Jimmy Hopkins has just been sent to the dysfunctional boarding school of Bullworth Academy after his mother is running off with her new rich husband on a year long honeymoon. This is the setting for Rockstars new controversial game Bully.

Right from the start you are forced into school that includes classes that involve mini games which improve your abilities. For example, English lessons teach you how to talk yourself out of trouble and Gym classes improves your fighting techniques. Of course you can skip classes by hiding around, but the benefits of class makes you want to go to your lessons.

Some isn't all about classes though, there’s a little thing known as the playground law and everything including gangs and groupies (and testosterone). There are nerds, bullies, preps and grease looking kids wearing leather jackets. In the beginning of the game all these factions are out to beat you up although you are armed with some fighting moves to protect yourself. Your standing in each group alternates. For example, protecting a nerd will gain you respect in the nerds.

The game starts you off with a new found friend, Gary, and most missions are based around him. The second chapter has you doing missions out in town and bike races, boxing etc. You wake up at 8am and go to bed at 2am, but time in between is managed by you. You can skip class to do missions or you can go to your classes to raise your abilities.

The game has received bad press but it really isn't anything that bad. There is no foul language and the overall feel is quite humorous and light-hearted, a bit like Grange Hill. You will feel like an anti-bully half the time by sticking up for nerds but I guess it depends on how you want to play. Weapons are really light hearted too. No guns in here like Grand Theft Auto, just catapults and stink bombs. Nothing more than what Bart Simpson would do.
 

First impressions of this game are positive, the musical scores are great, and the environments look good and the playing field quite large. Jimmy seems to be a very likeable character and a tough kid but no doubt this game is going to receive criticism along the way.