Catherine

 PlayStation 3
User Score
8.2

Generally favorable reviews- based on 520 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 408 out of 520
  2. Mixed: 69 out of 520
  3. Negative: 43 out of 520
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  1. kitsoon
    Aug 25, 2011
    9
    Just a disclaimer, I haven't completed the game yet, but this is one of the more original and interesting games I've ever played. The questions and choices you are faced with have moral weight and are difficult to answer. A better karma system than inFAMOUS/inFAMOUS 2. The puzzle style gameplay of the nightmare, is fun and extremely challenging. The little things in this game count, theJust a disclaimer, I haven't completed the game yet, but this is one of the more original and interesting games I've ever played. The questions and choices you are faced with have moral weight and are difficult to answer. A better karma system than inFAMOUS/inFAMOUS 2. The puzzle style gameplay of the nightmare, is fun and extremely challenging. The little things in this game count, the way Vincent walks around the bar with his hands in his pockets like the hip 30-something he is and then begins to stagger from table to table after a couple drinks.… Expand
  2. raihidara
    Aug 16, 2011
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I'm so disappointed in this game. What started out as a great, unique game is completely ruined in the end. If you're looking for a good story, you need to look somewhere else. It's great all the way until the very end, where it goes into the usual anime melodrama and absurdity and ruins EVERYTHING that came before it. Instead of being a simple, mature story with a little touch of the supernatural, it goes way overboard and loses any sense of tone that came before it. I almost feel like the writers were scared to keep this story grounded in reality. But if you are playing Catherine for the gameplay, it's fairly decent, just a little bit on the hard side. I'm talking harder than most Contra games. I'm pretending the ending didn't happen, it's the only reason I rated this in the positive category.… Expand
  3. TheMAdMonkey42
    Aug 16, 2011
    10
    The best game i played all year with a deep and compelling story line hard as nails difficulty and a very fun puzzle sequences. Going away from the usual formula of games that are released every other week. Catherine offers something new, fresh and warped. BUY IT!!!
  4. Watermelon789
    Aug 15, 2011
    9
    Catherine excels and put in shame other games for the big originality it has. Big depth in the characters is important, the gameplay is simple , of course the simplicity comes with struggles ( you will see why) the anime art style is marvelous perfect drawn models, goofy crude humor right on the menu definitely tells you that this isn't for child ( of course it isn't ). Atlus co. isn'tCatherine excels and put in shame other games for the big originality it has. Big depth in the characters is important, the gameplay is simple , of course the simplicity comes with struggles ( you will see why) the anime art style is marvelous perfect drawn models, goofy crude humor right on the menu definitely tells you that this isn't for child ( of course it isn't ). Atlus co. isn't one of the most known companies out there but their games obligatory needs to be in your library. Catherine is just marvelous.… Expand
  5. Darkenrahl30
    Aug 13, 2011
    8
    Interesting to say the least, and I feel slightly weird playing it while my wife is in the room, haha, but still is a good title to play through and enjoy the naughtiness of it all!
  6. huw12313212
    Aug 13, 2011
    8
    great plot. new game play is cool. but trap cube is unnecessary , just wasting time. and mystery pillow is stupid.... still a good game to play. but I got a bad ending : (
  7. ArkonBlade
    Aug 9, 2011
    8
    i like games that are differnt and try to be abit fresh and Catherine is certainly in that catagory. in this day in age we drowned in recycled crap trying to be spoon fed to us by hollywood or the gaming industry who who fear they will be rejected if they try some thing new and inovative . thats not to say being inovative cant fail but atleast i can respect some one trying to think outi like games that are differnt and try to be abit fresh and Catherine is certainly in that catagory. in this day in age we drowned in recycled crap trying to be spoon fed to us by hollywood or the gaming industry who who fear they will be rejected if they try some thing new and inovative . thats not to say being inovative cant fail but atleast i can respect some one trying to think out side the box. Cathrine is a puzzle game for the most part with the story revolving around your choices of eather sticking to the girl you've spent years with and wants to move your relationship to the next level or going for the other girl who is more of a free spirite . i found the story intresting although i wish i had more choices in what i could say in conversations to give me more of a feel like i was choosing my path more. the story is deffinitly more on