
	Platform PlayStation 2 Genre Action / Adventure Publisher Rockstar Developer Rockstar ESRB T (Teen) Released September 2006

- Lots to do - Lots of items - Audio - Plenty of exploring

- Some occasional camera issues - Story can get a tad annoying

Review: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (Playstation 2) Review: Grand Theft Auto III (Playstation 2) Review: Grand Theft Auto III (PC)
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Bully

Score 8.0 / 10

In recent years, the issue of bullying in schools has become a hot topic in the media. At the same time, mainstream news outlets have enjoyed “informing” the common folk just how the Grand Theft Auto series is arguable the single greatest culprit in tearing apart the moral fiber of the Western world. So, it was interesting seeing how media outlets reacted to Rockstar making a game called Bully. The media simply assumed this would be a game neck-deep in sin, and provide the killing blow to all that is right and good in today’s youth. It’s too bad many of these people never played the game, or else they would have noticed the whole put was to stop bullying, and not encourage it. They would also have noticed that the keywordsgame is quite fun too.

Taking on the role of troubled protagonist Jimmy, players find themselves in Bullworth Academy, a high school with a thing for discipline. After being kicked out of countless other schools, Jimmy finally wants to reform, but in order to do so he will have to learn how to deal with the many cliques at the school. Maneuvering the many factions of Bullworth means getting people to get along with one another, which is no easy task given the long standing differences these groups have had. As such, Jimmy may need to use diplomacy to advance his goals, but failing that there are always his fists.

The game plays out in a mission-based fashion similar to that found in the Grand Theft Auto series, as Jimmy travels to hot spots on the map and players hit the triangle button to begin a new mission upon reaching said spot. From there missions can be anything from fetch quests, to escort missions, to bicycle races, tagging walls, or getting into a fight.

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Most of the missions, are of the variety we’ve seen in many other action games, but they are satisfying. Exploration plays a very big role in Bully, and it is done in a way that doesn’t feel tedious. Many of the missions require players to trek all over the place, but along the way there is usually something glistening off in a

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corner somewhere that is worth investigating. It may be a rubber band, a role playing card, or some other item, but these are a reflection of the sheer number of things players can collect that, when a set is complete, unlock other goodies. So, if you happen to be a sucker for these things, consider yourself warned.

There are also a ton of mini games in Bully, as players can take part in daily classes at the school, where completion of each section unlocks new items and abilities for players. There are also other activities, like the various sports around the school, the boxing arena in town, various bicycle races, and even an amusement park for players to fiddle around with. The level of sandbox styled gameplay options is nicely varied, and more than enough to keep players busy for a very long time.

While there is plenty of good clean fun in the game, there is still the option for mischief as well. Over the course of the game, players will get a hold of things like itching powder, stink bombs, firecrackers, potato guns, a slingshot, and other such goodies. Sometimes players may want to use them to cause trouble, but they can also serve tactical advantages by distracting or incapacitating enemies. By the end of the game, the variety of items players can carry with them is impressive, and provide a lot of options for how one can tackle their missions. Also nice is that some of the items are a little less invasive like the camera and skateboard. Of course, there are good old-fashioned fisticuffs for those so inclined. The moves are pulled off mostly by using the square button with the triangle button thrown in from time to time. It’s a very simple approach, but it gets the job done, and makes sense within the overall simplistic control scheme of Bully.

All the while, the controls are generally quite responsive. The one area that could use some work is in shop class where the game doesn’t respond well at all. I often found myself being told that I did something wrong, despite using the controls as directed. It was very frustrating.

Aesthetically, Bully is serviceable, but not spectacular. The graphics are not very detailed, and to some extent show how the PS2 is aging. Thankfully, the frame rate keeps up, and the action is quite smooth. However, I did find myself fighting with the camera from time to time so to see what was going on properly. Offsetting the ho-hum visuals of Bully is the game’s audio experience. The music has a nice jazzy, funky quality to it, and listening to the random ramblings of passersby is often entertaining. The main voice acting is decent. Some of the dialogue can be aggravating, especially some of the high school drama. For someone like myself who has been out of school for over a decade, the themes discussed can feel a bit trite, but it is still possible to muddle past this.

Nonetheless, what Bully provides is a very solid, satisfying experience. There’s a lot to explore, plenty to collect, and a whole bunch of mini games to enjoy. For all of the claims by the mainstream media that this game is just like GTA, and will be a great harm to society’s moral fabric, the truth is far from it. If anything, Bully shows that there is a lot grayer in ethics than many are willing to admit, and Rockstar even manages to pack this message in a fun game.

Mr. Nash

(November 20, 2006)