Class of '09: The Re-Up
- June 1, 2023
- SBN3
- 11h median play time
"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.
Reviews
- The game features hilarious dark humor and sharp writing that keeps players engaged.
- The voice acting is top-notch, enhancing the overall experience and character interactions.
- The game provides a unique and entertaining perspective on high school life, with memorable characters and absurd scenarios.
- There are fewer endings and choices compared to the first game, which may disappoint some players.
- The main character, Nicole, is portrayed as more cruel and less relatable, making it harder to empathize with her.
- Some players may find the humor and themes too dark or offensive, which could limit its audience.
- humor468 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in "Class of '09: The Re-Up" is widely praised for its dark, edgy, and often absurd comedic style, reminiscent of early 2000s teen culture. Players appreciate the clever writing and voice acting, which deliver a mix of shock humor and relatable scenarios, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. While some find the humor predictable or overly edgy, the majority agree that it successfully balances hilarity with serious themes, resulting in a uniquely engaging experience.
“Fav game ever just love how unhinged their humor is.”
“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.”
“This game is so fucking funny lol.”
“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.”
- story147 mentions
- 37 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The game's story is widely praised for its depth, humor, and character development, with many players finding it engaging and relatable. While some noted a reduction in the number of endings compared to previous installments, the longer, more fleshed-out storylines and the ability to explore different narrative paths were highlighted as significant improvements. Overall, the narrative is described as a compelling mix of dark humor and emotional resonance, making it a standout feature of the game.
“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.”
“Through its evocative storytelling and unforgettable characters, it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that sometimes all it takes is the courage to follow our hearts, wherever they may lead.”
“The charming visuals can be quite deceiving, as the dialogue and storyline delve into much darker themes that starkly contrast with the kawaii anime girls.”
“Less endings, some of the plot points get rehashed from the first game but in a much less believable way.”
“The characters were a bit bland and the story didn't grab me.”
- emotional38 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its blend of wholesome storytelling and deep character development, resonating with players on a personal level. Many reviews express how the narrative evokes a range of feelings, from joy and nostalgia to heartbreak and understanding, making it a powerful experience. While some find it less emotionally charged than other visual novels, the game's ability to tackle serious themes alongside lighthearted moments creates a compelling emotional rollercoaster for 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.”
- gameplay25 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The gameplay aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it simple and primarily focused on dialogue choices, while others appreciate its engaging story and humor. Many users suggest that the gameplay experience is akin to watching a movie, with some expressing a desire for more content and better mechanics. Overall, while the game offers entertaining moments, it may not justify its price for those seeking extensive gameplay depth.
“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.”
“So funny, I love playing this game on calls with friends. It's like watching a new movie every time; the original is pretty simple and has more drastic endings, but the re-up has funnier dialogue, more eventful gameplay in general, and more art!”
“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.”
“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
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The game's graphics are characterized by a charming anime art style that contrasts with its darker themes, creating a visually appealing experience. While some users noted a lack of animations and suggested improvements to the button format, many praised the detailed cutscenes and overall artwork, highlighting the blend of pixel art and modern effects that evoke nostalgia for late 2000s aesthetics. Overall, the visuals are considered beautiful and engaging, enhancing the storytelling despite some technical shortcomings.
“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.”
“Quality: no animations, and the game has anime style graphics.”
“Well it's a novel and it has visuals but it's almost not a visual novel.”
- music15 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 20 % 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. The menu music is generally liked, but there are complaints about the inability to adjust voice and music levels independently. Overall, the music contributes to the game's atmosphere, though its presence is limited.
“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.”
“High school musical if Quentin Tarantino directed it.”
“Still not a lot of music.”
“Music: none aside from the title menu.”
“No option to turn voices down/off without removing the music.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is mixed; while some players find it entertaining and appreciate the multiple endings, others feel it lacks depth and linearity, leading to diminished replay value after experiencing all content. Overall, it offers a decent replay experience, particularly for those who enjoy exploring different story outcomes.
“Literally so funny, so 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.”
“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.”
“The game offers some replayability with its different endings, but overall, it feels too linear to warrant multiple playthroughs.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is generally well-received, with no performance issues reported on desktop PCs, contributing to an immersive experience. However, the graphics quality and user interface received a lower rating, indicating room for improvement in those areas.
“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 real.”
“The graphics quality and performance are lacking, resulting in a disappointing experience overall.”
“The optimization issues make it difficult to fully enjoy the game, as it often lags and stutters.”
“Despite the engaging story, the poor optimization detracts from the immersion and enjoyment of the gameplay.”
- grinding3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players note that while the game is lengthy at around 5 hours, the improved writing quality and variety of jokes make the grinding feel less tedious. However, some mention that clip farming can be time-consuming, suggesting that it may require significant effort to achieve desired outcomes.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Clip farming.”
- character development2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % 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 protagonist's ultimate fate.
“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.”
“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.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % 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.”
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy for the game is highlighted as highly effective, with advertisements being particularly compelling and engaging for potential players.