par for the older gamer and id say even older then 18 more like mid 20s or older . who can probubly relate more to whats going on . the puzzle part of the game is kind of fun and engauging putting alot of thinking into your next move . it is also kind of hard later on in the game you have very little time to think on your next move and the game can be frustrating . it would have been nice if they varied up some differnt kind of puzzles besides climbing a block tower and there was more of a free roam aspect to the game letting you do more but i knew what i was getting from the demo and dropped my $60 to support a game that ultimatley deserves it . Catherine may not be perfect but it is fun and it is new and its worth a purchase if thats what you want in your gaming and are tired of all the same old crap.… Expand
  8. spydercanopus
    Aug 9, 2011
    8
    Replay-ability is not what it could have been. The dialog is exactly the same regardless what color your good/bad meter shows. The puzzles were surprisingly fun, and I don't consider myself a fan of the genre. However the story is solid and most of the endings are really good. I really do wish there were different dialog or clips all through the game depending on your choices. OnlyReplay-ability is not what it could have been. The dialog is exactly the same regardless what color your good/bad meter shows. The puzzles were surprisingly fun, and I don't consider myself a fan of the genre. However the story is solid and most of the endings are really good. I really do wish there were different dialog or clips all through the game depending on your choices. Only the endings differ.… Expand
  9. David89
    Aug 8, 2011
    10
    Catherine is a realy great game, i feel that the ending that i got was perfect for the way that i played the game. As a complete package the game is very fun and breath of fresh air in this era is stale sequels, prequels and just mediocre games but....... its not for every one, if you're into anime, adult themes, puzzles or just want to play something like you've never played before iCatherine is a realy great game, i feel that the ending that i got was perfect for the way that i played the game. As a complete package the game is very fun and breath of fresh air in this era is stale sequels, prequels and just mediocre games but....... its not for every one, if you're into anime, adult themes, puzzles or just want to play something like you've never played before i strongly recomend this game.… Expand
  10. JPoppaWUSC
    Aug 4, 2011
    10
    Despite all of the dread and complaints about Catherine's difficulty, I found that it fell perfectly into the challenge level that I expect from a good puzzler. I completed the game my first go-around on Normal difficulty, then moved up to Hard once I felt like I had surpassed the steep learning curve, which the game does a great job of maintaining through technique suggestions andDespite all of the dread and complaints about Catherine's difficulty, I found that it fell perfectly into the challenge level that I expect from a good puzzler. I completed the game my first go-around on Normal difficulty, then moved up to Hard once I felt like I had surpassed the steep learning curve, which the game does a great job of maintaining through technique suggestions and gradual introduction of new elements. That's actually one thing I greatly appreciated about Catherine's pacing, too; the constant addition of new block types, variation between boss patterns, and a shifting of theme and environment with each tier of the tower all keep the game fresh through its 10 to 15 hours. While it may take significantly less time for some gamers to breeze through the story mode, making complete use of social elements, playing the Rapunzel meta game, and talking to all of the sheep on the landing areas will lengthen the experience. The game also has eight possible endings (though it would not be necessary to beat it eight times to see all of the possibilities), contains unlockable local multiplayer, and provides puzzle variants through the randomized Babel stages. Co-op is a blast with someone of [at least] moderate intelligence. I also think it's worth noting that the storyline is remarkable, albeit a bit silly with one or two of its many twists. The voice acting is good, at least up to par with other Shin Megami Tensei and Persona titles, and the influence of personal choice can be felt in the branching cinematics. I was pleasantly surprised to see many Persona elements carry over to Catherine, as your interaction with the patrons of the Stray Sheep bar and the nightmare victims can alter the story in subtle ways, giving Catherine a more customized feeling than one might expect. In short, this is a tremendously satisfying game that works on every level of its action-puzzle-horror-sim mashup, and if you're looking for a more unique and mature addition to your stale 7th generation game library, Catherine will definitely fit the bill. Just be ready to die a lot until you get the hang of things. Easily one of my favorites from the past year. Now, on to El Shaddai...… Expand
