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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. dan2600
    Oct 12, 2012
    10
    A game that must be played. Really its 2 game at the same time. Primarily it's an Awesome arcade style puzzle action (Q*Bert evolved) increasingly complex as you move on. I played on Normal so far. Some puzzles i would get stuck at for awhile, but never frustrating...just challenging and FUN. Then the 'side-game' is similar to a japanese Dating sim/interactive movie, and it is equallyA game that must be played. Really its 2 game at the same time. Primarily it's an Awesome arcade style puzzle action (Q*Bert evolved) increasingly complex as you move on. I played on Normal so far. Some puzzles i would get stuck at for awhile, but never frustrating...just challenging and FUN. Then the 'side-game' is similar to a japanese Dating sim/interactive movie, and it is equally entertaining. The story isn't anything THAT amazing, but it's at the level of a network TV show, and its entertaining enough to keep you involved. The story also evolves around how you play, so there is replay value. You wouldn't think a block puzzle game would have character development...but this one somehow pulled that off, and all the characters are not only likable, but genuinely interesting. Just about beat it at the time of writing this review...looking forward to giving it another go on the hard difficulty! A few minor complaints. the biggest being that the level music is too heavy, and the loops are too short. While it is actually really well produced video game music...it gets really repetitive. Also the controls can be a little finicky if you move to fast, and a few of the later levels are kinda half-assed, but then they pick up again. No deal breakers

