Bully was a unique game for the Ps2 when it came out. It built upon the idea started with Grand Theft Auto of an open-ended world where you could do whatever you want, whenever you wanted, and be as good or as bad as you wanted. But instead of killing cops and stealing cars, you were hassling nerds and beating up jocks in a crazily run down and messed up school. It was made, with no coincidence, by Rockstar Entertainment, the same genius company that created the ever newsworthy Grand Theft Auto series. With the Wii getting very few decent games lately by third party developers, it’s a bit surprising to see Bully on the Wii, yet it fits so perfectly. I won’t focus this review on the story, as many of you are already familiar with it, but instead focus on the subtle differences in how you play.

First of all, let me say that the graphics have been improved quite a bit. The textures aren’t as blocky as they were on the Ps2 and the overall atmosphere of the school is a lot more pleasant and not so dank and dark as it use to be. It’s amazing how just a tiny change in color can affect the entire gameplay.

Second, let me say that the “tacked on controls” are surprisingly well done. When playing the Ps2 version I was constantly squinting at the screen to read the quick text explaining what I was doing and getting the numerous random button selections mixed up while playing, which naturally resulted in a lot of failed missions. With the Wiimote’s motion sensing abilities and lack of cumbersome buttons, playing on the Wii felt VERY intuitive. You punch by actually punching with the remotes, running is conveniently placed as the “A” button, and most of your actions are instigated with the “Z” button on the nunchuck.

It’s surprising how well they were able to graft the existing Ps2 controls to the Wiimote. They were even able to keep the camera controls, so you don’t have to worry about having a locked camera like they did with Zelda: Twilight Princess. You can freely move the camera around with the direction button. Though it’s not as smooth as the second analogue stick is on the Ps2, it’s still nice to be able to have and would’ve been sorely missed if they had excluded it.

Playing many of the classroom mini-games are a lot more fun too. Shacking the Wiimote in tune to the band in Music class is catchy and addicting, as is turning, rotating, and tipping chemicals to make stink bombs and other useful tools of mayhem in Science class.

While playing through with the new controls, I was able to pick up abilities much quicker. Aiming with the slingshot can be controlled with a targeting system, or you can zoom in and aim with the remote (like you can with the Crossbow in Twilight Princess) and this makes missions where aiming is crucial a lot more bearable than the Ps2 version.

Another small detail that might get overlooked is that loading times are GREATLY reduced. On the Ps2 version it could take up to 45 seconds load a single scene. On the Wii it rarely every goes beyond 5 seconds between cut scenes and the indoor outdoor environments. Again, a small fix, but one that really makes this game more enjoyable.

All of the original voice acting, animation, and characters are back, with a few new additions and side quests, so Bully isn’t just a simple port. There’s a lot more content added and the controls are definitely refined. For people who missed out on playing Bully when it was originally released, like I did, it almost feels like a unique game designed specifically for the Wii. Rockstar did a fantastic job with this new special edition version and it just goes to prove that if a developer spends a little more time with the Wii, great games CAN be made for it. Anyone sick of the usual casual mini-game crap that’s been hitting the Wii lately should check Bully out. You won’t be disappointed.