Games Gadgets n Technology

When a handful of politicians, trustees and parents heard Rockstar Games, the maker of the controversial "Grand Theft Auto" series, was creating a game about dealing with school bullies, many feared it would glorify gun violence in the schoolyard.

But this is not the case: "Bully" is no "Columbine simulator," as one activist has said (without playing the game).

This "Teen"-rated title game does contain some violence, as well as foul language and crude humor -- so it's not for children -- but those overly concerned about this Sony PlayStation 2 game need not be.

In fact, after spending some time at Bullworth Academy, the many missions proved varied and challenging, the colorful and over-the-top characters and dialogue highly entertaining, and the openness of this campus quite liberating.

"Bully" follows a troubled teenager, Jimmy Hopkins, who's been expelled from every school he's ever attended. So it's no wonder his mother and new stepfather decide it's best he spend a year at the toughest boarding school in the country.

Fifteen-year-old Jimmy must survive his stay at Bullworth by climbing up the social ladder (among the Jocks, Greasers, Preps and Nerds), avoiding bullies or confronting them with some moves or pranks of his own, and outsmarting the corrupt Bullworth faculty and student body, including the principal, teachers and prefects.

"Bully" borrows elements from "Grand Theft Auto" by letting you roam around a huge map and take on dozens of missions as you work your way up to ruling the school. You also can use transportation, such as a skateboard or BMX bike.

As you protect yourself from bullying students who don't like the new guy, you can use fisticuffs (and unlock new fighting techniques throughout the game) or a slingshot (the training mission has you pegging off the football team while perched in a tree) or other weapons you may find on the grounds, such as a garbage can lid (used like a Frisbee to knock down baddies), a fire extinguisher, baseball bat and so on.

The game contains no blood and you cannot kill anyone. Victims, who usually instigate these attacks, lie moaning on the ground when defeated.

The game makers also provided a benefit to attending classes: Not only do you get to play minigames (such as a word game in English or a "Dance Dance Revolution"-style rhythm game in chemistry) but you also can unlock new skills, items and missions. Hey, you can even use your newly learned verbal skills on getting the girl.

Pranks, such as throwing a firecracker or stink bomb, will land you in hot water if caught by the staff. The same goes if you're caught skipping class, breaking into a locker, trespassing in areas of the school you're not allowed in or staying out past curfew. If you're still out of bed at 2 a.m., you pass out from exhaustion.

Hoopla aside, "Bully" is a fantastic debut title from Rockstar Vancouver, but one main issue is the frequent and sometimes lengthy load times. This, however, is likely due to the technical limits of the aging PlayStation 2 platform.

Overall, "Bully" is a fun, fresh and lengthy single-player adventure for teenagers and adults.

While the game isn't as controversial as many feared it would be, it will still push a few buttons for its rebellious attitude. But, after all, this is what Rockstar Games does -- and well at that.