Bully: Scholarship Edition

 Xbox 360
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 226 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 185 out of 226
  2. Mixed: 30 out of 226
  3. Negative: 11 out of 226
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  1. DWlubu1998
    May 2, 2011
    10
    This was one of my most favorite games when i used to play PS2 and i got the new adittion of it and it added to what already was a great game. GREAT story and missions. You can easily fall in love with characters and their personality's, but i feel like the combat system is sloppy but thats how it is for ever rockstar made game but this was still a great game to have.
  2. RonenR.
    Mar 5, 2008
    10
    Completely and utterly excellent!
  3. BillE.
    Mar 5, 2008
    9
    Hilarious game! There are some bugs and glitches, but the entertainment it provides is enough to overshadow the faults. Hopefully there will be a sequel that will be rated "M" instead of teenie weenie.
  4. ShockyPie42
    Jul 17, 2014
    10
    This is one of the best games ever made.Its full of secrets and unlocks but I love it because of this mo-ped that u can get,I called mine Sasha! And of course the game plays fun and fluid,but mostly the mo-ped thing.If you haven't already played this game then go and pick it up right now!its an absolute 10 out of 10!
  5. PatrykG
    Jan 3, 2013
    7
    I haven't played Bully for years and what I like about it is that you can explore the city the school do school activity's and missions. Bully is a great time playing the gameplay, the voice acting escpecially. Bully is being compared to GTA but they are alot different, Im exited for the sequel and Bully gets 7/10.
  6. Breegullbeak
    Jan 16, 2013
    8
    As someone who has played and beaten every console version of this game from PS2 to Wii, this one only holds the middle ground due to the content added in Scholarship. Not only do I think the Wii release looks prettier, but it also has the advantage of unique and fun controls.

    Outside the new content and achievements there isn't much this has over the PS2 then being in HD. That being    As someone who has played and beaten every console version of this game from PS2 to Wii, this one only holds the middle ground due to the content added in Scholarship. Not only do I think the Wii release looks prettier, but it also has the advantage of unique and fun controls.

    Outside the new content and achievements there isn't much this has over the PS2 then being in HD.

    That being said the game is still fantastic. The characters are memorable like any Rockstar game, and while the title probably kept kids from getting the title, this is a kid's GTA that has actually consequences for misbehavior. Constantly getting detention will result in more an more tedious punishment.    … Expand
  7. hirillenn
    Dec 28, 2013
    8
    For a very long period of time, this was the only game (aside from Twilight Princess) that I had. I played this game extensively and loved every minute of it. The story is original and well written, it has some of the most memorable characters in any game I've ever played, and brought a very new concept to the well-known GTA style of games.

    As far as story goes, this game gets a perfect    For a very long period of time, this was the only game (aside from Twilight Princess) that I had. I played this game extensively and loved every minute of it. The story is original and well written, it has some of the most memorable characters in any game I've ever played, and brought a very new concept to the well-known GTA style of games.

    As far as story goes, this game gets a perfect 10 from me; I can still name almost every supporting character even though I haven't played the game in about a year. However, the gameplay itself falls a bit short on this one. In the Wii port of the game (which I would recommend above the others), you get to use the motion controls to throw punches which provided a sense of immersion that isn't present in the more "traditionally" controlled versions. Mashing controller buttons gets dull VERY quickly in the the ps2 and 360 versions of the game. If you can, get the Wii version and experience the great little world of Bullworth.    … Expand
  8. S3AN06
    Mar 31, 2016
    9
    I first played Bully on the Wii back in 2008 and loved every second of it; I then bought it for PC in 2014 and completed it. This is the Xbox 360 port I'll be reviewing but I will mention some points from the former consoles. I will also explain as much detail as I can based on characters, story, music and graphics.

    Bully starts of with introducing Jimmy Hopkins, a 15 year-old who has    I first played Bully on the Wii back in 2008 and loved every second of it; I then bought it for PC in 2014 and completed it. This is the Xbox 360 port I'll be reviewing but I will mention some points from the former consoles. I will also explain as much detail as I can based on characters, story, music and graphics.

    Bully starts of with introducing Jimmy Hopkins, a 15 year-old who has been expelled from so many schools for multiple reasons; he arrives at Bullworth Academy after his mother and step father abandon him so they could go on their honeymoon. Here we are introduced to three important characters: Dr. Crabblesnitch, Gary Smith and Pete Kowalski, I'll get to them later; Jimmy has to go through the school year and rid the Bullies within the grounds.

    The school is filled with a few buildings with their own turfs for the students; the main building houses many of the lessons on two floors; two dorms for both male and females (you are not allowed in the girls dorm for obvious reasons but you can go in); a library which the Nerds own; a autoshop for the Greasers; a prep house for the Preps and the gym for the Jocks.

