Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Bully (Special Edition) captures the mischievous spirit of life at Bullworth Academy with open-world freedom and a roster of engaging mini-games. You play as Jimmy Hopkins, a scrappy teen who navigates cliques, avoids detentions and takes on a series of humorous side missions. From completing classroom tasks to challenging rival students in a fistfight or a round of dodgeball, the gameplay loop remains consistently entertaining and varied.

The mission structure balances main story objectives—such as uniting the school factions or taking down corrupt teachers—with optional activities that enrich the world. Whether you’re skateboarding through campus shortcuts, collecting hidden Blueprints or trading insults in a “zit fight,” the game’s mechanics encourage experimentation. The Special Edition’s real-lock school locker box perfectly mirrors the feeling of unlocking new areas and content within the game.

Combat and stealth segments are simple but effective, and the dodgeball mini-game in particular stands out for capturing the nostalgic thrill of playground showdowns. It’s fitting that the Special Edition includes a physical dodgeball engraved with “Bully,” letting you recreate those iconic matches off-screen. Overall, the controls remain responsive, the pacing never drags, and there’s a steady stream of rewards to keep you coming back for one more mission.

Graphics

Though originally released in 2006, the Special Edition of Bully retains its distinctive art style with slightly enhanced textures and lighting on modern platforms. Character models are expressive, and the vibrant school environment—from the ivy-clad halls to the bubbling junkyard—feels alive. Minor upgrades to draw distance and resolution give a fresh polish without losing the game’s original charm.

Animations for Jimmy and his classmates still hold a comedic flair, whether you’re witnessing the exaggerated tumble of a failed jump or the triumphant pose after a successful prank. Cutscenes blend seamlessly with in-engine gameplay, and the voice acting delivers every quip and insult with gusto. The Special Edition doesn’t overhaul the graphics completely, but it does ensure that Bullworth Academy looks crisp on contemporary displays.

Environmental details—like flickering classroom lights and graffiti-covered walls—help convey the authentic atmosphere of a rebellious boarding school. Small touches, such as the dodgeballs scattered in the gym and the chalk drawings on blackboards, reinforce the game’s playful tone. These graphical flourishes, combined with solid performance, make for an engaging visual ride.

Story

Bully’s narrative centers on Jimmy Hopkins, a brat with a heart of gold who infiltrates Bullworth Academy to shake up its hierarchy. The story unfolds across semesters, introducing you to a cast of memorable characters: the jocks, nerds, greasers and goths, each with their own turf and agendas. Through witty dialogue and outlandish scenarios, the plot balances satire with genuine heart.

Voice performances elevate every moment, from the harsh admonishments of Principal Dr. Crabblesnitch to the earnest pep talks of Big Cheese. Side characters like Gary, the bespectacled schemer, and Pete, the idealistic greaser, bring depth and humor to the narrative. The comic book included in the Special Edition extends this lore, offering fold-out murals of every major character and bonus scenes that flesh out the world.

The pacing of the story is well-calibrated, with each new challenge or clique takeover feeling like a fresh milestone. You’ll find yourself invested in Jimmy’s personal growth as he masters new abilities—ranging from persuasive speech to advanced pranks—while navigating feelings of friendship, rivalry and teenage angst. It’s a coming-of-age tale wrapped in a mischievous package.

Overall Experience

The Special Edition of Bully transforms the act of owning the game into an event. The oversized box, designed to look like a real high school locker, is a standout collectible. Secured with a functioning metal lock and key, it instantly becomes a conversation piece on any shelf or gaming altar. Unboxing it feels like cracking open a secret diary of school shenanigans.

Inside the locker-style case, you’ll find the game disc, a sturdy dodgeball bearing the “Bully” engraving, a limited edition fold-out comic book with a stunning mural on its reverse, and a Rockstar sticker. Each item ties back to the game’s world: the dodgeball invites you to recreate playground battles, the comic enriches the story with extra art and dialogue, and the sticker lets you declare your allegiance to Bullworth.

All told, this Special Edition offers excellent value for fans and newcomers alike. The base game remains a masterclass in open-world campus antics, while the physical extras elevate the overall package into a unique collectible. Whether you’re revisiting Bullworth Academy for old times’ sake or stepping in as Jimmy Hopkins for the first time, Bully (Special Edition) delivers a nostalgic, humorous and fully immersive experience.

Retro Replay Score

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