So you know how Bully (2006) from Rockstar Games is this cult classic: school setting, you play the new kid, pranks, cliques, riding bikes, causing trouble, making friends (or enemies) on a campus.
Well – now there’s a new game called Agefield High: Rock the School coming (aiming for Q2 2026) that’s clearly saying: we got your Bully fix, bro.
It’s set in 2002, you’re “Sam”, you’re fresh at school, you want to make friends, win over your dream girl (or guy, but the promo leans one way), ride bikes around town, get into fist-fights, buy bikes, clothes, maybe even “dirty magazines”.
On paper: HELL YEAH – we want that kind of sandbox school adventure again.
But (and you knew there’d be a “but”) the vibe of the inspiration and tone? It’s raising eyebrows. And you might feel the same.
What’s good
First the positives, so you know I’m not just cynical:
- It’s exciting to see someone finally grab that Bully-school sandbox concept.
- The setting: open-ended school + suburbia, day/night cycle, missions + side activities – that’s the kind of freedom you loved in Bully.
- If they pull it off well, you’ll have a sweet mix of mischief, social stuff, customization (buy bikes, clothes, hairstyles) which is always fun when you’re messing around and exploring.
Also read: Anonymous Employee Talks About The Internal Firings That Went Down At Rockstar Games
What’s the weird/less good side
- The developer openly says they’re inspired by the “raunchy teen comedies of the era” – think movies like American Pie, Road Trip.
- Those movies had a lot of jokes, but many of them haven’t aged well. Awkward, cringe, borderline insulting at times. While Bully had edgy bits, it also had decent story + higher ambition.
- So if this new game leans too hard into that teen-comedy attitude, the feel might not match what made Bully special for you. You might get less meaningful story and more “haha gross joke” moments.
- Also, the main audience for those teen comedies are now older (pushing 40) – while the new-school teens have a different culture. So the vibe might feel off or dated for either side.
My take (what I hope for + what you should watch)
Here’s how you should approach this if you’re hyped for a Bully-type game, but don’t want it to fall flat.
What I hope for:
- A good balance between fun sandbox school chaos (bike rides, pranks, making your mark) and a story with heart.
- Customization and social dynamics done well – not just “get the hot girl” or standard clichés.
- Respect for the era (2002) but not leaning too much into tropes that will feel embarrassing or outdated.
- Side-missions that aren’t just filler; things you want to do because they matter.
What you should keep an eye on / be cautious of:
- The content is just all jokes + shock value (à la the raunchy comedies) rather than any depth in the gameplay.
- When it is too cringe / regressive in the social hierarchy / dream girl bit.
- The way they represent characters and contexts – inclusive or remaining in the old stereotypes?
- The real implementation: missions and side-activities, open world freedom – it is one thing to hype it and another thing to deliver it.
Final thoughts: should you get hyped?
Yes – you should kind of get hyped. Because let’s be real: a school sandbox game is a fun idea and it’s been missing. If Agefield High nails it, we’re in for something special.
But keep your hype meter in check. Because the inspiration is slightly weird. The tone may not hit exactly what made Bully tick for you.
You should check gameplay demos when they drop. If you see it’s delivering what we want (school open world + sandbox mischief + meaningful narrative), then jump in. If it looks like it’s just going for cheap laughs and “haha gross” teen comedy tropes, maybe wait and see.
In short: It’s a “maybe” with potential. And you are smart enough to know what you like – so keep your eyes open.
