Class Of '09 Was Never Good

1. The Creator's Journey into Class of '09

Timestamp: 00:00:00 to 00:02:26 - watch this moment on skim

The video creator, intrigued by the controversy surrounding the game 'Class of '09' and its developer SBN3, decided to purchase and play all the games to offer their own analysis, despite initial reservations about the visual novel genre. The creator notes the game's initial popularity spike in 2023 and an even larger one in 2024, despite the demo being released three years prior.

Significance (Medium): Sets the stage for the critical analysis by establishing the creator's motivation and the game's context.

Sources in support: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

2. SBN3: Class of '09's Subversive Masterpiece?

Timestamp: 00:02:30 to 00:04:52 - watch this moment on skim

The game 'Class of '09' was released to 'very positive reviews' as a 'subversive masterpiece,' with its UI and intro noted for their intentional, off-putting aesthetic. The creator, however, found the game largely unenjoyable, citing boredom and frustration with the choices made by SBN3, despite acknowledging some clever design elements like the UI.

Significance (High): Highlights the dichotomy between critical reception and the creator's personal experience, questioning the game's artistic merit.

Sources in support: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

3. Nicole's Sociopathic Persona and High School Nightmares

Timestamp: 00:04:52 to 00:07:52 - watch this moment on skim

Players control Nicole, a self-proclaimed sociopath, navigating high school where nearly every male character is depicted as a misogynist or terrorist. The game presents numerous endings, many of which involve extreme scenarios like racism, terrorism, or other dark outcomes, which the creator found unrealistic and often comical, undermining any serious message.

Significance (High): Illustrates the game's core premise and its descent into absurd, exaggerated scenarios that alienate the player.

Sources in support: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

4. The Tonal Whiplash of Class of '09's Messaging

Timestamp: 00:10:44 to 00:13:52 - watch this moment on skim

The game attempts to tackle serious issues like racism, bullying, and pedophilia, but its 'edgy' humor and constant cussing create a tonal whiplash that prevents any message from landing effectively. The creator argues that media writers often mistake excessive shock value for adult appeal, leading to a confused narrative that trivializes its own subject matter, exemplified by the jarring shift from dark humor to PSA-like pronouncements.

Significance (High): Critiques the game's writing for its inability to balance humor with serious themes, rendering its intended messages ineffective and even offensive.

Sources in support: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

5. The Secret Ending: A Dangerous Justification?

Timestamp: 00:17:17 to 00:19:17 - watch this moment on skim

The secret ending attempts to reframe Nicole's actions, suggesting her manipulative behavior stems from a difficult past and a desire for attention, thereby seeking player sympathy. The creator finds this dangerous, arguing it risks validating misogynistic views by portraying the female experience as inherently villainous and poorly written if it requires bending over backward to justify such a character.

Significance (High): Exposes the game's most controversial element, arguing it dangerously misrepresents female experiences and poorly justifies its protagonist's actions.

Sources in support: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

6. Class of '09: Re-Up - A Stripped-Down Sequel

Timestamp: 00:20:32 to 00:23:18 - watch this moment on skim

The sequel, 'Class of '09: Re-Up,' is criticized for having significantly less content than the original, with fewer endings and more filler dialogue, despite taking longer to complete. The creator suggests this rushed release was financially motivated, aiming to capitalize on the first game's popularity without sufficient development, resulting in a less polished and engaging experience.

Significance (Medium): Details the perceived decline in quality and content in the sequel, attributing it to rushed development and financial incentives.

Sources in support: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

7. SBN3: The Misunderstood Humorist

Timestamp: 00:23:20 to 00:29:00 - watch this moment on skim

The reviewer argues that SBN3, the creator of 'Class of '09,' fundamentally misunderstands what makes humor effective, particularly in comparison to shows like South Park. SBN3's reliance on shock value, offensive jokes, and dated references, without the contextual juxtaposition that makes shows like South Park work, results in humor that is jarring rather than funny. The reviewer posits that SBN3 mistakes vulgarity for wit, failing to grasp that the humor in South Park often stems from a child's perspective on adult issues, a nuance SBN3 misses entirely. This misunderstanding leads to humor that is not only unfunny but also potentially offensive and misaligned with the game's intended realism. The reviewer concludes that SBN3's humor is a shallow imitation, lacking the depth and understanding of his inspirations. This fundamental flaw in comedic execution is a primary reason for the game's perceived failure.

Significance (High): This misinterpretation of humor is a critical flaw, undermining the game's entertainment value and alienating players who expect genuine wit. It suggests a fundamental disconnect between the creator's intent and the audience's reception, impacting the game's overall success.

Sources in support: SBN3 (Creator of 'Class of '09')

Neutral sources: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

8. The 'Class of '09' Controversy: Misrepresenting Marginalized Groups

Timestamp: 00:26:48 to 00:28:17 - watch this moment on skim

The reviewer strongly criticizes 'Class of '09' for its mishandling of sensitive themes and marginalized groups, particularly its portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and issues. The reviewer points to the 'anti-SJW' route, where Nicole is falsely accused of homophobia after rejecting a gay character, as a prime example of the game's problematic and nonsensical narrative. The reviewer argues that the game uses these themes not for meaningful commentary but for shock value and to pander to a specific audience, ultimately failing to represent these groups or issues with any nuance or respect. The reviewer concludes that the game's treatment of these topics is not only unfunny but also harmful, demonstrating a profound lack of understanding and empathy.

