Bully

Let’s face it, Rockstar isn’t known for lighthearted games or colorful platform games filled with cute critters. It’s known for its edgy, always controversial games that boil the blood of parents and members of Congress (see Grand Theft Auto). Therefore, when Bully was announced for the PlayStation 2, it already gained quite a name for itself and hailed as a twisted look at the unfortunate trend of school violence that is sweeping through the nation. Bully, as it turns out, is many things but it’s not a game where you can go through the halls massacring fellow students. Instead, we discover a genuinely unique and entertaining game about a boy trying hard to survive a harsh environment.

Bully tells the tale of Jimmy Hopkins - a young lad who isn’t a beefy brute that preys on everyone but a mischievous boy who is sent to Bullworth Academy (a school for troublemaking youths) after his mother and her new husband just don’t want to deal with him anymore. If anything, the real bullies in the game are the older kids and prefects that rule the school with an iron fist. After meeting the strict school principal and being treated like scum, Jimmy sets out to make the most of his stay on this campus. We follow Jimmy as he participates in school activities, attends class and attempts to romance the school’s many girls.

Much like the Grand Theft Auto games, Bullworth Academy is open for exploration and there is certainly a lot to explore since you can even go off-campus. In fact, later in the game you’ll be glad that Jimmy is able to obtain a skateboard as well as “borrow” a bicycle to get around. Aside from the Academy (which comes complete with two separate dorms, a cafeteria, a library, gym and halls) there are four areas to explore that include a Bullworth Town. You can head over to the comic book store, join the boxing club, or head to the movies with a date.

Having the complete freedom to explore and get into trouble is just one of many of the things that make Bully such a treat to play. The rest of the game is composed of elements that push the game’s story forward as well as the daily activities that make up school life. You will have to attend class on time if you wish to stay away from Principal Crabblesnitch’s office and once in class you’ll play a number of mini games pertaining to the subject matter. For example, in chemistry class you’ll play through a timed mini-game as Jimmy attempts to mix chemicals as you try to press the buttons on the controller on time. You’ll go through a number of inventive mini games for English, auto shop, art and photography class as well.

Yet Jimmy, as I mentioned above, is a mischievous child who doesn’t back down when it comes to defending himself and doesn’t pass up the chance to pull a prank on his fellow students or faculty. He’s the type of lad who can pull a classmate’s pants down as well as pull the lever on the fire alarm without blinking. He’s the type of lad who makes good use of stink bombs as well as firecrackers and itching powder. Jimmy lives for humiliating bullies by performing wedgies or, if attacked in a restroom, give swirlies (just dunk your opponent’s head in the toilet and flush). He’ll get into fights aplenty so you will be glad he has a trusty slingshot but when it comes to using his fists Jimmy can definitely handle himself.

While you can fight and pull pranks in the game, Bully most endearing qualities come in the form of school activities. Jimmy can participate in school activities and sports. You can, for example, play a game of dodge ball or go for a few rounds of boxing. Certain characters offer bets for certain sports events (money you earn can be used towards purchasing clothing and various items) that open neat little mini-games such as shooting hoops or seeing how long you can bounce the ball. Jimmy also has a soft spot for the ladies. You can speak to every character you come across but Jimmy has a number of pick up lines he delivers to the girls in school and he can even offer them flowers.

Control-wise, the game runs a bit better than the Grand Theft Auto games with better targeting and bike riding. The brawling, while a bit rough in places, allows Jimmy to grab his opponents and unleash a series of combos. Jimmy also has a number of humiliation moves whether it’s stuffing an opponent into a locker or garbage can. While there are fistfights aplenty, no blood is ever drawn. There are even stealth moments in the game, borrowing elements from the Metal Gear Solid games.

As far as the graphics are concerned, Bully looks good on the PS2. It’s character models are wonderfully detailed despite the fact that you’ll come across clones of the various students on campus and people in town. The character movements look natural during the game’s action and cutscenes. What stands out in this game is the town and the school itself that looks so inviting you’ll enjoy running through the halls of Bullworth Academy or skate through the town. Really, this is one of those great-looking games that don’t push the limits of the PS2’s graphics capabilities but looks amazing nonetheless.

The game is also filled with hilariously witty dialogue from start to finish and Jimmy, while brutish, is one of the most charming characters you’ll meet in an adventure game. As far as the voice acting is concerned, each character sounds just like we expect them to sound, particularly when it comes to the nerds and the jocks. Even the game’s soundtrack is good and the sound effects are just incredibly detailed. Walk into the cafeteria and you’ll hear spoons tapping on bowls and the chatter of students.

Wonderfully unique, witty and downright entertaining, Bully is one of those rare gems that must not be missed if you love your PS2 or games in general. Built up by political figures who were quick to jump to their own blind conclusions of the game they will never bother playing, this is not a “Columbine simulator” but rather a worthwhile tale of a mischievous young lad trying to survive a harsh new environment. Really, if you’re looking for a brilliant and lengthy adventure game, Bully is a game you will want to buy.

Gameplay: 9.0
Aside from a few gameplay glitches that pop up every now and then, Bully perfectly mixes a healthy dose of exploration with fights as well as hundreds of different mini-games. Bullworth Academy is a huge place to get lost in and the many colorful character that fill it will keep you busy.

Graphics: 8.8
This is also a very visually appealing game with detailed environments and some fantastic character models. The character movements look and feel natural and watching Jimmy give some poor soul a wedgie is just a real hoot to watch every time. The cutscenes look great as well.

Sound: 9.2
The game’s soundtrack is a real treat and thankfully, it plays throughout the game whether you’re watching a cutscene or just running through the girls’ dormitory. What stands out among the wonderfully detailed sound effects is the voice acting that is top notch.

Difficulty: Medium
The classroom mini-games get harder and you will come across a few inventive boss fights that are actually challenging. Add vicious bullies that will be hounding you throughout that game and you’ll find your hands full with enough challenges to complete.

Concept: 9.5
This is a game that tosses hundreds of different little distractions aside from the usual routine. That means you can spend your free time playing a video game in your dorm’s rec room, hitting on the pretty girls around the academy, shoot some hoops, play dodge ball or simple pull a prank or two. The game also contains plenty of collectible items as well as adds skateboards, bikes and a camera for you to snap a few pictures.

Overall: 9.0
Despite the controversy generated way before its release, Bully is one of those rare treats that ignores the hype to bring us a truly entertaining adventure game that immerses players into its detailed world. It is a fresh and inventive game that, much like its main protagonist, is outright charming. Do yourself a favor and pick up this game right away.