Bully

"The big R does it again!"

I really don't know where to start, so I'll just start with the story...

Story: 9/10

Meet Jimmy Hopkins. He's been expelled from seven schools and his mother has been divorced five times. Anyway, your mother decides to go on a one year honey moon with her new husband. So, she drops you off at Bullworth Academy. A place where nobody is safe from bullies, jocks, nerd, greasers and preppies. I'll stop from there. The story is interesting and at some point, you just want to keep playing to find out what happens next.

There are some parts that drag on, not making much progress and some of the missions are totally irrelevant the the plot. The story is great. Not the best ever, but it's interesting.

Graphics: 8.5/10

The graphics are great. R* has lowered the NPCs to a little over one hundred, making the graphics a step up from the GTA games. From the detail of the students to the gas of smoke bombs, the graphics are very nice. The water effects are nice and the lighting also gives it a nice touch. The thing that makes this game interesting that nearly all of the NPCs looks different. It gives the game a feeling of realism. However, some of the NPCs outside of the school look alike, but it's very rare that I see two of the same right next to each other. When it comes to in-game, the facial details lack emotions. Nothing too big. Also, I might add that the graphics aren't that updated making it look inferior next to the current games out there. However, the graphics are great in their own way.

Sound: 8/10

First off, the music is very nice and fits what you're doing and where you are perfectly. Though the music is sort of cartoonish and animated, it fits the overall game fine. The sounds are very good. Explosions, screams and the sounds of the slingshots firing are nicely done. The voice overs are very nice and sync in well. I also like the random things the other students or adults say. Some things will make you laugh out loud. I have even had to pause the game I was laughing so hard. Very enjoyable.

Though I do find some of the voices the same, they still fit the clique well. Also, I found that the music will actually block the sounds from the game play, which is some times annoying.

Game play: 9.5/10

This is where the game really shines. First off, the missions. The missions are simple but tons of fun. You'll have yourself trying to rescue others, sneaking around various places, vandalizing houses and protecting others from bullies and such. Rarely are the tasks repetitive and if they have the same base, they're stretched out across the game. There are more than 70, which can keep you entertained for a very long time. Also, I might add that even the side missions are fun. Many are sending messages to others, but most are creative and different.

You have to do many things if you want to get 100%. Collecting Grottos and Gremlins cards, collecting rubber bands, smashing lawn gnomes and beating arcade game high scores and a plethora of other things to keep yourself occupied. I would also like to add buying outfits and clothes are tons of fun. When you earn it from a quest or an achievement, it gives you a sense of accomplishment which is nice.

There are also many weapons including: Stink bombs, fire crackers, itching powder, cricket bats, soccer balls, sticks and much, much more. I don't want to spoil all of the fun for you. I should also mention the vehicles, which have you travelling all over town in a quick and efficient manner. Nothing wrong with them. However, the controls for the skate board take some time to getting used to.

There are lots of classes to attend which are very helpful on your missions. Chem can allow you to make weapons, gym helps you learn new fighting moves, art helps you with the ladies and so on.

Roaming the campus, towns, stores, alley, dorms and even carnivals are very interesting. There's always something new to do which gives the game tons of replay value. It should keep you busy until the holidays without a doubt. There are also secret places which will always have you on an adventure. You should be in bed by two in the morning or you'll pass out on the spot. Another important aspect of the game.

Also, there is one glitch that bothers me: Some missions that you haven't done yet will disappear when you aren't supposed to be doing them. It can get very confusing when you're stuck, only to find out you have to do a mission at night. The camera is a little hyper and annoying, but a very small problem.

Overall, the game is fun. An automatic buy for anyone with a PS2. I'm giving it a 9/10.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 10/25/06