Bully: Anniversary Edition icon
Bully: Anniversary Edition Mobile Review: Scholastic Sandbox Perfected

by Rockstar Games

Rockstar's acclaimed school-life adventure receives enhanced mobile treatment with bonus content. The Anniversary Edition delivers the complete open-world experience with optimized touch controls and expanded gameplay for on-the-go entertainment.

Detailed Review

Bully: Anniversary Edition represents Rockstar Games' successful adaptation of their 2006 cult classic for mobile platforms, offering a comprehensive sandbox experience set within the fictional Bullworth Academy. The iOS version maintains the original game's distinctive blend of action, exploration, and narrative-driven gameplay while implementing mobile-specific optimizations and additional content not available in the initial release. The core gameplay revolves around student protagonist Jimmy Hopkins navigating school hierarchies, attending classes, and engaging in various extracurricular activities. Four bonus classes and additional non-storyline missions expand the original content, providing approximately 20+ hours of gameplay. The touch interface has been specifically redesigned for mobile devices, featuring contextual controls that adapt to different gameplay situations from classroom minigames to campus exploration. The game preserves the original's signature mechanics including the reputation system, relationship building with various cliques, and the day/night cycle that structures academic and social activities. User experience demonstrates thoughtful mobile adaptation despite the game's console origins. The interface utilizes swipe gestures for camera control and context-sensitive buttons that appear during interactions. Real-world usage patterns show players typically engage in shorter sessions focusing on specific objectives like completing classes or story missions, though the open-world design encourages longer exploration periods. Performance analysis indicates the game runs smoothly on modern iOS devices, though some older hardware may experience thermal throttling during extended play sessions as noted in user feedback. User reviews consistently praise the game's immersive quality and successful mobile translation. Connor3343 (July 5, 2025) noted the compelling introductory experience, stating 'I first played the first 30 mins free but after I played it I got hooked.' Multiple reviewers including Brwa752 (July 8, 2025) draw comparisons to Grand Theft Auto's open-world design, describing it as 'GTA in school.' Technical considerations emerge in reviews such as anonymoushumanmind (July 6, 2025) observing that 'my phone overheats whenever I play this game for a while,' though these reports appear isolated to extended play sessions on specific device models. The Anniversary Edition succeeds as a faithful mobile port that enhances rather than merely translates the original experience. Strengths include the substantial additional content, well-adapted touch controls, and preservation of the original's distinctive atmosphere. Limitations involve occasional performance issues on older hardware and the learning curve associated with the complex control scheme. The game represents an ideal choice for players seeking substantial narrative-driven experiences on mobile platforms, particularly those who appreciate Rockstar's signature open-world design philosophy in a unique setting.

Key Features

  • Enhanced mobile controls with context-sensitive touch interface optimized for iOS devices and various gameplay situations
  • Four additional classroom minigames including biology, math, music, and geography that expand skill development options
  • Expanded mission structure with new non-storyline activities providing approximately 4-6 hours of additional gameplay content
  • Complete original campaign preserving all story missions, side activities, and character interactions from console version
  • Adapted camera system using swipe gestures and dynamic interface elements that respond to environmental interactions
  • GTA+ membership integration allowing subscribers unlimited access without separate purchase while maintaining membership

Why Users Love It

Substantial additional content
Well-optimized mobile controls

Perfect for: Open-world adventure enthusiasts seeking narrative-driven mobile experiences

Screenshots

Bully: Anniversary Edition screenshot 1Bully: Anniversary Edition screenshot 2Bully: Anniversary Edition screenshot 3Bully: Anniversary Edition screenshot 4Bully: Anniversary Edition screenshot 5

Ranking History

Track Bully: Anniversary Edition's performance in Adventure Games over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#47

Best Rank

#42

All-time high

Average Rank

#45

30-day average

User Reviews

daniyyassin
Dec 4, 2025

That’s i always say I love Rockstar. I love you guys ❤️ D That’s i always say I love Rockstar. I love you guys ❤️

Smallswag999
Sep 26, 2025

Just how game runs and stuff is amazing besides some crashes but that’s it Amazing Just how game runs and stuff is amazing besides some crashes but that’s it

JG_115
Oct 4, 2025

I played this a lot play this when new year is coming or in December it hits different in those times Bully is the best I played this a lot play this when new year is coming or in December it hits different in those times

zomdrol
Oct 7, 2025

Very good game, for those that don’t know it’s kinda like gta but your a kid, they need to remaster this or make a second one Og game Very good game, for those that don’t know it’s kinda like gta but your a kid, they need to remaster this or make a second one

Zero4lyfe
Oct 10, 2025

Pair your Xbox controller with your phone and play this classic sandbox game wherever you go. Game plays great and it’s got plenty to do. Get it Pair your Xbox controller with your phone and play this classic sandbox game wherever you go. Game plays great and it’s got plenty to do.

App Details

Developer

Rockstar Games

Platform

ios

Rating

4.7

Last Updated

12/14/2025