  11. worldscolliding
    Aug 3, 2011
    8
    Subtle, mature, psychological game and that's just the storyline. The puzzle sections are challenging but it's worth getting through them to get to the next story part.
  12. Gard
    Aug 3, 2011
    9
    I liked this game and recommend to anybody who has younger brother as I do. We played it together an enjoyed a lot! Puzzles and platforms are very hard, be prepared!
  13. atlusfan88
    Aug 2, 2011
    10
    Atlus is amazing, Team Persona is the same. Catherine is an unique addictive puzzle game with a mature history told very well. If You like in general a nice story with amazing characters YOU HAVE TO BUY IT.
    Stop with these shooters, enjoy Catherine.
  14. astrid12
    Aug 2, 2011
    10
    This game is solid. It's fun, challenging, original, interesting, and contains content that could create deep conversations about love, sex, and relationships. There are very few games out there that can be deeply analyzed and opened with critical thought. Catherine is a game that can easily stand up there with movies like American Beauty, Burnt Money, and An Education (in terms on theirThis game is solid. It's fun, challenging, original, interesting, and contains content that could create deep conversations about love, sex, and relationships. There are very few games out there that can be deeply analyzed and opened with critical thought. Catherine is a game that can easily stand up there with movies like American Beauty, Burnt Money, and An Education (in terms on their topics of sex). The puzzles are incredibly difficult but then again, so can a relationship between two people. This game reminded me of the time when I was in a tough relationship, I couldn't even sleep because I didn't know what I would do the next day. Catherine's nightmare puzzles are like that only I didn't die and here, you will die...a lot. NOTE: This game is definitely not for everyone and when it says it's mature it's not lying, and like another reviewer said, not just in content but in context, the conversations, innuendos, and metaphors will pass over those who don't get it, a child will not play this game unlike Black Ops or Assassin's Creed, and will probably limit the experience of Catherine. If you want something original, different, well made, and incredibly interesting Catherine is for you.… Expand
  15. TXTSWORD
    Aug 1, 2011
    10
    Thank you, Atlus. I've been playing the **** out of this game, and I don't regret my purchase like many games. The soundtrack is fantastic, as is expected of the Persona team. The art direction... I'm just in love with it. This game has so much personality - western games take note. Initially I was worried I wouldn't enjoy the actual puzzle gameplay, however I think it was masterfullyThank you, Atlus. I've been playing the **** out of this game, and I don't regret my purchase like many games. The soundtrack is fantastic, as is expected of the Persona team. The art direction... I'm just in love with it. This game has so much personality - western games take note. Initially I was worried I wouldn't enjoy the actual puzzle gameplay, however I think it was masterfully executed. The easy difficulty is a perfect place for anyone to start and learn how the puzzles work and how to think in blocks. I think this is the best example I've seen of gameplay that can be extremely accessible to new players but also can present a challenge and real skill-based fun for experienced players. Normal is a completely different game from easy, and the tension of play can often feel similar to playing a shoot'em'up, which I loved. The story is wonderful and interesting - and I'm sure a lot of people can relate to Vincent. I typically am not a fan of story driven games, but I couldn't even bring myself to give a **** when I was watching a long cutscene or something. I liked the persona-like interaction elements with fellow climbers, and the text message system was probably the best dialogue system I've seen. The dialogue system as well as the "morality" meter are both things that make me think "Hey this is kind of like what Mass Effect did minus the horrible fatal flaws." I just really hope everyone gives Atlus all their money and persona 5 is on it's way. :)… Expand
  16. Turboski
    Jul 31, 2011
    9
    Catherine is easily the most thought provoking game I've played this year both on mental and emotional level. It doesn't hurt that the art, music, story, and gameplay are exceptional. In fact the only thing holding the game back is the difficulty can be punishing even on Easy. Even so the difficulty is never to the point of stopping progression as the game prepares and teaches playersCatherine is easily the most thought provoking game I've played this year both on mental and emotional level. It doesn't hurt that the art, music, story, and gameplay are exceptional. In fact the only thing holding the game back is the difficulty can be punishing even on Easy. Even so the difficulty is never to the point of stopping progression as the game prepares and teaches players techniques as the game progresses and gets harder.

