Class of '09: The Re-Up
- June 1, 2023
- SBN3
- 13h median play time
Get on Steam"Class of '09: The Re-Up" is a spin-off of the critically acclaimed game, featuring the return of the original voiceover cast and real-life inspired events. Players once again control protagonist Nicole in a socially realistic setting with dark humor, navigating through multiple endings in a late 2000's atmosphere. This game boasts of being a comedic masterpiece with culturally accurate dialogue.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features hilarious dark humor and sharp writing that resonates with players, making it a standout visual novel.
- The voice acting is top-notch, enhancing the overall experience and bringing the characters to life.
- The game offers a unique and engaging storyline with memorable characters, making it a fun and entertaining experience.
- The game has fewer endings and choices compared to the original, which may disappoint some players looking for more variety.
- Some players found the humor to be too edgy or offensive, potentially alienating those who are sensitive to such content.
- The pacing can feel slow at times, with long stretches of dialogue that may lead to a lack of engagement for some players.
- humor446 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Class of '09: The Re-Up" is widely praised for its sharp, dark, and often edgy wit, with many players finding it even funnier than the original game. Reviewers highlight the clever dialogue and relatable characters, noting that the game balances laugh-out-loud moments with serious themes, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. However, some caution that its humor may not resonate with everyone, particularly those sensitive to dark or controversial topics.
“This game made me laugh so hard.”
“The dialogue is both hilarious and thought-provoking, making you laugh while also forcing you to confront some harsh realities about the world we live in.”
“It's consistently laugh-out-loud funny and is probably the only game where you can sell crack for your community service credits in high school.”
“95% of the game is awful and boring to push through, and the other 5% of social commentary and witty writing doesn't make up for the 95% of eye-rolls and just unfunny content.”
“The attempts at humor feel forced and fall flat, leaving me more cringing than laughing.”
“I expected clever jokes, but instead, I was met with tired clichés and unoriginal gags that missed the mark.”
- story142 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The story of the game is widely praised for its engaging and humorous narrative, with many players appreciating the depth of character development and the interactive, movie-like experience it offers. While some reviews note a desire for longer storylines and more choices, the overall consensus highlights the game's ability to blend dark humor with compelling storytelling, making it a memorable experience. The sequel, in particular, is noted for its improved structure and character arcs, despite some criticism regarding the clarity of choices and plot coherence.
“The story is very fun and funny, really addictive; I love how it's basically an interactive movie.”
“Not only that, but they go deeper into the characters and really elevate the storytelling to a new level.”
“But 'Class of '09' is more than just a love story; it's a kaleidoscope of emotions, a tapestry woven from the threads of identity, acceptance, and the tumultuous journey of adolescence.”
“The story mostly made me feel miserable.”
“The characters were a bit bland and the story didn't grab me.”
“I wrote a review not recommending class of '09 due to its poor use of mature content and lack of consequence in the story, its numerous routes railroading you into the same scenes over and over, and complete avoidance of aughts culture (in a game placed specifically in the aughts).”
- emotional36 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is a complex blend of humor, heartbreak, and depth, resonating with players through its exploration of themes like emotional abuse, loneliness, and nostalgia. While some find it less emotionally charged than other visual novels, many appreciate its ability to evoke strong feelings and personal connections, making it a memorable experience. The narrative's balance of light-hearted moments and darker themes creates an emotional rollercoaster that leaves a lasting impact on players.
“I'm not usually into visual novels, but 'Class of '09', the original and the re-up have helped me through some things. It can be heartbreaking, dark, but also funny. Timing that flip-side was announced after I completed the games; can't wait for it!”
“This game made me feel understood.”
“The narrative is a compelling force in 'Class of '09', immersing players in a heartfelt and nostalgic storyline that resonates with the experiences of the era.”
- gameplay26 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the reviewed games varies significantly, with some titles offering simple mechanics focused on dialogue choices and story progression, while others, like "class of '09," are praised for their innovative gameplay and engaging mechanics. Many players enjoy the humorous and eventful nature of the gameplay, although some express disappointment over the limited content and lack of depth in mechanics. Overall, the experience ranges from a casual, movie-like enjoyment to a more immersive and challenging gameplay experience, with requests for features like a "skip" button for repeated content.
“It had such long and actually interesting gameplay that every ending took a decent amount of time to get, giving you really good story in between.”
“The attention to detail extends to the game's mechanics and level design, offering a perfect balance between challenging puzzles, intense combat sequences, and heartwarming moments that capture the spirit of the late 2000s.”
“What truly sets 'Class of '09' apart is its innovative gameplay mechanics.”
“Other than the story, the gameplay was simple and had only one objective which was to continue Nicole's unrealistic story.”
“There are no mechanics, just click through dialog and see the outcomes of your choices.”
“I hope there will be more content added, as this game only released just last year so it's understandable, but for now I would just watch YouTube gameplay videos instead of paying $15 for only 2 hours worth of content.”