    You can attend lessons to unlock more items and gain new abilities as well as collecting items; honesty, the lessons themselves are well developed and fun, excluding the autoshop lessons. You can interact with all of the studens as well as other NPCs throughout the game and do errands for them, I rarely ever do; missions are how you progress through the game. Many of the missions are great and fun to play but a few of them can be a bit repetitive like three missions in the third chapter; there are six chapters in total with the final chapter being a endless summer (complete any mission that you've missed out).

    The story is a detailed and opens up more about Jimmy, showing us that he's not what we think he is; Gary turns out to be the backstabbing, lying type that really hates Jimmy and believes that he will take the school away from him; Pete is a weakling that many underestimate his intelligence and Crabblesnitch intends to change Jimmy but realises that he thinks of Jimmy wrong. You really have a connection to every character with how they feel and think about others around them.

    The music has that 1980s vibe and it's better than most games that use dubstep and heavy metal throughout; it's a different taste and depending on what you're doing or who you're fighting... speaking of fighting, because you assume the role of a bully, you can and must fight to get through and defeat other opponents inside and outside the school as there are other locations to visit.

    The graphics are alright, though the are outdated; I honestly appreciate how Rockstar focused on the game's story and characters more than the graphics unlike recent games. I give this game a 9.5 out of ten, it's a really fun and gorgeous game when you're into the story and characters; I highly recommend this game to all gamers.    … Expand
  9. Ps3blaze22
    Feb 12, 2012
    10
    Bully:scholar shio edition is by FAR.. The BEST game on xbox 360, its by far the most underrated game ever... The story is AMAZING!!! Ø
  10. samw
    Jun 12, 2008
    10
    This game is brilliant!! Personally i don't like the single player but when playing multiplayer with mates it is possibly the best game i have ever played. The take cover option means that you have to practise a lot. When you play it for the first time you get hammered, but when you get better and go to a better rank (i am captain At the minute,) you will think it is amazing!!
  11. AwesomeGamer
    Mar 6, 2012
    10
    MOST UNDERRATED GAME EVER!!!!!!

