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| | Title:
Bully
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System:
Playstation 2
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Genre:
Fighting/Adventure
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Publisher:
Rockstar Games
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Developer:
Rockstar Vancouver
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Release:
10/16/2006
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Online:
No
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ESRB:
Teen (T)
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Warriors at the academy
Bully’s fighting mechanics are thankfully mirrored after The Warriors, rather than the awful fighting scheme in Grand Theft Auto. I honestly have no idea why the GTA series continues to exhibit awful fighting mechanics after coming off the success of The Warriors. But Bully will be taking on the scheme of using a single attack button. There’s an option to block, or kick opponents on the ground or grapple them when they’re standing. The grapple system appears to work just like that of The Warriors. Players can drive opponents to the ground, or punch them in the face, as well as execute other moves. At the start of the game, Jimmy will have only the very basics for brawl encounters, including simple punches and kicks. Through hard work and dedication at gym class, Jimmy can take on all kinds of foes by learning new moves and increasing his strength. Likewise, players can go hang out with an expert fighter who just happens to be a bum. The ex-fighter will also teach Jimmy some tricks of the trade when it comes to hand-to-hand combat.
Now, what good are all those fighting moves without some cheap bully attacks? While round-house kicks, uppercuts, and spark-inducing headbutts might cut the custard, gamers look to Rockstar for the real teeth-kickers. Thankfully, Rockstar doesn’t disappoint. Like special moves players could execute in The Warriors during designated moments of a fight, Bully will also incorporate a similar feature. These special moves are used to "humiliate" your opponent, and instantly end a fight. Such specials include wedgies, or the classic "why do you keep hitting yourself?" bully move, where Jimmy will beat his foe using his foe's own fists.
Dressed for success
Engaging in fisticuffs, however, is not the only thing in which Jimmy can excel. Impressing certain cliques and social groups at Bullworth will go a long way for the Jimster simply by dressing to impress. Avoiding the violent route for resolution can be maintained by using charisma (earned from English courses). Picking up clothes from the stores (using money earned from missions) to dress specifically to appeal to a certain group can also help Jimmy avoid trouble. Heck, Jimmy’s attire can even attract the attention of the ladies if players are lucky. Rockstar has also revealed that Jimmy’s health can easily be restored by getting kisses from girls. So man-nerd gamers who always lucked out on being popular in highschool, now have the opportunity to become the suave killer-clothes wearing jock they’ve always wanted to be.
Crime and punishment
Earning cash in Bully is only good if you have somewhere to spend it, right? That’s why there are lots of shops and places outside Bullworth Academy for Jimmy to venture to, for purchasing goods. As mentioned, Jimmy can get his hands on new attire; he can visit the barber for a new hair-do, or pick-up other useful trinkets along the way. The game world of Bully isn’t anywhere near as big as that of GTA. But because of the down-size in the play area of this game, there’s an increase in interactivity.
Because of the heightened options to create mischief and get into trouble, there’s a meter that indicates just how much danger is coming Jimmy’s way. Like a less complicated version of the terror-alert, color-coded system, Jimmy’s “trouble meter” is gauged by three distinct colors: yellow, orange and red. Doing something mildly mischievous will put Jimmy’s “trouble meter” in the yellow zone. Doing something that warrants a quick fix to the principal’s office, like skipping class, will put Jimmy’s meter in the orange zone. Administering a wedgie, or spray painting on school property will instantly put the “trouble meter” in the red zone. Yes, spray-painting in Bully is a mini-game mirrored in the likes of Rockstar’s own The Warriors. So the learning curve won’t be steep for any previous gamers who’ve had a good dose of Rockstar media.
And even though the “trouble meter” may reach its limits in the red zone, players won’t be teleported to the principal’s office automatically. Like all other Rockstar games, players will have an opportunity to get Jimmy out of harm’s way by out-running prefects or hiding from them. That doesn’t mean those in hot pursuit of Jimmy are easy to dodge, it just means that there are alternatives to getting caught. However, if caught, Jimmy will be relinquished of his items and possibly forced to mow lawns, rack leaves, or carry out other mandatory cleaning tasks. So don't get caught, unless you honestly enjoy spending your gaming hours carrying out virtual community service.
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