Class of '09: The Flip Side

Class of '09: The Flip Side is the third installment in the Class of '09 series, offering a darker and more controversial narrative primarily centered around Jecka, a new protagonist. The game diverges from its predecessors by presenting fewer choices and routes, making it feel more like an interactive movie than a traditional visual novel. Many players found the story to be engaging but heavily overshadowed by disturbing themes, especially an overemphasis on foot fetish content, which some felt was gratuitous and detracted from the experience.

Graphically, the game maintains the series' signature charming 2D anime style with improved visuals and excellent voice acting, which many players praised. However, the narrative tone is notably darker, with all endings for Jecka being bleak or tragic, leading to disappointment among fans hoping for more positive resolutions. The game’s length is shorter compared to earlier entries, and the price point has been criticized as too high for the content offered.

Overall, while the game has its moments and retains some of the franchise's humor and style, many players consider it a significant step down from the previous titles, recommending it mainly for established fans or those willing to endure its controversial elements.

Highlights

Players consistently praised the game's gorgeous 2D anime-style visuals and exceptional voice acting, which bring the characters and story to life. The storyline offers a fresh perspective by focusing on Jecka, providing dramatic and emotionally intense endings that deepen the lore. The inclusion of multiple endings and extra videos adds replay value for dedicated players. The game retains the dark humor and quirky style that fans of the series appreciate, with some routes delivering memorable and engaging moments despite the overall darker tone.

Criticisms

The most common criticisms revolve around the excessive and unsettling foot fetish content, which many players found off-putting and disproportionate to the rest of the game. The gameplay is often described as lacking meaningful choices, making it feel like watching a movie rather than an interactive experience. The narrative is darker and more depressing, with no positive endings for the main character Jecka, leaving players dissatisfied. Additionally, the game is shorter than previous entries but priced similarly, leading to concerns about value for money. Some also noted a decline in humor and interactivity compared to earlier games in the series.