    One of the BEST games ever.. Simply AMAZING! The story is really, the characters are really likeable, and the game is FUN,, i recommend this game to EVERYONE!
  12. Mohammad22
    Feb 12, 2012
    10
    Bully is by FAR.. The BEST game on xbox 360, its sooooooooooooo underrated... The story is AMAZING!!! Ø
  13. JalexD.
    Mar 6, 2008
    0
    All in all, a rather lazy rehashing of what was a mediocre game at best. It doesn't fix any of the problems that were present on the PS2 version, it just gives you more to do. And, these tasks are no more entertaining than the original tasks.
  14. KingB.
    Mar 16, 2008
    3
    FedEx quests, escort quests and mini games. Yawn. This game may be the reason I don't bother playing the next Grand Theft Auto. I now realize there may be nothing new to do in "sandbox" games. Honestly, there are quests where all you do is escort a slow, fat guy from point A to point B. I'm serious. I played for almost 12 hours, I still have no idea what the plot is, if there is FedEx quests, escort quests and mini games. Yawn. This game may be the reason I don't bother playing the next Grand Theft Auto. I now realize there may be nothing new to do in "sandbox" games. Honestly, there are quests where all you do is escort a slow, fat guy from point A to point B. I'm serious. I played for almost 12 hours, I still have no idea what the plot is, if there is one and where this game is headed. I have not had any fun yet with any of the quests, some being nothing more than extremely frustrating. It was a rental, no loss. Great art design, though.… Expand
  15. AndyK.
    Mar 6, 2008
    5
    Funny gameplay but average graphics with many technical problems, slowdowns and freezes.
  16. ccrogers15
    Nov 22, 2011
    1
    Horrible graphics, lacking plot line, bad character developement is what makes this horrible game an outcast of all Rockstars products. And whats sad, is i heard number 2 is coming. OH GOD NO! Please do not buy this trash of a game. Use the money on obscure 1 or 2, gta IV, or something decent. Makes me wanna shoot my self in the face.
  17. BudMan
    Nov 23, 2012
    3
    I love sandbox games but I was really bored with this one. I didnt play it for more then an hour so it could have got better, but I thought the game was childish and boring, dont recommend it to anyone
  18. joao_da_silva
    May 25, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Good game, but is unfair and got discrimination, preepies tell than poor peoples are disgusting and rich no. Just because this i rate with 5.… Expand
  19. CoryD
    Sep 3, 2008
    7
    A decent game.. you can tell it's a rockstar title cuz it's basically a watered down GTA4, but there are some fun missions and good cut-scenes. A little bit on the easy side, but still worth checking out if you like free-roaming.
  20. KevinR.
    Mar 6, 2008
    9
    A re-issue of one of the best games on the PS2, Bully: Scholarship Edition comes off as one of the most impressive offerings on the 360 to date. A great story, interesting, relatable characters, and an open, yet not completely free world with plenty to do all make for a great experience. And while the graphics are somewhat hampered, they are definitely among the middle of the pack on the A re-issue of one of the best games on the PS2, Bully: Scholarship Edition comes off as one of the most impressive offerings on the 360 to date. A great story, interesting, relatable characters, and an open, yet not completely free world with plenty to do all make for a great experience. And while the graphics are somewhat hampered, they are definitely among the middle of the pack on the 360, and dwarf the graphics on both the PS2 and the Wii.… Expand
  21. ScandalK
    Jun 5, 2008
    5
    Did make me chuckle a little but overall just a smaller and more confined GTA with a different skin. Frame rate issues and loading times galore.
  22. PJK
    Jul 2, 2008
    8
    The game has some serious flaws on the Xbox 360 compared to the PS2 version that I played. Like the frame rate drops so low every couple of seconds and makes it feel terribly unplayable and they should've added an autosave feature. Other than that, it's pretty fun. Shame they couldn't shape it up for the 360.
  23. JReb
    Mar 11, 2008
    9
    This game is lovely as hell and its ACTUALLY funny. Get this as a warm up for GTAIV if you haven't already played it on PS2.
  24. NateP
    Mar 31, 2008
    8
    Fun game. The patch that was released fixed the random freezing and other issues some people had with the game. After installing the patch, I've played for hours on end without freezing. The graphics aren't spectacular, however Rockstar games never have amazing graphics. The game is fun and definitely worth picking up if you haven't played it before.
  25. Ken
    Apr 20, 2008
    8
    If you take the violence out of grand theft auto and add a more coherent story and gameworld, you get Bully. Its not perfect: the graphics are well behind the curve and the missions are more structured so you cannot simply run around and do what you want as with Grand Theft Auto. I appreciated the excellent art design, story-telling, and sly humor. If you want a violent game this game If you take the violence out of grand theft auto and add a more coherent story and gameworld, you get Bully. Its not perfect: the graphics are well behind the curve and the missions are more structured so you cannot simply run around and do what you want as with Grand Theft Auto. I appreciated the excellent art design, story-telling, and sly humor. If you want a violent game this game isnt for you.… Expand
  26. JohnP
    Feb 21, 2009
    5
    Absolutely great storyline and fun gameplay. Rather boring after 10-20 hours of the same thing though. But the real bummer about a potentially great game is the horrible number of glitches that plague the school yard.
  27. ShauneD
    Jul 22, 2009
    9
    It may be a port of a PS2 game, their are 8 new missions and new classes adding fun to people who have played the PS2 version. For people who havent played the old version it is still the funny open world game as last time and very enjoyable. The gameplay is top notch and offers lots to do to get the 100 percent complete rating. The graphics have been improved in the backgrounds but the It may be a port of a PS2 game, their are 8 new missions and new classes adding fun to people who have played the PS2 version. For people who havent played the old version it is still the funny open world game as last time and very enjoyable. The gameplay is top notch and offers lots to do to get the 100 percent complete rating. The graphics have been improved in the backgrounds but the character models are very last gen. The graphics are the only downside to this game as their is some pop up as well as some glitches. However if you can see past the graphics Bully is a fantastic game… Expand
  28. JohnM.
    Mar 26, 2008
    8
    While more could have been done to improve the graphics, (they really should have just ported it to the RAGE engine) its a very long and engrossing plot with a multitude of missions that are usually fresh and changing, I get the feeling the mini games would be more fun wii i think the only thing that bugs me about it is....no downloadable content, games like this NEED dlc nowwa days! but While more could have been done to improve the graphics, (they really should have just ported it to the RAGE engine) its a very long and engrossing plot with a multitude of missions that are usually fresh and changing, I get the feeling the mini games would be more fun wii i think the only thing that bugs me about it is....no downloadable content, games like this NEED dlc nowwa days! but still, definitely worth buying, just probably not if you've already beaten the ps2 version.… Expand
  29. PhilH.
    Mar 29, 2008
    6
    Hilarious story line, looses points for the glitches and consistent freezing. Get very annoying when you have to re-play several missions because your game froze.
  30. Brian
    Apr 12, 2008
    9
    First time I've played this, and I have to say it is a fantastic and fun adventure. Although it has some technical faults, none have gotten in the way of it being an incredibly enjoyable experience.
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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2008
28
#28 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2008
6
#6 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 56 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 56
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 56
  3. Negative: 0 out of 56
  1. IGN
    87
    Though it has some limitations, particularly in the lack of depth of the social structure, there are many other great aspects to enjoy. And really, there is no other game like Bully on 360. If you haven't figured it out yet, Bully is a great game.
    Read full review
  2. GamePro
    70
    It's disappointing really because Bully offers incredibly entertaining gameplay that's worthwhile, but the improvements that should have come with the jump to the more powerful Xbox 360 hardware just don't pan out.
    Read full review
  3. Game Informer
    85
    Bully was a fantastic release late in the life of the PS2, and I’m pumped that the folks I know who’ve become gamers this generation now have a chance to experience it for themselves. For those of us who’ve already had our fun the first time, I’m not sure a second run at high school is really in order.
    Read full review
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