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The PS2's very own version of "The Catcher in the Rye"

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 235 / 242
Date: October 17, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Bully may very well be one of the most controversial games of all time simply based on the fact that Rockstar made it. With only a name to their game, it was turning heads. People feared the worst. Mostly that the game would be as violent as Grand Theft Auto, but in a high school setting.

Let me set some minds at ease. There are no guns. The game doesn't even have any blood. Also, you can't kill anyone. Lastly, violence is rather discouraged.

You do not play the Bully. Instead you assume the role of Jimmy Hopkins, a boy trying to survive at Bullworth Academy. He's basically your run of the mill student. Your task inside the school is the same as they are for just about every student in high school. Pass your classes and stay out of trouble. Going to class actually is enforced for a time. Your classes are mini-games that you'll play. You're allowed to try and ditch class but there are consequences for not going. However, in this game you'll want to go to class just because participating in said class is actually fun, and can improve your skills. The mini games are fun and addictive. After a while it's no longer enforced, which I actually found rather sad. The aspect of going to class doesn't get nearly enough attention, but the mechanic works.

Outside of class, however, is where the game really begins to shine. If you're familiar with the gameplay of Grand Theft Auto, then you'll easily adapt to Bully. For starters, each and every student at Bullworth Academy has a unique personality. You'll make friends and you'll make enemies. The missions are fun and quite an experience. The game is original. Even better, the story sequences are filled to the brim with humor, quite simply it's one of the funniest games I've played.

In addition, you can also venture outside of the school. Jimmy can get a job to help him buy food and other things, and he's able to help people around town do some of their errands and chores as well. You'll also be able to date, go play some arcade games and plenty more. All the things most high school students do.

Jimmy isn't without a mischief. He's got a slingshot, a bat and a few other things he can use. Again, you can't kill anyone with these things, and eventually the objects will break anyway. Besides, if you beat up a kid, you have to serve detention. Part of the point of the game really is staying out of trouble.

The game also takes on a more realistic feel. There's a clock in the corner that shows you what time it is. If you're caught wandering around the school after hours there are consequences. If you stay out too late, you'll actually get tired and fall asleep.

The game looks and sounds brilliant. Fantastic voice acting really brings the story to life. The game also has some great visuals. The school and environments look astonishing.

Bully is a great game to be sure. It's almost like an interactive teenage drama come to life. A lot of the game is humorous and fun. But most importantly, it isn't Grand Theft Auto and it does stand on its own.

After all is said and done...its worth the price of admission.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 20 / 21
Date: October 20, 2006
Author: Amazon User

After having played through a large portion of Bully, I can say this: Though its gameplay style may mimic other Rockstar titles (mainly the Grand Theft Auto series), Bully stands out on its own with many tweaks, themes, options, and fun to warrant itself as a standalone game worthy of praise, and not just another clone.

And yes, though the game was initially controversial, those same morons who continue to seek out the gaming industry for all the blame of messed up children who were going to do something bad either having the game or not (think of all the music, movies, and real life situations that include violence and sexual themes, etc.)...they came after Bully strictly because of the title and theme. The FACT is however, you'll find the games protagonist far from a Bully (this is nowhere near beating up hookers with a baseball bat, instead think of maybe a Bart Simpson with a little more edge.), and the title is a bit misleading...anyhow...

Even though the PS2 is on its last wheels, Bully manages to dredge up some very decent graphics for this title. Ambient sounds, music, and atmosphere are some of the best around, with tons of characters always surprising you with something new that may catch your ear. Whats really great about this game is that (and not to compare to the GTA series, but its inevitable)there seems to be a heavier emphasis on interaction with objects. You can break into certain lockers, pick up a large variety of objects and even climb trees, pull fire alarms etc. even when not in a mission.

I really enjoyed the missions overall, they gave a great sense of being in the schoolyard with its many cliques and funny themes. Lots of missions and side quests will keep you entertained for hours...appealing to both casual folks who may just want to finish the storyline or those who obsess on getting the game to 100% completion.

Most folks won't get that far, but its nice to know that theres always something you can do and come back to the game for if you get tired of it anytime soon. It may not be the absolute groundbreaking title you were thinking of, but its definitley a great game. If you enjoy the open ended feeling of 'free in a sandbox' style, or perhaps want a diversion from the same old GTA theme, pick it up and give Bully a shot.

Very fun

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: October 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Ok, this game is really fun.
It seems to be really long (haven't played that long yet but the map is huge) and the graphics are great.

Like one reviewer said, the game follows the seasons, but with that, it surprisingly includes holiays also (not sure if the plural form is accurate, I played through one but am guessing there's more...).

You definitely won't be disappointed.
As for the camera angle problem... it's nothing that you haven't seen in the GTA series.

Gameplay is very similar to the GTA series but I'm enjoying the targetting system a lot more.

