Rockstar is the well-known developer behind the Grand Theft Auto series, but when they aren?t focusing on creating games about stealing cars, they come up with other unique creations. Initially released on the PlayStation 2, in October of 2006, Bully gained little attention from gamers, many of which have not even heard of the game, but upon the announcement of a revised version of Bully coming to the Wii, the buzz began. Now available on both Wii and Xbox 360, Bully: Scholarship Edition brings the game into a whole new light, with multiple updates that, as a whole, ultimately make the game a success.

Bully: Scholarship Edition is simply an updated version of the original Bully for PS2, but these updates come in many forms, from the addition of more missions and classes to attend, to a complete graphics update. Moving to a new platform, with the Wii, makes Scholarship Edition feel new through the use of the Wii?s unique controls from aiming the remote to shoot with a slingshot, to completing mini-games, like classes, through the motion sensitive remote and nun-chuck. Bully follows the path of a mischievous 15-year-old, Jimmy Hopkins, as he is thrust into the fictional New England boarding school known as Bullworth Academy. But school is not just about learning school subjects in the classroom; Jimmy must also learn about and become liked by each of the various cliques, so as not to be pushed around and, in the end, conquer the school as one not to be reckoned with.

Jimmy tends to get into quite a bit of trouble at Bullworth Academy. Picking on nerds, picking fights with jocks, and pinching girls? bottoms is just the beginning. Jimmy always seems to have the school prefects on his trail for spray painting a wall on the school grounds, breaking into someone?s locker, or simply being late to class; however, these acts seem to pale in comparison to what else is happening on school grounds. One teacher is constantly seen in a drunken stupor and even drinks in front of Jimmy, offering him alcohol before realizing Jimmy is not old enough to drink. Another sells test answers to students. The cook is also disgusting ? smoking while preparing food and coughing and spitting into it while preparing it for students to consume. It would seem Jimmy is not alone in his wrong doing.

Around town matters are not any better, though instead of prefects, the police patrol streets. Fights break out on street corners between cliques, and people steal bikes right out from underneath one another (similar to Grand Theft Auto); Jimmy even participates in some vandalism in several missions, both to peoples homes, breaking windows and damaging their property, and by destroying a set for Santa?s photo shoot ? midget elves and all. Speaking of midgets, there is a lot of betting that goes on in a midget wrestling match and several portions of the game set out to make fun of the little people. There are also several opportunities for Jimmy to place wagers on tasks he plans to complete. In several missions Jimmy must run from the police for dealing in some sort of illegal matters, and it is a reoccurring theme of Bully to undermine the authorities.

It is quite amazing Bully managed to side-step a Mature rating from the ESRB, due to the sheer amount of language found in the game. Just about everywhere around town and the school grounds, one will hear a character yell out some variety of profanity, though these are kept to the lower end of the language spectrum, similar to what would be allowed to air on the radio. Sexual references are also found throughout the many conversations Jimmy has with people around town.

While Jimmy may be able to make out with just about any girl he wants at school, pinch their bottoms, and grab their behind while kissing, aside from some cleavage, Bully is fairly clear of sexual images. Jimmy goes on a couple dates while attending Bullworth, where he holds the hand of the girl he is taking with him. One mission, given to Jimmy by the Nerds, makes Jimmy take pictures of the lead cheerleader, including a shower photo, though nothing but a silhouette is show to the player.

Violence is a fairly common occurrence in Bully. A bum that lives hidden on the school grounds teaches Jimmy several fighting moves that prove useful in the many fights he manages to get himself into at school. Not only will Jimmy wrestle in gym class, but he will need to knock out several preps and jocks both inside a boxing ring and even on the streets. If a clique is not happy, they may even jump Jimmy if he is on their turf. Fighting is achieved in a semi-realistic manner, making use of the Wii?s motion sensitive controllers. Players will learn to swing the remote and nun-chuck to hit someone, and press buttons to block or perform more damaging attacks. It seems that unless Jimmy beats up the head of each and every clique, he will never have any respect.

Given all the objectionable content to be found in Bully, we were surprised to see a Teen rating from the ESRB on its box, rather than Mature as it more rightly deserves. Also questionable is the subject matter of the game, given the negative attention school bullying is receiving in the media. Content aside, Bully provides an entertaining look at what causing mischief around a boarding school might be like and the game?s numerous missions, classroom activities, and characters really bring Bully to life. Bugs and all, Bully: Scholarship Edition provides hours upon hours of playtime, and makes good use of the Wii?s unique control style.

» By Stephan Mack, Plain Games. Published 4/15/2008 12:58:40 PM.