    it's one of the few games i WISH there was some DLC for...i would love more puzzels...a user puzzle creator/sharer woulda have been nice too! Lets hope for a sequel!    … Expand
  5. 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
  6. 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.
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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.
  10. DeLeon
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    One of the most unique games this generation, this is what we need to have variety!!!!! loved every second of it, try it even if it looks too anime for yoo I garatee you will never forget it
  11. 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
  12. 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!!!
  13. BedtimeBear79
    Nov 17, 2011
    10
    Catherine tells a wonderful story of a middle aged man trapped in wanting to be serious but scared of the changes commitment may bring to his life. The game is unique. It brings what ICO brought to the PS2 to the PS3, something different done extremely well. The puzzles are addicting to play but can be quite difficult to navigate, which is the point, but with a little time and practice ofCatherine tells a wonderful story of a middle aged man trapped in wanting to be serious but scared of the changes commitment may bring to his life. The game is unique. It brings what ICO brought to the PS2 to the PS3, something different done extremely well. The puzzles are addicting to play but can be quite difficult to navigate, which is the point, but with a little time and practice of the different ways to navigate learn and being quick with the eye you can become a StairMaster. The Story is downright excellent. Involving a love triangle between a Vincent, Catherine, and Katherine. Vincent struggles with his choices and night faces his worst fears when he goes to sleep as a testament to things he has done. Catherine is a must play for any one who calls themselves a true gamer.… Expand
  14. tearsoftime
    Dec 1, 2011
    10
    Catherine is a game where you move blocks around in a nightmare while being attacked by sheep, robot babies, vaginas with tongues coming out of them, and all manner of other beasts (such as a gigantic manâ
  15. wesker2012
    May 27, 2012
    10
    One of my favorite games this generation and of all time. This game is a great original title. The game's story is unique and the puzzling action is awesome! Very challenging and you feel so great when you accomplish the missions. Also the versus mode is a lot of fun with a friend!
  16. BraveRobot
    Jul 23, 2012
    10
    If you like Kafkaesque worlds, engaging stories, challenging puzzles or if you
  17. ExprS
    Sep 29, 2012
    10
    This is one of the most innovative games ever made and diserves the attention of those who want to try something totally new. A impressive history, told through well writen dialogs and a puzzle kind of gameplay that is hard to not fell atracted. If you like the kind of game that brings new ideas try this one out!
  18. Kaniya
    May 1, 2013
    10
    its quiet rare that sometimes in a generation few games turned out that are totally different from all the games in the market, the most horrifying fact is that are they any good Catherine is one of those kind of games People who were behind persona have came up with such a game for this generation and as you know about Persona series well of corz, Catherine is one hell of anits quiet rare that sometimes in a generation few games turned out that are totally different from all the games in the market, the most horrifying fact is that are they any good Catherine is one of those kind of games People who were behind persona have came up with such a game for this generation and as you know about Persona series well of corz, Catherine is one hell of an experience that no other game has given to u !
    Story starts of with a guy called Vincet and his life and his girlfriend, whose name is Katherine, and well he meets a seductive woman in bar called Catherine and he cheates on Katherine and well you will fall into story as it goes it turn very attracting and interesting that i dont want to spoil anymore ...
    gameplay is being devided to two sides, just like Persona series, one in real world as you go around and interact with other characters and one in Vincent's dream where you end up in an interesting puzzle, you have to climb up a tower which is made of different cubes, there are many traps along the way and you have to open you way by moving cubes along to top of the tower, as you get closer to the end of the game these puzzle start to become SURPRISINGLY DIFFICULT that may be frustrating.
    But what satisfies the gamer most is the adult oriented story, its about relationships and so on, which other games doest pay attention to it that much other than other ATLUS games ...
    graphically and artistically catherine has much to show off, beautoful colors in the world and nicely drawn and developed characters and so on.
    I picked up the Collection edition at the first day, it was kind of a weird CE since it gives u a pervert feeling with having boxer, sexy pillowcase and catherine shirt in it WTF !
    but overall
    its fun
    cuz whatver this game offers you is much different than any other exicting game in this generation, of corz the kinda same will be the P4G for vita.    … Expand
  19. zhihui
    Jan 20, 2013
    10
    Catherine is a game that must be played. The game is solid. It's fun, challenging, original and interesting. It can be hard at times, but once you finally get the hang of its unique gameplay, you'll be hooked.
  20. BassManga
    Mar 31, 2013
    10
    Brought to us by the same team that created the legendary JRPGs Persona 3 and Persona 4, Catherine is a game that had "risk" written all over it. Outside of this title, I don't know any other Dating Sim Puzzle games. It is a unique creation. But what is most important about this risk, is the fact that it worked really well! It has fantastic visual and audio design, along with gameplayBrought to us by the same team that created the legendary JRPGs Persona 3 and Persona 4, Catherine is a game that had "risk" written all over it. Outside of this title, I don't know any other Dating Sim Puzzle games. It is a unique creation. But what is most important about this risk, is the fact that it worked really well! It has fantastic visual and audio design, along with gameplay that is easy to get into and evolves with each new challenge and techniques provided, and a dark-humoured adult story that can go in a variety of directions, providing us with multiple outcomes and excellent replay value. In a world were shooters and platformers are given the most attention, this game really deserves a look.… Expand
  21. AJQaht
    Jun 26, 2013
    10
    This is a fantastic game with unique style and beautiful personality. I've been waiting for a long time for a game with a mature theme and by that I don't mean a game like duke or gta filled with swearing and nudity no, this game will make you think about what is right or wrong in a relationship and you'll get to choose every crucial decisions Vincent have to take. The story line is anThis is a fantastic game with unique style and beautiful personality. I've been waiting for a long time for a game with a mature theme and by that I don't mean a game like duke or gta filled with swearing and nudity no, this game will make you think about what is right or wrong in a relationship and you'll get to choose every crucial decisions Vincent have to take. The story line is an amazing breath-taking experience and I liked the ending (note: there is 8 different endings!).

