Unlockable Content 01.24.07: In Defense of Jimmy Hopkins

Posted by Will Scott on 01.24.2007

Did Rockstar actually create a decent role model for young players?

Hey folks, welcome to Unlockable Content - the column that unexpectedly disappears for a week every month. This time, I have the most gamerly of excuses. I got caught up with the Burning Crusade quite quickly, and time lost all meaning. In my defense, I am working on a review of the game, and I'm trying to see as much of the content as possible as quickly as possible.

Now, as you may expect, I'm going to derail from the ongoing series for just a bit, and focus on something else. This time, it's a focus on a specific game I've been playing lately. No, not WoW, but the other game that's stolen my time - Bully. Specifically, I'm going to make a claim that might surprise you, but I feel it to be completely true.

Jimmy Hopkins is a relatively good role model.

In Defense of Jimmy Hopkins

To say there was a bit of media attention surrounding Bully pre-release is an understatement. Our favorite terrible lawyer made an attempt to portray the game as a "Columbine simulator", drawing on the fact that Rockstar (of GTA fame) created the game. The title was changed in Europe, and the game even made its way in to court.

Then it was released, and we all found out it wasn't exactly GTA: Schoolyard. The game itself played closer in control to The Warriors, featured relatively tame violent content, and garnered a T rating. There was a mild bit of controversy over the fact that Jimmy could, in fact, kiss a boy (something that's seemingly included in the game as a joke). Sadly, the game itself seemed quickly overshadowed by higher-profile releases, and Rockstar wasn't able to bank on its usual controversy to advertise the game. I'm not going to make an attempt to draw you to Bully - I find it to be a fine game, with a deeper experience than the GTA games or The Warriors.

I'm just wondering where the media is to cover the relatively positive role model of Jimmy Hopkins.

Jimmy, for those of you who haven't played Bully, is the protagonist of the game. We know relatively little about him as the game starts - he's been expelled from other schools, his mother has married an older man (conversations later in the game seem to suggest that Jimmy's mother is a serial dater), and Jimmy has been shipped off to the Bulworth Academy while his mother and new step-father go on a year-long honeymoon. We know Jimmy has a relatively bad attitude, problems with authority, and he doesn't seem overly bright.

However, Jimmy's character gains more depth throughout the game, both through the story and the mechanics. Jimmy becomes a hero at the school by bringing together the various cliques. He befriends all the major factions, regardless of their social or economic standing. His best friend is the least popular kid in the school, and he does actively watch out for him.

Jimmy's list of flaws is glaring, but realistically not that bad. In the storyline, he commits at least a few petty thefts - usually for a good cause. He has a penchant for property destruction, as well...a bit less forgivable, but all in the spirit of youthful exuberance and only in one case is it overly glaring (tagging the city hall). And then, there's the fighting. However, Jimmy never actively starts a fight. It's fairly clear, in each cutscene, that he attempts to reason with everyone before the punches start getting thrown. And he always extends a hand of friendship to those he beats...even if it's not in the nicest way possible.

The kid, however, has some pretty sterling high points. To get 100% in the game, Jimmy has to be a good student and a good athlete. He befriends his teachers (to a degree), holds down two jobs, and is a champion boxer. He throws a football better than the team's quarterback, can play video games better than the biggest nerds, and can competently manage all of this while passing all of his classes (trust me - skipping class in the game is possible, but several missions are easier without prefects breathing down your neck). The kid's a dodgeball champ and a darn fine painter. He's not always respectful to those in authority, but he's respectful to those that deserve it regardless of position.

He's a real-life Dennis the Menace, fifteen years old but still carrying around his slingshot and skateboard. The thing that shines through the most in the game is the Jimmy is a good kid, regardless of the baggage he's been saddled with. He just wants people to get along. He's by far the most positive role model amongst Rockstar's protagonists, and perhaps in the gaming scene today.

Not bad for a character who had a crusade led against him.

Until next week, I'm Will Scott and this has been Unlockable Content.