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.
Review Scoring Details for Bully |
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.