    The game-play is actually fun and changeling not cheap but some times you may give up and search for a walk-through to solve a puzzle. Soundtrack is awesome and fits the game perfectly.    … Expand
  22. Onlytruereviews
    Jun 30, 2013
    10
    I DON'T KNOW WHY PEOPLE DON'T SEE THE TRUE VALUE!
    I had to convince my mom for two years to let me play this game, finally on my birthday, she let me get it. All I can say is that it was worth the wait! in the game, you're Vincent Brooks, a man who is frightened when his girlfriend, Katherine starts talking about marriage. That night, he gets drunk and sleeps with this blonde chick,    I DON'T KNOW WHY PEOPLE DON'T SEE THE TRUE VALUE!
    I had to convince my mom for two years to let me play this game, finally on my birthday, she let me get it. All I can say is that it was worth the wait! in the game, you're Vincent Brooks, a man who is frightened when his girlfriend, Katherine starts talking about marriage. That night, he gets drunk and sleeps with this blonde chick, Catherine! In the game, the choices you make determine whether you go with Catherine or Katherine! During night time, you have night mares where you need to climb a different tower every night, or you die. After you complete a tower, you can socialize with other sheep, which are human men, and save.the way you talk to them, or if you talk to them at all, can lead them to life or death! After the landings, you enter a booth where they ask you questions like, "have you cheated" and stuff like that.these questions and the way you socialize determine which ending you will get. Overall, best game ever! Partial nudity (you can't see everything) strong language, alcohol and tabacco, and blood.    … Expand
  23. TheDavyStar
    Jan 15, 2017
    10
    Has there ever been a game which can be called perfect?
    Everyone has their favourite game, the one they can't put down. My favourite has radically changed as I have thought of it,from Fire Emblem to Xenoblade to Shin Megami Tensei IV, but I realised that all of these had flaws. They were flawed classics. Which is why Catherine takes a special place in my heart. To me, it is the only    Has there ever been a game which can be called perfect?
    Everyone has their favourite game, the one they can't put down. My favourite has radically changed as I have thought of it,from Fire Emblem to Xenoblade to Shin Megami Tensei IV, but I realised that all of these had flaws. They were flawed classics. Which is why Catherine takes a special place in my heart. To me, it is the only videogame which has 100% delivered on all the various things it has promised.

    Catherine is all about Vincent, a bum who's tied down by his girlfriend Katherine. Katherine is pressuring Vincent to marry her but he is scared to commit. Around this time the sexy, cheerful Catherine appears to Vincent, and after a one-night stand, he finds himself having to choose between the two very different women. Choose Katherine and he's committing himself to shackles for a lifetime. Choose Catherine and he's debasing himself and abandoning true love for a life of sex and selfishness. BUT! Each night Vincent is forced to climb a deadly tower each night until he gains "True Freedom", whatever that may mean. If he falls off the tower in his dreams, he dies in real life, and there's been a string of such murders recently. The story and character development is brilliant, with everyone getting a good look-in and Vincent's resolve changing to the tune of the 8 different endings you can get, which are all satisfying and reflect the player's own opinion regarding the topic of relationships.

    It's a very interesting story and setting, standing as a criticism of the traditional heterosexual hunter-gatherer relationship, and the social pressure to commit to the perhaps-unrealistic dream of a happy-ever-after world. Yet on the other hand, it is also criticises the increased liberalism of modern society that has normalised sex-first relationships and led to people perceiving romantic partners as more disposable. Catherine is predominantly about heterosexual relationships, and I don't think that's a bad thing. I think that there's potential in a sequel or spinoff depicting homosexual relationships, but there are dynamic differences that would best be depicted in their own story rather than potentially being relegated to a subplot/thrown into the main plot at the risk of causing it to lose focus. That, and anime is notorious for stereotyping gay characters (though things are improving, they weren't really there back in 2011),so it's best that writers stick with what they know.

    The gameplay is very clearly split between reality and dreams. During the day, you watch the story progress as Vincent hangs out with his fellow down-out-of-luck friends at The Stray Sheep. Naturally many of its customers are men who are lost in love and don't know what to do (though there are some women thrown in). You can sit down with these NPCs and chat, and discover more about their life and their thoughts on cheating, commitment and such.

