Bully

If you've played Grand Theft Auto before, or any of its clones, then you should have no problem picking this up and playing it right away. The mechanics, storytelling techniques, and overall "feel" of the game are all immediately recognizable - elements taken from most of Rockstar's previous efforts like San Andreas, Manhunt and The Warriors. One way in which Bully is different, however, is with its scope. You're not traversing an entire state like you were in San Andreas, nor are you finding new and brutal ways to kill or maim your opponents. This is a tale about the township of Bullworth and its particularly rough scholastic system.

Of course, having a smaller scale than previous Rockstar titles doesn't mean that Bully is small, though is much easier to get through. Compared to most other action games, the story of Jimmy Hopkins is downright enormous. Boasting multiple commercial and residential neighborhoods, a body of water, secret areas, and an outsized school grounds, Bullworth and its surroundings gives players plenty to do.

But just having space and an abundance of options isn't enough - first and foremost, the game has to be fun or it's all just a big waste. Happily, Bully is fun and will keep you busy with a number of addictive and enthralling mini-games. The real trick to discovering them, however, is to get past the first chapter (of five). Built as a tutorial, Bully's initial moments don't do the rest of the experience justice - which admittedly, will probably put off more action-oriented players because of its slow start (roughly three to six hours).