it. Back to the game - you are first introduced to Conker via a nice long intro showing him seated upon a throne with him about to explain how he got there. His explanation is the adventure you are about to play which starts with a very handy tutorial. This is about the only time you will be told what to do because after this, you are on your own. Along the way, Conker will come across many crazy characters with more mature gamers being able to recognize many of the film parodies from the obvious Terminator boss, to the slightly dodgy catfish who acts as if they have just come out of the Godfather. Other famous film scenes are highly recognizable especially the beach landing (Saving Private Ryan). Now, I like a good story / adventure but apart from the beginning, you have no idea where to go or how to solve a particular puzzle, with most of the time relying upon the FMV scenes to know if you have accomplished anything. This can be very frustrating but also rewarding as you progress further into the game.

“Live & Reloaded” can be played online via Live whilst non-Live gamers will be equally pleased to find that the whole experience is offered via system link or as a single player against A.I. bots, each with multiple mission campaigns covering Old & Future Wars. It is heavily focused on team play pitting the Noble Squirrels against the Evil Tediz. Each side consists of six combat classes - Skyjockey, Long Ranger, Grunt, Demolisher, Thermophile and Sneeker which in turn have signature weapons and abilities. These abilities are crucial to succeed in any of the campaigns, which are why it’s no good belonging to a team full of grunts, because who is going to blow up the obstacles blocking the way or perhaps heal your fallen comrades. Along with these devastating weapons, players can also operate five types of vehicles depending on which campaign they are playing in (Old or Future War) such as a Sky Steed, Mule Bomber, R-Hog, Toad Jeep and Tankus. If that wasn’t enough, there are several weapons that can be operated by everyone. As well as the campaign mode, you could play deathmatch or capture the flag with each gamestyle able to support up to 16 players.

Controlling Conker is the same throughout both games with very easy button configuration but the main damaging aspect of the game is the camera angle. This can be changed quite freely using one of the analogue sticks whilst you are moving around but when you are fighting the big bosses or in a fire fight, this simple procedure becomes very awkward and time consuming which in turn could cost you that decisive blow or even stay alive.

Graphics:

You will not hear me complain about the graphics ever on this game as they are some of the finest I’ve ever seen on the Xbox. Every character has been animated with such fine detail that it is a pleasure to watch as well as play especially when fighting or inflicting pain as this is portrayed in some of the funniest and spectacular graphical violence. In direct contrast to the violence, the scenery and characters are very colourful bringing this zany world to life.

Sound:

The voice of Conker plays a major part in this game with his slick remarks and crude humour and works perfectly within this game. Along with Conker are many crazy characters with equally great voices. The script is perfect and very funny. Often background music found within adventure games can be annoying but not here, in fact it is hardly noticeable because it blends in so well and even enhances the atmosphere without you being aware of it.

Longevity:

“Bad Fur Day” has many levels with numerous puzzles for you to solve and will take you some time to finish. This is not a game that you will be able to finish in one day (unless of course you cheat and use a walk-thru). With the inclusion of “Live & Reloaded” which can be played off and online, the longevity will last as long as you are willing to carry on playing with a foul-mouth squirrel.

Round Up:

I asked whether this game was worth the wait at the beginning of this review, the answer is yes. The game is graphically superb with a great story and very funny to play. If you think of it, you are getting two games for the price of one, so there is plenty value for your money. If you only want to play the game on Live than I recommend hiring the game, but it wont be long before you wish to own it.

Pros:

• LIVE.
  
• Wicked humour
  
• Superb graphics & animation.
  
• Plenty of puzzles to solve
  

  Cons:
  

  • Awkward camera angles at times.
    
  • No sense of direction of play.