Fans of Rockstar Games' "Bully" have spent years waiting for another game with a similar school-based setting. Now, "Agefield High: Rock the School" is attempting to fill that space.
The game takes clear inspiration from "Bully." It gives out high-school life, action, humor, and adult comedy in one frame. However, its arrival on PS5 has produced a divided response from players.
A New Game for 'Bully' Fans
Rockstar Games released "Bully" in 2006. The school-themed action game quickly built a dedicated fanbase. Nearly two decades later, many players still want a sequel.
The sequel has yet to arrive. Rockstar has instead continued to focus on major franchises such as "Grand Theft Auto" and "Red Dead Redemption." This has created an opening for smaller studios.
Refugium Games stepped into that space with "Agefield High: Rock the School." The game originally launched on PC in August before making its way to PS5.
For now, the PS5 version makes it the only console platform where players can experience the game.
PS5 Players Have Mixed Opinions
The response to "Agefield High" has been far from consistent.
According to ComicBook, the game currently has hundreds of user reviews on the PlayStation Store. Its average rating sits at 3.47 out of 5.
The individual ratings show an even bigger divide. About 48% of reviewers have given the game five stars. This makes the highest rating the most common score.
At the other end, around 22% have awarded it just one star. The gap suggests that players are having very different experiences.
Some positive reviews acknowledge the game's technical problems and rough edges. These players appear willing to accept those flaws as part of a smaller-budget release.
Negative reviews are less forgiving. Some players argue that the technical issues and other problems have too much impact on the overall experience.
Is 'Agefield High Worth' $30?
The game's appeal is fairly specific.
"Agefield High: Rock the School" puts players in a high-school environment filled with humor and adult-themed comedy. Its premise has naturally led to comparisons with "Bully" and "American Pie."
The combination could appeal to players looking for something outside the usual open-world games. However, its $30 price has become part of the discussion.
The PC reception has also been mixed. On Steam, only around 36% of users have rated the game positively.
That lower percentage suggests the game's issues are not limited to its PS5 release.
Here's what other fans said about the game:
"If your bar for videogames is this low, well, knock yourself out."
"Because I grew up conservative, I chose not to play any Rockstar game until age 37. Didn't care for the one I borrowed from a public library for free.
Is there a chance fans will call Agefield High a much-improved game in a few years? Yes. Is there a chance it will remain unnoticed and disliked, similar to Wild Season? Yes."
"I have been enjoying it... I think so far it's been great. Idc what others say about the game. I just hope you don't let Reddit make up your mind for you."
Longer Single-Player Experience
One area where "Agefield High" offers substantial content is its campaign.
The main story reportedly takes around 18 to 25 hours to complete. Players who spend additional time exploring side content can extend that playtime further.
That could make the game more appealing to those looking for a longer single-player experience.
Still, the divided reception shows that the concept alone may not be enough.
Meanwhile, "Marvel's Wolverine" was rated 78/100 on Metacritic.
