No matter what you choose, Nicole’s life does not get better. You can make choices that lead to less immediate catastrophe, but the game denies you catharsis. There is no redemption arc. There is no moment where the bully gets their comeuppance or the principal is exposed. The Re Up argues that in the real world, especially for a poor, sharp-tongued girl in 2000s Virginia, the system is rigged. Your choices matter, but only insofar as they determine the flavor of your suffering. Visually, The Re Up retains the signature anime-inspired character portraits over realistic backgrounds, but the palette feels even more washed out—a pale green, sickly suburban tint. The soundtrack is once again a time capsule of early 2000s emo, nu-metal, and indie sleaze. Songs from bands like Thursday and The Used underscore key scenes, weaponizing nostalgia to remind you that this era—with its low-rise jeans, “rawr XD” culture, and post-9/11 anxiety—was not innocent. It was just as messed up as today, only with worse internet. Final Verdict: A Cruel, Brilliant, and Essential Experience Class of ‘09: The Re Up is not for everyone. If you need likable characters, hopeful endings, or a clear moral lesson, look elsewhere. This game is for those who appreciate comedy as a scalpel, cutting into the abscess of American adolescence to see what festering truth lies beneath.
(Five stars, but only if you’ve already given up on humanity.) Class of 09 The Re Up
In a medium flooded with dating sims and power fantasies, Class of ‘09: The Re Up stands alone as a monument to despair. It’s a game that hates its characters, hates its setting, and occasionally hates you for playing. And somehow, that makes it one of the most honest pieces of interactive fiction in years. No matter what you choose, Nicole’s life does
Lines like “I’m not suicidal, I’m just deeply committed to the bit” define Nicole’s approach to life. The writing is snappier, the punchlines land harder, and the voice acting (by the original cast) is even more unhinged. It’s the kind of game that will make you laugh out loud, then immediately feel guilty for doing so. One area where The Re Up significantly improves upon its predecessor is in its branching paths. The original game had a tendency to funnel you back to the same major endings. The Re Up features more distinct routes, each with its own escalating chain of disasters. However, it also doubles down on the series’ most controversial design choice: you cannot win. There is no moment where the bully gets