    TLDR; If you don't mind a modest puzzle challenge and are mature enough to handle the adult themes, this could very easily be GOTY-worthy for you.    … Expand
  17. JudgmentJay
    Jul 31, 2011
    8
    Catherine is a unique and challenging puzzle game with a great story. Graphics and aesthetics are very pleasing. Music is nothing to write home about, but fits the game nicely. The story is captivating and interactive with many choices that can alter the story/ending. This makes for great replay value. The core gameplay, the puzzles, ramp up in difficulty quickly and have a steep learningCatherine is a unique and challenging puzzle game with a great story. Graphics and aesthetics are very pleasing. Music is nothing to write home about, but fits the game nicely. The story is captivating and interactive with many choices that can alter the story/ending. This makes for great replay value. The core gameplay, the puzzles, ramp up in difficulty quickly and have a steep learning curve, but are satisfying once you've mastered the game's many techniques used to manipulate and navigate around the blocks. One gripe I have is that while skill and quick thinking are very important, trial and error and memorization play too big a part in solving some of the puzzles... particularly the ones later in the game. Gamers looking for both a great story and a challenge should enjoy Catherine.… Expand
  18. IHopeYouDie
    Jul 30, 2011
    9
    First thing first, it look phenomenal... For the first time in a Japanese game, the game looks practically like the Anime sequence which also are incredibly well done...The music is also awesome and the voice acting is, for the most part, outstanding... The story is awesome, but at the end, the multiple ending aspect hurt the whole experience cause if you're not an extremist, it will notFirst thing first, it look phenomenal... For the first time in a Japanese game, the game looks practically like the Anime sequence which also are incredibly well done...The music is also awesome and the voice acting is, for the most part, outstanding... The story is awesome, but at the end, the multiple ending aspect hurt the whole experience cause if you're not an extremist, it will not feel rewarding enough... The play-time for completion depend if you take you time to enjoy the little things but it variate between 8 and 14 hours on easy mode (which permit you to undo a move, making the puzzle a lot easier) So in other difficulty, boost that time cause you'll have to retry the puzzles more (But there's check point so that's OK)... Finally, puzzles have a good difficulty... On easy, you may have to retry a couple times, but nothing too frustrating... On the other difficulties, you need instinct and patience but there's the option to lower difficulty so... yeah... no big deal... Only complaint, in the 5 last puzzles, the first 3 and the last one don't really accomplish anything and the one before the last puzzle have a boss with cheap attacks...… Expand
  19. hogworthy
    Jul 29, 2011
    3
    Just too much on the difficulty scale!!! The anime/choice sequences are the shining portion of this game. The action/puzzle portions are so difficult that they take away from the experience. Attempting to get to the next anime "daytime" requires you to spend all of your patience on a "nightmare", to the point of actually rejecting the game as a a whole. Don't get me wrong.. the gameJust too much on the difficulty scale!!! The anime/choice sequences are the shining portion of this game. The action/puzzle portions are so difficult that they take away from the experience. Attempting to get to the next anime "daytime" requires you to spend all of your patience on a "nightmare", to the point of actually rejecting the game as a a whole. Don't get me wrong.. the game is beautiful during the non-action portions... but if you have to an action sequence 13 times, start over and try it 7 more times, and finally get to the next chapter just to see the good stuff... that I can't deal with. I have been playing video games since 1985 and I am opposed to ANY game that is this inaccessible. There was no sense of accomplishment due to the lack of any increase of ability of the characters. This could've been a great anime film if there was no game play at all.… Expand
  20. seieko_pherdo
    Jul 27, 2011
    10
    While many might have been turned off by the news of this game that's been spreading around those who stick with and can handle how ruthless this game is will be rewarded. I know some who might complain about the meter system in regards to what you make Vincent believe in it works well for this game. When your not pushing blocks to save your boxer short wearing ass you spend the timeWhile many might have been turned off by the news of this game that's been spreading around those who stick with and can handle how ruthless this game is will be rewarded. I know some who might complain about the meter system in regards to what you make Vincent believe in it works well for this game. When your not pushing blocks to save your boxer short wearing ass you spend the time talking to people some which you'll meet during your climbing escapades. While the social interaction isn't as good as it was in Persona 4 it's still enjoyable as are the characters. The story is a blast and is very amusing to watch. Not only that once you overcome the numerous block puzzles you will feel proud of yourself. I don't even remember the last time I felt so rewarded after playing a game for the current generation of games. But be warned in on easy difficultly this game is a lofty challenge and once you get past stage two you'll find yourself dying, a lot. Those who preserve however will be rewarded and once you beat the game once you can climb blocks with friends to see who's the puzzle master among anyone else who plays this game. While the game isn't perfect any of the grips I have are small and since it's the first game to make me feel fulfilled in the entire year I've owned a Playstation 3 I'm giving it a ten.… Expand
  21. Lieufa
    Jul 27, 2011
    8
    If Catherine is anything, it's unique. You'll notice it from the second you turn it on right up until your closest hand is smashing the rage-quit button on your console. If you don't like a challenge, stay far away; even the easiest of Catherine's play modes can be grueling. While certainly not a perfect game, Catherine has enough content and story paths to keep a player interested forIf Catherine is anything, it's unique. You'll notice it from the second you turn it on right up until your closest hand is smashing the rage-quit button on your console. If you don't like a challenge, stay far away; even the easiest of Catherine's play modes can be grueling. While certainly not a perfect game, Catherine has enough content and story paths to keep a player interested for many hours - so long as you're willing to put yourself through the pain of failure a few times.… Expand
  22. Dyskresiac
    Jul 27, 2011
    10
    FINALLY!

