Rockstar is known for being a developer that enjoys pushing the limit of what's seen as acceptable in the gaming industry. The brutal violence of the Grand Theft Auto series is known even to those who have never played an installment. Its reputation precedes itself. So naturally, many were concerned when it was revealed Rockstar would be releasing a similar game to GTA, only set in a school. Though this is a gross simplification of Bully (2006), the game certainly shared the liberal aggressiveness that was present in the developer's previous work.

However, Bully was very much its own unique beast, with countless mini-games that surpassed any Rockstar installment before it. Its popularity was enough for the company to start planning a sequel, however, development fell through meaning Bully 2 was abandoned for the sake of other projects. Despite this, Bully remains an enjoyable and distinctive classic to those who played it, with a terrific map, missions, and characters.

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The game starts with the protagonist, Jimmy Hopkins, being dumped off by his parents at his new school (after several expulsions), Bullworth Academy. Like many Rockstar characters, Jimmy is more anti-hero than hero, as a volatile and ill-disciplined individual. The setting is an amusing stereotype of American high-schools, portrayed similarly to how they are in film and TV - with various rival cliques.  The nerds, jocks, bullies, preppies, and greasers make up the different school factions, as Jimmy has to win all of their loyalty, usually through violence. All the while, Jimmy can start romantic relationships with his peers as well. It is impossible not to enjoy exploring this exaggerated cliche of an American school that is more alike to an 1980s sitcom setting than actual reality.

As with any school, classes are essential. Chemistry lessons, for example, are compulsory but also useful as Jimmy can craft new weapons to add to his arsenal, such as stink-bombs and firecrackers. These can be vital in taking down more challenging opponents or large groups of enemies. Failure to attend classes will result in punishments, such as mowing the school sports field (which is actually much more fun than it sounds). Likewise, photography class is a fun part of school-life. Jimmy can use his camera whenever he pleases after class, allowing him to capture bizarre and hilarious moments, such as alien abductions and enemies stuffed in garbage bins. Bully is immensely successful in making a seemingly mundane setting exciting.

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Further credit to Bully must be given due to the sheer number of side-missions and hobbies that are possible throughout the open-world map. Wrestling, boxing, arcade games, paper routes, and go-kart racing are just a few of the extra-curriculum activities that Jimmy can indulge in. Bully challenges even Red Dead Redemption II and GTA V regarding the amount of non-story events available, despite being released years prior. When not confined to school grounds, Jimmy is free to explore the nearby town and enjoy all the side-games Bully has to offer, as well as visiting Bullworth's Funhouse and the hauntingly-named 'Happy Volts Asylum' for the mentally unwell.

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The game's grim sense of humor and unrestrained combat is not appreciated by all, however. Indeed, many criticized it for glorifying violence, especially towards school students who can be assaulted with a variety of weapons: from baseball bats, sledgehammers, and bricks to spud cannons, poison guns, and bottle rocket launchers. There are many other creative alternatives. The game was so controversial that it was banned in Brazil. Other nations took a more relaxed approach and re-branded the game as Canis Canem Edit - the Latin motto of Bullworth Academy that translates into 'Dog Eat Dog.' Though with a different name, the game itself remained exactly the same.

Rockstar is not unfamiliar with these accusations, even before the release of Bully, with GTA facing charges of trivializing extreme violence. Regardless of its sins, Bully was a wacky and hysterically funny adventure in many ways. It is improbable we will see another game quite like it again.

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