Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intimidation game in a high school setting.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Based on 54 kid reviews
Kids say the game is surprisingly fun and exciting, providing a lighthearted take on school life that empowers players to stand up against bullies rather than promoting bullying themselves. While some users noted its mild violence and infrequent swearing, many felt it presents a positive message and is suitable for older children, especially those who are mature enough to handle its themes.
- fun gameplay
- positive message
- mild violence
- suitable for older kids
- infrequent swearing
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's It About?
BULLY follows a troubled teenager, Jimmy Hopkins, who's been expelled from every school he's ever attended; his mother and new stepfather decide it's best he spend a year at the toughest boarding school in the country. Fifteen-year-old Hopkins must survive at Bullworth Academy by climbing up the social ladder, avoiding bullies or confronting them with moves or pranks of his own, and outsmarting the corrupt Bullworth faculty and student body. Bully lets the player roam around a huge map (bustling with people you can interact with) and take on dozens of missions as you work your way up to ruling the school. As you protect yourself from bullying students who don't like the new guy, you can use fisticuffs or a slingshot or other weapons you may find on the grounds; the game contains no blood and victims, who usually instigate these attacks, lie moaning on the ground when defeated.
Is It Any Good?
Hoopla aside, Bully is an extremely well-produced debut title from Rockstar Vancouver, but one main issue is the frequent and sometimes lengthy load times. This, however, is likely due to the technical limits of the aging PlayStation 2 platform.
Overall, Bully is a fun, fresh, and lengthy single-player adventure for older teenagers and adults. This "Teen"-rated game does contain some violence, as well as foul language and crude humor -- so it's not for young children -- but those overly concerned about this PlayStation 2 game need not be. While the game isn't as controversial as many feared it would be, it will still push a few buttons for its rebellious attitude. But, after all, this is what Rockstar Games does -- and does well at that.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about school violence. How should you deal with bullies in the real world? Should you walk away or fight back? If you try to be a good person in a world full of bullies, are you rewarded? You can ask your kids why they want to play a game that simulates rough behavior when bullying is a real part of daily life. Does it help them cope or give vicarious pleasure?
Game Details
- Platform : PlayStation 2
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Rockstar Games
- Release date : October 27, 2006
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : August 25, 2016
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