Users wrote

Reviewers praise Bully for its nostalgic school setting, humor, and memorable characters. The story and atmosphere are frequently highlighted as strong points, making it a lasting favorite for many players. However, most reviews note significant PC port issues and crashes that require patches or mods. A number of players also wish for a remaster or a sequel.

Last updated: 2026-03-06

Most Mentioned Advantages

• Strong story and memorable characters (22 mentions) - Several reviews emphasize a well-crafted narrative with dark humor and engaging characters. The protagonist Jimmy Hopkins and supporting cast leave an impression, with cliques and staff offering depth. The writing and dialogue are frequently cited as highlights. Overall, the story is seen as a standout element among Rockstar titles.
• Unique school setting with lots of activities (18 mentions) - The game stands out for its open school environment with a variety of classes, mini-games, and activities across the campus. Players can explore Bullworth Academy and interact with many NPCs, creating a lively world. The concept adds a fresh, memorable twist compared to typical Rockstar open worlds. This variety helps keep play sessions interesting and immersive.
• Nostalgia and replay value (15 mentions) - Many players feel a strong sense of nostalgia, which makes the game enjoyable across multiple playthroughs. The early-2000s vibe and familiar mechanics encourage revisiting the game. Players cite it as a timeless classic that remains fun even years later. This sense of nostalgia contributes to high replayability.
• Atmosphere and soundtrack (12 mentions) - The atmosphere, tone, and era-appropriate soundtrack contribute to a distinctive vibe. Reviewers note that the music and overall mood help immerse players in the school setting. Even if the visuals are aged, the audio and ambiance are frequently praised as strengths.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

• Frequent crashes on PC; needs Silent Patch or mods (26 mentions) - A large number of reviews report frequent crashes and instability on PC. Many players remedy issues with Silent Patch or community mods, but crashes remain a common frustration. The port is described as rough and not reliably stable. This significantly impacts the experience for many players.
• Poor port and performance; 30fps lock and aging graphics (15 mentions) - The PC port is often described as rough, with performance issues and a 30fps cap in many cases. The visuals look dated compared to modern standards, contributing to a sense of age. Players frequently call for a remaster or patch-focused fixes to improve stability and visuals.
• Outdated controls and mission glitches (9 mentions) - Clunky controls compared to newer GTA games are a common complaint. Some missions also glitch or fail due to port issues, which disrupts progression. The lack of autosave in some reports adds to frustration during play. Overall, control and mission reliability affect the smoothness of gameplay.
• Save/load and patch requirements can be tedious (8 mentions) - Many reviews mention the necessity of frequent saves due to crashes and the need to patch or mod the game to run better. The setup and maintenance of patches can be tedious for some players. This requirement can detract from the otherwise enjoyable experience.

Compared Games

• GTA (9 mentions) - Often described as GTA but set in a school, a GTA-inspired open-world concept with school-life themes. This comparison appears in several reviews that frame Bully as a school-focused counterpart to GTA.
• GTA: San Andreas (4 mentions) - Compared to GTA: San Andreas, Bully is seen as the era-appropriate Rockstar project but with a rougher PC port and less polish. Reviewers note similarities in age and gameplay style, while acknowledging the port issues.