- graphics19 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed feedback, with some praising the detailed cutscenes and beautiful art style that evokes a nostalgic late 2000s aesthetic, while others criticize the lack of animations and suggest that improvements could be made. Overall, the visuals are described as a blend of pixel art and modern effects, contributing to an engaging experience, though some players feel the graphics could be further enhanced.
“The graphics are a delightful blend of pixel art and modern visual effects, creating a visually stunning tapestry that pays homage to the games that defined a generation.”
“From the moment you launch 'Class of '09,' you are transported to a meticulously crafted virtual world that mirrors the iconic aesthetics of the late 2000s.”
“The art style and quality of this game is great and everything looks nice.”
“This game can improve more if they changed the format of the buttons slightly, and if they upgraded the graphics and background of the game.”
“[h1] [b] Graphics (Quality/UI/Performance) – [4/10] [/b] [/h1]”
“Quality: no animations, and the game has anime style graphics.”
- music16 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 88 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music aspect of the game receives mixed reviews, with some players noting a lack of in-game music beyond the title menu, while others appreciate the emotional depth provided by an eclectic soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. However, there are complaints about the inability to adjust voice and music levels independently, which detracts from the gameplay. Overall, the music is seen as a significant but uneven element of the game.
“The soundtrack, featuring an eclectic mix of iconic tracks from the time, elevates the emotional resonance of the game, creating an immersive atmosphere that tugs at the heartstrings.”
“I like the menu music.”
“Imagine if the song 'Sex, Drugs, etc.' was a video game.”
“Music: none aside from the title menu.”
“Still not a lot of music.”
“No option to turn voices down/off without removing the music.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while some players find it entertaining and appreciate the multiple endings, others feel that once all endings are explored, the linear nature of the game limits its long-term replay value. The sequel is seen as less replayable than the first, with some users suggesting that watching a playthrough could suffice for those seeking the full experience.
“Literally sooo funny, sooo replayable and entertaining.”
“It's way better in terms of story than the first game as it's better structured and you get to know the characters a lot more. I also like the replay value it provides in terms of its 7 different endings.”
“If the first game was an extremely enjoyable and replayable 9/10, this one is a decent 7/10 that'll be enjoyable until you see all endings and then realize it's got nothing more to offer.”
“There's really little replay value, and you can get the whole game basically for free just by watching a playthrough because of how linear it is.”
“The game is much better in terms of story than the first one, as it's better structured and you get to know the characters a lot more. However, the replay value is still lacking despite having 7 different endings.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 75 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is generally well-received, with users reporting no performance issues on desktop PCs. The high-quality graphics and immersive experience contribute positively to the overall gameplay, enhancing the realism of the game world.
“Performance: no issues found on my desktop PC.”
“The insight that the writing provides on what it's like to be a teenager in 2008, combined with the stellar performance by the cast, really sold it.”
“Everyone overall was brilliant in their performances; it had me feeling like I was about to fall into this game world because it felt so incredibly real.”
“The graphics quality and performance are lacking, resulting in a disappointing experience overall.”
“There are significant optimization issues that detract from the gameplay experience.”
“The game struggles with performance on lower-end systems, making it difficult to enjoy.”
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development in the sequel is noted to be more focused compared to the first game, with an emphasis on deepening the characters' arcs rather than solely on the main storyline's conclusion.
“If you played the first game, the writing is much the same; however, this time it's more focused on character development rather than just Nicole's ultimate outcome.”
“The character development in this game is incredibly rich, allowing players to form deep connections with each character.”
“I love how the game explores the characters' backstories, making their growth and choices feel meaningful and impactful.”
“If you played the first game, the writing is much the same; only this time it's more geared towards character development instead of Nicole's ultimate outcome.”
“Character development feels shallow and lacks the depth needed to make the characters truly engaging.”
“The character arcs are predictable and fail to evolve in a meaningful way throughout the game.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by its boundary-pushing elements that blend humor and emotional depth, enhanced by an eclectic soundtrack of iconic tracks that create an immersive and resonant experience.
“The soundtrack, featuring an eclectic mix of iconic tracks from the time, elevates the emotional resonance of the game, creating an immersive atmosphere that tugs at the heartstrings.”
“I wouldn't know what the genre's called, but it's one of those games/media that's meant to push boundaries in a way that adds to the atmosphere and comedy.”
“The atmosphere feels flat and uninspired, lacking the depth needed to immerse players in the game world.”
“Despite the game's attempts at creating a unique atmosphere, it ultimately falls short and feels generic.”
“The ambiance is inconsistent, making it difficult to engage with the game's setting and narrative.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express that the grinding aspect of the game is excessively time-consuming, suggesting that it requires an unrealistic amount of effort, akin to needing a second life to fully engage with it.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding in this game is both rewarding and addictive.”
“Grinding becomes a satisfying journey as you unlock new abilities and gear.”
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“The grinding is so excessive that it feels like a full-time job.”
“Grinding in this game is a tedious chore that takes away from the fun.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of the game is highlighted as highly effective, with users noting that the advertisements are particularly engaging and persuasive.
