Video games - McKenzie & Co

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	Video games - McKenzie & Co

An early CD-ROM game designed for Windows 95 by American Laser Games (under the label that was then known as Her Interactive, but is not the same as today's Her Interactive division which now produces Nancy Drew games), McKenzie & Co was given a lot of press attention for being one of the few girl-oriented games that existed in the United States (often mistaken for being the first ever girl-oriented game title, though Angelique, Ms. Pac Man, and several Famicom games predate it). It is still one of the few GxB dating sims available in English, and perhaps the only one to this day that was originally created in English.

A 3DO Interactive Multiplayer version of this title was announced, but may never have been actually released.

While the company behind it claimed feminist motivations, aspiring to help lead girls down the path of computers and technology, it was very controversial, and is still considered sexist by many. Some concerns were that it pushed a stereotype of what teenage girls are like, with its emphasis on makeup, shopping, and dating. Others were more offended by the apparent notion that girls didn't understand how to operate a computer-a press release even mentioned that the layout was made overly simplistic for this reason. Another controversial issue exists with all games aimed at a female audience-the idea that other games aren't playable by girls or women.

Regardless of controversy, the 5-CD game did have some success, and is now a difficult to find item. Even rarer is the expansion pack, McKenzie & Co : More Friends featuring new male characters James and Aaron.

The main game set included a music CD featuring several Arizona bands, such as Poet, Cool Notes, Tee Green, and the Strawberry Zots, whose music video "And You" was also included.

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Story

During the game introduction, the user picks whether they wish to play as Kim or Carly, then the live-action game starts off at a pajama party between a group of friends looking at their yearbook. The user picks out of a set of guys to choose from, depending on which player character they chose. In the main game, the available men are Derrick and Brandon (for Carly); Steven and Brett for Kim. With the expansion installed, James (Kim) and Aaron (Carly) become available. Unlike most dating sims, the love target must be chosen at the beginning and cannot be changed without restarting the game. The goal is to get them to go to junior prom with you (the player character). Various other tasks must be completed as well, such as attending school, working a job, babysitting, bringing the right item to school or a party, and helping other characters find prom dates.

Characters

Kim
*A playable character, has little background.

Carly
*The other playable character, is similarly flat.

Steven
*A potential prom date. Rich and upper-class.

Brandon
*Another potential prom date. Drives a Porsche and has an obsession with marshmallows.

Derrick
*Potential prom date, athletic.

Brett
*Potential prom date, cowboy type.

James
*In the expansion only, a potential prom date and rebellious biker.

Aaron
*In the expansion only, a potential prom date who is an animal rights activist and vegetarian.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for McKenzie & Co ]

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