    A game that is intended for adults. And no, I don't mean the Bulletstorm "12 year olds pretending to be adults" demographic. REAL adults. It's not just the subject matter, either. The game is hard, as in you actually have to think. You WILL die, you WILL struggle. And that'll only make you that much more determined to find the solution and climb. And that's the    FINALLY!

    A game that is intended for adults. And no, I don't mean the Bulletstorm "12 year olds pretending to be adults" demographic. REAL adults.

    It's not just the subject matter, either. The game is hard, as in you actually have to think. You WILL die, you WILL struggle. And that'll only make you that much more determined to find the solution and climb.

    And that's the beauty of it that has been missing from so many games for so long. Most of us grew up on games that made us start over when we shut it off, and while Catherine doesn't go that far, it still pushes you to use your noggin, as a good puzzle game should.

    I realize the Puzzle Genre isn't for everyone, but the game market has been virtually dead outside of Tetris/Bejeweled knockoffs (Which are a different kind of puzzle game.) It's a welcomed change, and it's enjoyable. In addition, Catherine hits on the simplicity of games in the past. Like a good, perfectly cooked steak. It's not fancy. It doesn't try to woo you with inedible garnishes and sauce smeared on your plate. Catherine is, at its core, a fantastic puzzle game. Pushing boxes, but delivered in a method that you wouldn't expect. There's a reason why ATLUS games have the highest price retention out of any other publisher. Persona 4 is still $35 at Gamestop and it's a PS2 game. ATLUS makes quality games that people won't want to give up. Catherine will be no different.    … Expand
  23. Alter
    Jul 27, 2011
    10
    Catherine is a wonderful break from the typical mentality of gaming (Which has devolved to spending mindless hours behind the barrel of a gun and shouting obscenities into the microphone). It's a step back towards games on the original PlayStation that really have been lost due to the influx of social shooters. Puzzles and platforms are it's strong claim to retro fame in a new age conceptCatherine is a wonderful break from the typical mentality of gaming (Which has devolved to spending mindless hours behind the barrel of a gun and shouting obscenities into the microphone). It's a step back towards games on the original PlayStation that really have been lost due to the influx of social shooters. Puzzles and platforms are it's strong claim to retro fame in a new age concept and coupled with one of the most visually stunning experiences I have experienced on the PlayStation 3. If you've played Qbert or Croc, or even Gex back in the day you will find yourself loving the nostalgia while deeply drawn into the excessively frustrating yet highly addictive game-play. There are very few flaws with this game, the difficulty is sky high but it's a breath of fresh air to see a game these days that will challenge you again and again around every corner. The voice acting is spot on and the Anime cinematic scenes are very new age anime and really moving towards what looks to be a strong new style for Shin Megami Tensei games. Should they put out another game like this it would be in their best interest. If you enjoy games that will bring you to the point of tears in frustration while still making you want to keep playing you've found the exact game for you. It is not a game for people who do not think constructively, and I do not suggest playing on Normal or Hard your first time through, but it is well worth all of the effort. This is one of the great games and I hope to see more just like it.… Expand
  24. BubblegumImp
    Jul 27, 2011
    7
    A breath of fresh air in a gaming landscape cluttered with military shooters. Catherine is a unique and engrossing experience which features some of the highest production values I've seen in years. If you don't have any strong distaste for anime, play it now.
  25. Muffersx
    Jul 26, 2011
    10
    It makes me want to snap my controller in half, but that's what makes it worth it's weight in gold. Along with a challenge that is about up there with mega man and battletoads, it contains a visually stunning cinematic and storytelling experience. If you are looking for something that is truly unique... this is it.
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Awards & Rankings

69
#69 Best PS3 Game of 2011
24
#24 Most Discussed PS3 Game of 2011
6
#6 Most Shared PS3 Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 61 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 46 out of 61
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 61
  3. Negative: 1 out of 61
  1. Games.cz
    Oct 17, 2012
    90
    A gorgeous hybrid. It's a puzzle-solving platformer and sexually-forced anime that's been combined into a well balanced title. The game is going to please the fans as well as it will whet nosy parkers appetite for actually playing it. It shows the Japanese developers know how to appeal to European and American gamers without giving away the bizarre ideas trademark.
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  2. CD-Action
    Mar 13, 2012
    75
    An interactive story enriched with puzzle elements or an arcade/puzzle game with an exceptionally mature and expanded plot – depends on how you look at Catherine. Either way it's both frustrating and fascinating. [April 2012, p.80]
  3. GameOver.gr
    Mar 5, 2012
    70
    One of the most obscure games we've ever seen. It's not a platformer and it's not an adventure game, but it combines elements of these two genres in a spectacular way. If it wasn't for the -sometimes- extreme difficulty and some poor design, Catherine would have been a must-have.
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