Summary
Bullyhas occupied an odd place inRockstar’s catalog. The boarding school setting has caused gamers to pass it off as “Grand Theft Autowith kids.” That’s an oversimplification, especially since it’s more similar to another series.
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The game is actually akin toYakuza. Also known asLike a Dragon, this series centers on the eponymous Japanese gangsters as they vie for control of their cities while trying to maintain some sense of honor. The franchise boasts several quirks and tropes which distinguish it from its peers, carefully honing these traits over numerous entries. These aspects are what makeBullyring familiar. Whether intentional or not, it mirrors many patterns whichYakuzafans have come to know and love.
4Fall Back On Fisticuffs
Here’s the most noticeable difference in Rockstar properties.GTAbattles mainly boil down to gunfights.Bully’s protagonist–Jimmy Hopkins–has a handful of projectiles, but he mostly fights with his fists. He uses various melee combos to beat the snot out of anyone who crosses him. It’s the same approach that Kazuma Kiryu takes in everyYakuzagame.Both IPs have no shortage of thugs willing to put those pugilistic skills to the test. Granted,Bully’s gameplay is a lot clunkier than its Japanese peer, but it’s still more involved than any melee inGTA. That’s more apparent in how players upgrade these systems.
To learn more combos and takedowns, both Jimmy and Kiryu seek instruction from seasoned teachers. These lessons often come as rewards for reaching a certain skill level or fetching some rare item. While Kiryu learns from wise martial arts masters and muscles-for-hire, Jimmy gets his techniques from an overzealous gym teacher and a drunken war vet. Hey, if it works, it works.
3It’s A Small World
Many fansassociate Rockstar games with huge open worlds. Players lose themselves in the sprawling cities ofGTAand the desert countryside ofRed Dead Redemption. LikeUbisofttitles, though, these sandboxes are sometimes too big. They don’t always have enough substance to fill the space, so players spend most of the time driving from one mission to the next.
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Bullyis a breath of fresh air in that respect. Bullworth Academy and the surrounding town may be a decent size, but they’re downright tiny compared to Liberty City or Los Santos. Jimmy can run from one end to the other in a few minutes. Such a humble approach is one thatYakuzafans know too well.
These titles are less “open world” and more “open neighborhood.” The sandboxes consist of a few blocks within Tokyo or Osaka, meaning all locations are within walking distance. The largest of these is Yokohama inYakuza: Like a Dragon(orYakuza 7) and Kyo inLike a Dragon: Ishin, but even these are less than a mile in any direction. As a result, the developers can pack them more densely with activities and side missions. Players rarely go five feet without stumbling on something new.Bullyhas the same advantage,making Bullworth an infectiously lively place.
2Gang Warfare
It goes without saying thatYakuzainvolves the exploits of its titular crooks. Indeed, much of the series deals with the various clans and families as they not only manage their territories but also expand into others. These factions frequently sweep the heroes up in their conflict, making these unassuming individuals into pivotal parts of their hostile takeovers. The same fate befalls Jimmy inBully.
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This game derives its gangs from cliques and stereotypes. The nerds, preps, greasers, and jocks all have their territories, and Hopkins becomes well-acquainted with each during the semester.His actions may garner more respect among some while increasing hostility from others. It’s a complex socio-political landscape, and it all unfolds in this trashy boarding school. Ironically, the game is also more involved than its big brother in this way.
GTAfeatures several gangs, but these are mostly plot devices. They exist to assign busy work to the unlucky protagonists. Rarely do players see a bigger picture of these offensives, partly because the crews in question are never as defined as those inBullyorYakuza. Who knew that schoolyard brawls could have more depth than mob wars?
1Useful Side Stuff
Standard in any open world are activities and pastimes.Grand Theft Autohas these in spades. Players can indulge in tennis, golf, marathons, and other entertainment. The downside is that they get little to nothing for partaking in these events. Sure, they may increase their fitness level or earn some extra cash, but these scraps are practically unnoticeable. Because of that, these minigames have no point aside from thirty seconds of amusement.
Thankfully,Yakuzaprovides that point. The Japanese series uses these activities to strengthen its characters. The titles keep track of when playerseat at restaurants, play arcade games, go the gym, and do pretty much anything. Certain ones yield experience points to unlock new moves or boost stats. Alternatively, they might go toward Completion Points, which can be used to purchase bonus items. Finally, they can improve the heroes' bond with party members or allies. In short,Yakuzaensures its side stuff means something.
Bullyfollows a similar line of thinking. The myriad of minigames (or classes) boosts Jimmy’s arsenal and his ability to navigate different social circles. Acing Chemistry gives him firecrackers, stink bombs, and other combat tools. Passing English makes him more persuasive when taunting, threatening, or apologizing. Doing well in Shop class unlocks better bikes for quick transport. Faction challenges like preppie boxing unlock their respective hideouts, securing more places to sleep and save progress. These are just a few examples. None of them are essential, but they make the game significantly easier and more engaging, providing excellent motivators to dig deeper.
