Bully: Scholarship Edition

Rockstar New England. (2008). Bully: Scholarship Edition [Xbox 360 game]. New York City: Rockstar Games, Inc. UPC 710425392986

Summary

Jimmy Hopkins, 15, arrives at Bullworth Academy after getting kicked out of numerous other schools.  His mother, now married after a string of other failures to a much older man, has decided she cannot deal with him any longer.  At Bullworth, Jimmy is greeted by school bullies, numerous cliques, and a wary staff.  Players control Jimmy as he attempts to get through different classes, represented in game as various mini-games, as well as get through social life.  He makes friends, fights with bullies, and goes on "missions" to complete homework assignments.

Critical Evaluation 

First off, this game plays similarly to the Grand Theft Auto games and are published by the same people.  That means two things: this game plays remarkably well and its subject matter will be attacked by those that lump it into the same category.  It's true, play mechanics are similar because of shared technology, but the material is not nearly as extreme, reflected by the game's rating.  Still, this game deals with the subject of bullying and fighting in school.  Jimmy, however, is positioned as a champion of a group of outcast kids, protecting them against school bullies.  Fist fights are a regular occurrence, but any attempted violence against smaller kids, girls, or adults and the game punishes Jimmy with detention, extra homework, etc.  These issues may not be portrayed with the gravity some desire, but they are not shied away from.  Showing Jimmy's home situation  exhibits some of the difficulties he is dealing with there in addition to the one's at school.  Taking control of this character and causing some mischief is escapist fun that, in the end, does not embody as much violence or malice that some may expect from the publishers of Grand Theft Auto.

Reader's Player's Annotation 

One more school, what's the difference?  That's what I thought at first, at least.  At Bullworth Academy, you're dealing with a whole different degree of bully.

Booktalking Gametalking Ideas

From Jimmy's perspective, an internal monologue discussing his trip to Bullworth, what landed him there, and what his frustrations are would frame the character and give potential players a glimpse of the perspective they will be playing from for the next several hours. 

Reading Level/Interest Age 

Rated T for Teen by the Electronic Software Ratings Board for animated blood, crude humor, language, sexual themes, use of alcohol and tobacco, and violence.

Challenge Issues 

Violence, language, homosexuality, alcohol, and smoking are all addressed.

If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly.  Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone.  As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.

Reason Selected

This is surely a controversial choice, but videogames, unlike books have ratings that clearly describe why they may be unsuitable for certain audiences.  In short though, Bully is very fun.  Taking control of Jimmy, the player takes control of this rebel character who is cool, but also helps other kids, even if it does result in fights sometimes.  Doing well in classes enables him to achieve new skills or acquire new tools.  Young adults may identify with Jimmy, see some part of themselves in him.  Is this a life-changing game?  No.  But is it a fun game that can be acerbic, offensive, and engaging?  Yes.

In addition, Bully received high scores from critics as well as IGN's award for best PlayStation 2 action game and a nomination from GameSpot for game of the year (Wikipedia).

References

Bully (video game). (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved April 7, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bully_(video_game)