Bully for the PS2 was released 1-2 years ago, and it was a critical but not a commercial success. The game caused controversy, as it basically said, "Kids are allowed to be violent and sexual in high school." But others said that the game promoted good things, like sticking up for bullies, and self defense. No one knew who was right, but nobody cared, because it was an awesome game. And two years later, it arrives on the Wii and 360. And I'm here to tear it apart. (note: pictures are from 360 version)Let me be the first to say that the Wii version is considered the best, because even with highly superior graphics, the 360 version is notorious for being corrupt with glitches and bugs. Speaking of graphics, the Wii version looks no different than that of the PS2, witch isn't saying much. But the animation is the best animation I've seen in a while. Sometimes I just pause the action just to look at the graphics and animation. It's just that good.
The actual game play is no different than that of the PS2 version. you still jump and punch and kick and beat up kids, prefects, and cops. You still use your slingshot and marbles and spud gun and stink bombs. You can take pictures and go to class, which is really just one of many mini games used to get items and skills.
Some of the mini games are really neat. My favorite is the music class. You pound on the Wiimote or nunchuck when the corresponding notes drop down. It's sort of like DDR for dummies. The least inspired ones are math, geography, chemistry, and shop. Math and Geography just make you pick a choice. Shop and Chem are just simple movements. Photography really isn't a mini game. You whip out your camera, go around town, and take pictures. Wow.
The soundtrack is the best original soundtrack ever. In the Guitar Hero review, I mentioned that that video game had the best soundtrack, but this one is too, in a different kind of way. The music really has a charm to it, like SMG. The jingly tune of the bike, to the hard theme of fighting, it all makes me happy. I give this best original soundtrack of 2007. You just have to hear it.
The dialog in the game is also as superb. It is actually a hybrid of comedy and seriousness. It's like a tomato. It's a fruit and a veggie, two totally different things, and yet it is still great. My favorite line in the game is Gary. When Jimmy asks, "What's your problem man?" Gary goes, "ADD primarily, but also my parents, life, and western civilization." It's funny stuff.
The story goes like this. Spoiler Alert! Young Jimmy Hopkins is forced to go to boarding school while his mother and father go on a yearly honeymoon. Jimmy Hopkins meets Gary, Gary helps him, Gary tries to thwart Jimmy. Jimmy takes over the school factions. Gary corrupts the school. Jimmy saves the school after being expelled. End of Spoilers.
The factions are really neat. You got the bullies, the nerds, the preps, the jocks, and the greasers. There are only 60-some kids in the school and town, so you'll get to know everyone you pass. In most missions, you either earn respect for one faction, or decrease it for another. If you come across a person for a faction you don't have respect for, they'll pick a fight with you. At the end, you'll get all factions respect +100.
And lastly is the control. For the Wii, you run with the stick, punch with the Wiimote and Nunchuck, and pause with 1, view objectives with 2, switch weapons with + and -, and the rest is motion control. It all works together nicely.
Graphics: 9/10 Great animation but also nice graphics.
Game play: 8/10 Short game. Fun while it lasts, which isn't vary long.
Sound: 10/10 Music is wonderful, and the dialog offers a chuckle or two.
Multiplayer: 3/10 This game has multiplayer, but all it is is classes.
Charm: 7/10 The music is the only charm.
Replay Value: 5/10 You won't want to play it after you finish it.
Overall: 9/10 With great game play and a gripping storyline, Bully is defiantly a game you should pick up.
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