Quite cool, give it a try.
I'm not sure I'd recommend renting it b/c you'll want to buy it right away so renting it would put you an extra $4 in the hole...
I'd buy it again if given the choice.

incredible

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: October 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I've been glued to my television for the past 3 days playing this game obsessivly. It's one of the greatest games i've gotten in such a long time. Like GTA, but your a highschooler. Highly recommended. Nothing more needs to be said.

Bullying is Fun

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 10
Date: October 24, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Bully is a game very similar and very different to Grand Theft Auto.

It's similar in the way that it runs, there are missions, weapons to be had, fighting, etc.

That's all. The difference is this game is not a filthy, murdering spree. You get into fights, but nobody dies... in fact I haven't even seen blood yet. This game stresses that being mean to girls and to kids is unacceptable, and you play somewhat of an anti-hero who fights back against the Bullies and gives a voice to the voiceless.

You go to school, you take classes, and you learn how to survive the jungle that is private school. You do commit crimes in the game, but much like GTA, if they catch you, you will be punished. I wouldn't recommend letting little kids play this, mainly because of the crazies who think video games make kids do bad things... but this game shows consequence (instead of respawning in a police station without weapons and less money) so it might be ok.

Very fun, very addicting, and tons to do.

AMAZI NG

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 1 / 4
Date: October 24, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Bully is the most amazing game you will ever play. If you wanna get a good distance away from a prefect and shoot him with a slingshot then put marbles down and run,do it. In the game you can do many fun things. hey, if you have this game here is a hint. go in the athletics, and go to the basketball court to the left. There you can Bet with a nerd for cash and if you knock him out with the soccer ball, you win the amount you betted. MUST GET GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty cool idea

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: October 24, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game has a pretty crazy concept behind it..dealing with bullies. But you know what? It's actually pretty fun! I hestitated on buying it because I am into racing and GTA style games. This one only resembles GTA with the open-world theme. Like one person said, from what I have seen so far, no one dies. You get to take on tasks and confronting bullies and playing pranks and skipping class, etc. You also get to go a town fair and ride the rides and play the games at the fair and see shows. At the fair, I competed in a go-kart event which was pretty cool. You unlock something if you win the race. You start out in Chapter 1 only being able to do missions in the school grounds, but once you finish Ch 1, you unlock a new area of the map for Ch 2..the town and the fairground..may be more but I haven't ventured elsewhere yet. I bought a bicycle, I have a skateboard, and I think you might be able to get a skooter at the fair..not sure yet though on that one. But the game looks to be huge and gonna take a while to complete...lots of things to do. Even though this game IMO is not as fun as GTA, it is still a good purchase. I recommend this game for teens on up. I think for anyone wanting a GTA style game (meaning open-world with lots to do and explore) but something less violent and less graphic and less profanity, then this one seems to be worth a shot from what I have seen so far in my 7 hrs or so of play time up to now. It is something different to try and worth a look. Have fun!

different, and good

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 3
Date: October 26, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Bully isn't your typical video game. I can't think of another game like it, in fact. It's sort of violent, but I don't think the violence is anything to worry about. I like the idea of the main character (named Jimmy) having to gain respect from his classmates by pulling pranks. You can perform pranks such as the slingshot (long-time favorite!) and even a bomb in the toilet, if you wish.

The game mainly encourages you to fight the bullies head on. This is pretty interesting for those who grew up being picked on. Hey, if you're attending school now and you're having trouble with a bully, check out this game to fight back!

Anyway, this game certainly has interesting gameplay. It's unique.

Fantastic

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 4
Date: October 26, 2006
Author: Amazon User

With the PS2's lifespan dwindling down, the list of games coming out for the system aren't anything too special (with a few exceptions, such as Okami and God Hand), but leave it to Rockstar to come up with another smashing, and controversial, game to rock the PS2. Bully takes the Rockstar formula of gameplay and inserts it into a different setting this time: a crooked boarding school. You play as Jimmy Hopkins, a very mischevious kid who gets dumped at Bullworth Academy by his mother and is left to fend for himself and deal with the clueless staff, and ruthless fellow students. As an outcast of the school, Jimmy must attend classes, learn to fight bullies, and tricking and antagonizing the different cliques that run the school. What makes Bully stand above and beyond the rest of the pack is that the game makes the most of it's setting with well done cut-scenes, great voice acting and music, and a storyline that manages to be mature without throwing in a bunch of cursing and sex, yet still manages to draw enough controversey because of it's content. The graphics engine isn't the most attractive, but it does the job, while the rest of Bully is superbly done. Offering challenging and innovative gameplay and a lengthy story, Bully is a real treat for PS2 owners looking to get something great out of their aging system.

A fun title with a great engine.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 4
Date: October 26, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I was excited to hear they were using the GTA engine for this game. Creating a massive environment with many different chracters brings out a life that is reminesent of high school. The main chracter can be played so many ways and it's fun just to have fun. If you are looking for a somewhat less violent version of GTA with the same type of environments look no further.

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