Rockstar’s Bully is 18-Years-Old, but The Franchise Still Needs to Grow Up

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Rockstar's Bully is 18-Years-Old, but The Franchise Still Needs to Grow Up

As a gamer who grew up with a Game Boy Advance tucked under my arm, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when I think about Bully. It was one of those games that felt like it was tailor-made for me, capturing the essence of adolescence in all its glory and confusion. The game followed Jimmy Hopkins, a character who was as flawed as he was endearing, and I couldn’t help but root for him as he navigated the treacherous waters of school life.

Back in the day, Rockstar was recognized for much more than just Red Dead Redemption and Grand Theft Auto. Although Grand Theft Auto has been their top-selling franchise for a long time, experimental projects like Manhunt and Bully provided an opportunity to take risks and grow creatively. These ventures often presented the developers’ most daring concepts. As Bully turns 18 this year, the lack of this series, which ironically focuses on adolescence, is quite noticeable.

Despite facing criticism when it initially came out due mainly to its provocative name, Bully has since proven to be a game with lasting appeal. Many who played it during their childhood still cherish memories of it, as its gameplay, narrative, and aesthetics have held up surprisingly well over time. In Bully , players control Jimmy Hopkins, a rebellious teenager with a good heart. Although the game allows for some typical bullying behavior, the majority of the experience revolves around standing up against bullies – both children and adults. Jimmy befriends outcasts along the way and ultimately carves his own path as an outsider. The story explores themes of identity and justice in a way that feels relevant even today, making it all the more disappointing that it never received a sequel.

Bully Deserves a Sequel, Now More Than Ever

Why There Hasn’t Been a Bully 2 Yet

Despite some fans eagerly anticipating a new installment of the Bully series, it seems like a wishful thinking to expect another game from this franchise in today’s era. The appeal and potential of the Bully universe is undeniably there, which is why so many gamers are yearning for a sequel, but it appears that Rockstar Games has other pressing matters on their plate. Over time, whispers about Bully 2 have surfaced, yet credible reports suggest that the game was either halted during development or postponed indefinitely.

It’s plausible that “Grand Theft Auto Online,” the hugely successful multiplayer aspect of “Grand Theft Auto 5,” has monopolized Rockstar Games in the 2010s. Its immense popularity made it almost impossible for them to divert development resources towards other projects. Even though “Grand Theft Auto 5” was released more than a decade ago, the franchise remains incredibly popular, which makes it unlikely that Rockstar is working on a game like “Bully 2” alongside “Grand Theft Auto 6,” next year’s most anticipated title. However, there might be a slim chance they revisit the “Bully” IP after “Grand Theft Auto 6,” but a new “Red Dead Redemption” game appears to be more probable, for better or worse.

Bully Can’t Fade Away

While games like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption might capture a broader audience due to their mass appeal and social impact, Bully stands out as a distinctive game worth continuing. Unlike many JRPGs such as Persona or visual novels, it provides an uncommon perspective on American adolescence, which is seldom explored in the gaming world. In contrast to the frequent inclusion of supernatural elements like demons, aliens, zombies, or otherworldly forces, Bully offers a grounded coming-of-age narrative that feels real and authentic.

The game “Bully” might seem unrealistic or far-fetched at times, but its focus isn’t on saving the world or acquiring supernatural abilities. Instead, it’s a narrative about finding one’s place, dealing with personal identity, and defending friends. In many ways, it shares similarities with Rockstar’s other main titles, as they all delve into the complexities of human life within society. Despite causing quite a stir when it was initially released, “Bully” is actually a very sophisticated and thoughtful game, offering deep storytelling and gameplay experiences. It’s safe to say that it stands among Rockstar’s most impressive works. Though currently inactive, the IP is expected to return at some point relatively soon.

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2024-10-18 21:03