Even though I hate Rockstar, Bully is one of the most exciting games in PS2 history...
Bully isn't all about bullying, or being bullied (you will get bullied, trust me!). It's about the rough high school life that we have all seemed to experience, which makes it personal. It's about GTA with a story, and a personalized story at that. Bully, quite frankly, is one of Rockstar's best titles to date, and the only good title IMHO.
I cannot stop playing this game. Even after finishing it, I still love to just skate around, or ride my gokart into town making money from the townsfolk.
Bully is about Jimmy, a young lad, who was delivered by his mom and stepdad into one of the most harshest schools, the Bullyworth Academy. You will be doing several things here, such as taking some really fun classes, doing chores for teachers and students.
Throughout the game, you will be making friends, and enemies with the greasers, preps, bullies, nerds, jocks, townies, etc. Every typical stereotyped group is included in this game (except the goths). Not only that, the producers make each group say some of the funniest stereotypical things. For instance, the nerds love "Ghosts and Goblins", and the Jocks talk a lot about football practice and failing exams. The Humor in this game will leave you with constant chuckles and laughs.
Bully incorporates many styles of gameplay. You can free-roam the city and town. There's even a carnival, in which you can play mini-games, and ride rides! Not only that, there are lots of arcade machines in the game, to where you can even get more out of it. You even learn how to become a boxer, and show the preps that there is a new king in town. You'll be taking one of the preppy girls on a date, which seems to be a huge statement due to the fact that you are of a "lower class" person. The sociological implications in this game are completely spot on, and very realistic. You will be doing a fair bit of BMX racing in this game as well. Standing up to the Prep's challenge doing street BMX racing, and even some off road beach courses.
You will feel like you are playing BMX, Tony Hawks Pro Skater, GTA, Super Punchout, PaperBoy, Mario-Kart all at once. It's truly, a game that packs a large-scale punch while incorporating many fun gaming styles that we have all grown to love.
You will make several sweat-hearts in this game. So yes, you will have a lovelife (or several)!
Jimmy at first looks like a punk. But you'll learn quickly that he is one of the coolest kids around, with a super-soft ego. People just do not know this yet. He is the perfect protagonist with a soft side. Rarely ever will you see him act like a total punk to lose respect. Your task throughout the game is to "take over the school" by becoming popular, and friends with all the classes.
You cannot chose to be a jock, or a prep. Once you begin, you start the pre-designated story. You will become affiliated with all groups by the end of the game. There are many clothing stores around town, in which you can pick and choose thousands of outfits to "fit-in". You can choose to do whatever when you want, as long as you are in bed by 2:00 a.m.
When you become accepted into certain groups, you will be granted several clubhouses across town.
The quests are some of the most fun and most rewarding quests to say the least. For each quest completed, you will take home some sort of memorabilia that is hung on your wall that will always leave you with a chuckle.
Bully is not your typical bland Rockstar game. This game has a soul, and purpose. Not only that, this title is probably one of the best experiences i've ever had on the PS2.
The voice acting, scripting, and flow of this game is absolutely phenomenal. The map layout is probably one of the best layouts to date. Upon playing this game, you will quickly notice that there was ALOT of effort put into designing this title.
The difficulty is easy. If you like a challenging game, you will find this game is a real breeze. But, this game doesn't need to be challenging, or "hard". You'll just be hooked in no time, even if you think the tasks are really easy and did not take much effort. The reward is somehow shockingly full-filling every time, even with a low amount of effort that is involved with most tasks.
Usually with all games I love, I can point out some small flaws. With Bully, I cannot find a single flaw. It's truly, one of the greatest gaming experiences I have ever witnessed. If you are looking for a game about life, check out Bully, because it nails a grand slam.