Class Of '09 Was Never Good
SBN3: Class of '09's Subversive Masterpiece?
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.
The Tonal Whiplash of Class of '09's Messaging
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.
The Secret Ending: A Dangerous Justification?
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.
Class of '09: Re-Up - A Stripped-Down Sequel
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.
SBN3: The Misunderstood Humorist
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.
SBN3's Delusion: The 'King of New Media' Complex
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.
The Illusion of Choice: 'Class of '09' Endings
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.
SPN 3: The Hollow Creator
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.