Significance (High): The game's offensive and inaccurate portrayal of marginalized groups risks alienating a significant portion of potential players and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. This suggests a severe ethical and creative misstep.

Sources in support: SBN3 (Creator of 'Class of '09')

Neutral sources: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

9. SBN3's Delusion: The 'King of New Media' Complex

Timestamp: 00:31:09 to 00:34:29 - watch this moment on skim

The reviewer posits that SBN3 suffers from a severe case of ego and delusion, believing himself to be a 'once-in-a-generation talent' and 'king of new media.' This self-aggrandizement, fueled by the initial success of 'Class of '09,' has led to an inability to accept criticism or acknowledge his own shortcomings. The reviewer argues that SBN3 projects his own bad luck and failures onto the industry, blaming external factors like YouTube's impact on indie arts rather than his own creative missteps. This inflated sense of self-importance, coupled with a refusal to listen to feedback, is seen as a recipe for disaster, preventing any genuine improvement in his work. The reviewer concludes that SBN3's arrogance blinds him to the actual reasons for his game's reception, leading him to double down on flawed approaches.

Significance (High): This inflated ego and resistance to criticism create a feedback loop of failure, preventing SBN3 from evolving his craft. It suggests a fundamental inability to self-assess, which will likely continue to plague his future projects.

Sources in support: SBN3 (Creator of 'Class of '09')

Neutral sources: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

10. Narrative Collapse: The 'Class of '09' Storytelling Debacle

Timestamp: 00:34:29 to 00:39:00 - watch this moment on skim

The reviewer contends that 'Class of '09' suffers from severe narrative deficiencies, particularly in its 'flip side' routes. These routes are criticized for relying on simplistic 'and then' plot progression, substituting genuine storytelling with gratuitous suffering and thinly veiled creator fetishes. The reviewer highlights specific examples, such as Nicole's manipulative actions and the problematic 'straight pride club' storyline, as evidence of poor writing that prioritizes shock value over coherent narrative. The reviewer contrasts this with the storytelling principles of shows like 'Regular Show,' which build engaging plots through cause and effect, arguing that 'Class of '09' fails to create compelling scenarios or elicit empathy, instead resorting to 'torture simulators' that leave the audience feeling numb. The reviewer concludes that the game's narrative structure is fundamentally flawed, demonstrating a lack of understanding of effective storytelling.

Significance (High): The narrative's failure to engage or resonate with players, instead opting for shock and creator-centric themes, severely damages the game's credibility and player experience. This suggests a critical disconnect in the game's design philosophy.

Sources in support: SBN3 (Creator of 'Class of '09')

Neutral sources: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

11. The Illusion of Choice: 'Class of '09' Endings

Timestamp: 00:40:26 to 00:41:41 - watch this moment on skim

The reviewer argues that 'Class of '09' offers an illusion of choice, with all endings ultimately leading to negative outcomes for the protagonist, Jeka. This lack of meaningful agency is contrasted with games like 'Undertale,' where player choices have genuine consequences and offer varied paths. The reviewer criticizes SBN3 for believing that presenting dire, unavoidable outcomes constitutes deep storytelling, likening it to a 'shitty TRT dimension' where the creator berates the player for choices he programmed. The reviewer concludes that these 'ultimatums,' rather than genuine choices, highlight SBN3's poor writing and inability to grasp the concept of player agency, ultimately making the game a frustrating and unrewarding experience.

Significance (Medium): The lack of meaningful player choice undermines player engagement and the perceived value of the game. It suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of interactive storytelling principles.

Sources in support: SBN3 (Creator of 'Class of '09')

Neutral sources: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

12. SPN 3: The Hollow Creator

Timestamp: 00:46:45 to 00:47:32 - watch this moment on skim

SPN 3, the developer behind 'Class of '09,' is characterized as an individual who overestimates his own significance due to online validation. The speaker asserts that SPN 3 fails to grasp what makes other media successful, instead mimicking surface-level elements without genuine meaning or consistent moral direction, ultimately making the game aimless.

Significance (High): This critique paints the developer as deluded and incompetent, suggesting his work lacks artistic merit and is a product of misunderstanding. It questions the very foundation of his creative process and perceived success.

Sources in support: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

13. Class of '09: A Repetitive and Disrespectful Experience

Timestamp: 00:46:58 to 00:47:27 - watch this moment on skim

The game 'Class of '09' is fundamentally flawed, relying on repetitive jokes and shallow 'XD random humor.' It fails to treat serious topics with respect, indicating a lack of depth and understanding. The game is described as trying to imitate more successful media without understanding its core appeal.

Significance (High): This assessment dismisses the game as low-quality entertainment, suggesting it appeals to a base level of humor while failing to engage with meaningful content. It positions the game as a failed imitation rather than an original creation.

Sources in support: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)

14. The Aimless Pursuit of Meaning

Timestamp: 00:47:27 to 00:47:41 - watch this moment on skim

The core issue with 'Class of '09' is its aimlessness; it attempts to deliver a consistent moral message while simultaneously having no meaning. This contradictory approach leaves the game without a clear purpose or takeaway lesson for the player, making it a superficial experience.

Significance (Medium): This critique suggests the game is fundamentally incoherent, failing even in its purported attempt to convey a message. It implies a lack of thoughtful design and a missed opportunity for meaningful engagement.

Sources in support: Video Creator (Analyst/Critic)