    At nighttime it all changes. To climb up that tower I mentioned, Vincent must push and pull blocks to he can climb up said tower. If you've played Pullblox on 3DS, it's like that but on acid (though Catherine came out before Pullblox). The gameplay is oddly hypnotic and very difficult, but it is very rewarding and a solution is always there. The levels are impeccably designed. Hats off to the boss stages, which contain bosses that represent Vincent's inner fears of the real world. They're insanely creepy and have interesting designs. You literally get chased by a vagina at one point early on! Also, remember those NPCs? They appear in this shared dream that you have, each talking about things they are more reluctant to share when in the bar. Talk to your favourite NPCs often or they might die like the others on the news!

    The sountrack is decent. I don't hate any of it really. There's a few standouts, including some nice riffs on old classical tunes.

    Catherine hit me like no other game has. The reason for this is hard to explain, but when you get it is's so easy to understand. In spite of all of it's insane quirkiness and supernatural elements, Catherine manages to be an intensely relatable game which discusses the important issues of conservative and liberal approaches to love and sex. There will be no game like Catherine, a game that is so proud and bold in its depiction of sex and lust , but so thoughtful in how it does so. It's one of the few reasons i got a PS3 and for the bargain that was £1.49 on sale, I cannot be happier. No game better represents Atlus as a creative force.    … Expand
  24. Breikzer
    Nov 19, 2013
    10
    This games is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I do not remember when was the last time that I enjoy so much a game. Catherine is perfect in very much senses. Great graphics, great puzzles, great sound and oustanding story. Besides, is a mature game, fun and interesting. Just it is a MASTERFUL PIECE.
  25. Naga-Sama
    Jun 15, 2014
    10
    1- This game is Hard! if you are poor of patience you'll outrage before even before starting the real challenge.
    2- This game is for adults! not age speaking but brain speaking, you won't find any boob floating on screen, ingame polls speak clearly of the age needed (20-40).
    3- This game is fairly outside the standard cliches of gaming. Enough to be a "must have" of the console (and    1- This game is Hard! if you are poor of patience you'll outrage before even before starting the real challenge.
    2- This game is for adults! not age speaking but brain speaking, you won't find any boob floating on screen, ingame polls speak clearly of the age needed (20-40).
    3- This game is fairly outside the standard cliches of gaming. Enough to be a "must have" of the console (and also enough to get bad results in critic because of people claiming to be experienced).    … Expand
  26. bluishcatbag
    Sep 8, 2014
    10
    An oddly refreshing smoothie. Snippets of **** drama, fun dialogue, erotic eye fulls, interesting questions all held together by force of challenge. In-game constructs rotate through a diverse range of set-ups that all hinge on the axis of puzzles. Character interactions are obviously limited, but the polarizing of Catherine and Katherine alone give this game ample replay value. ThereAn oddly refreshing smoothie. Snippets of **** drama, fun dialogue, erotic eye fulls, interesting questions all held together by force of challenge. In-game constructs rotate through a diverse range of set-ups that all hinge on the axis of puzzles. Character interactions are obviously limited, but the polarizing of Catherine and Katherine alone give this game ample replay value. There are moments that the puzzles can become mind-splitting and maddening. It is a very intensely punishing game with all the carbonated anime aesthetics and rewarding cut scenes to keep you clinging on out of willpower and excitement. If you're in for a different ride and have the patience to problem solve then I wholly recommend.… Expand
  27. TheGoodGoat
    Feb 10, 2015
    10
    This is my first review on here and I chose this game because it is unique and fun. A lot of people here complain about the difficulty on even the easy level. I had little trouble beating the game on normal, though I died many times. Some of the deaths were due to the sometimes confusing camera and others were due to mistakes made during the puzzle. The puzzles are challenging but areThis is my first review on here and I chose this game because it is unique and fun. A lot of people here complain about the difficulty on even the easy level. I had little trouble beating the game on normal, though I died many times. Some of the deaths were due to the sometimes confusing camera and others were due to mistakes made during the puzzle. The puzzles are challenging but are intuitive (once you understand how the blocks can and can't connect) and by the end of the game, 2 or 3 techniques is all you need to beat the game.

    Perhaps the best part of game is the story and the decision making process that the protagonist must go through. What is portrayed as the generic "good choice vs bad choice" dynamic quickly turns out to be something a little different. The questions are not the clear cut obvious right answer and obvious wrong answer. Some of the questions make you think and the game, using online data gathered from other gamers, lets you know how other people have answered the same questions. The way the questions are answered, combined with other decision making within the game, lead you to one of many endings, some of them wholesome and conclusive and others bordering on the ridiculous.

    Overall, Catherine is a great game with a lot of unique elements and a great story filled with metaphors, allusions, trivia, and dilemmas.

    Good for: Puzzle gamers, anime fans, fans of story driven games, fans of philosophy, fans of psychology and fans of sociology.

    Not suited for: Those who like easy games.    … Expand
  28. TheAdjuster
    Jan 5, 2016
    10
    This is the most unique, daring game I've played in the last 5 years--and the most satisfying. The story is amazing and more than makes up for any shortcomings in the puzzle aspect of the game. I would love to see more games like this from Atlus, dealing with adult themes.

    This is probably a Western bias, but I much prefer plots dealing with college life or beyond instead of the usual    This is the most unique, daring game I've played in the last 5 years--and the most satisfying. The story is amazing and more than makes up for any shortcomings in the puzzle aspect of the game. I would love to see more games like this from Atlus, dealing with adult themes.

    This is probably a Western bias, but I much prefer plots dealing with college life or beyond instead of the usual high school setting.

    Please please please port this to the PS Vita!!!!!

    And please give us a sequel!!    … Expand
  29. AmiiSkyKaos
    Sep 3, 2015
    10
    This game gave me nightmares, had me on the edge of my seat and easily my 2nd favorite game of all time! An amazing and freaky story that keeps you playing and wanting to know what happens next, the gameplay itself is simple yet brilliant and stressful but never impossible if you put your mind to it, you move blocks and climb, face enemy sheep and climb, get chased by a mad gf or fetus orThis game gave me nightmares, had me on the edge of my seat and easily my 2nd favorite game of all time! An amazing and freaky story that keeps you playing and wanting to know what happens next, the gameplay itself is simple yet brilliant and stressful but never impossible if you put your mind to it, you move blocks and climb, face enemy sheep and climb, get chased by a mad gf or fetus or worse and climb ... JUST DON'T FALL! nothing I say can do this game justice… Expand
  30. mtg837
    Oct 28, 2015
    10
    I wanted to go back and write a review on one of my favorite PS3 games -- Catherine. This is a true puzzle game, one that relies on your ability to think both critically, and (as the game progresses) more and more quickly.
    The plot is fresh and well developed. You are a young programmer on the cusp of taking the "next step" with longtime girlfriend Katherine. All of a sudden, though,    I wanted to go back and write a review on one of my favorite PS3 games -- Catherine. This is a true puzzle game, one that relies on your ability to think both critically, and (as the game progresses) more and more quickly.
    The plot is fresh and well developed. You are a young programmer on the cusp of taking the "next step" with longtime girlfriend Katherine. All of a sudden, though, a young beauty interrupts your stable life. Her name? Catherine. The resulting conundrum forces the protagonist into a kind of metaphorical dream-scape, in which he must make his way to the tippy top of a series of towers, all by using blocks that he can push, turn and cilmb. As he makes his way through this trippy reality, filled with monstrous re-imaginings of life's key decisions (one boss is a gigantic, hideous baby,) he's forced to make decisions that will ultimately decide the outcome of his life. The game asks the player a series of questions, and by the game's end, you may end up with Katherine, Catherine, or, perhaps, you'll be doomed to live in this dream world forever...
    As far as game-play goes, Ezra Pound (who famously said to writers "make it new,") would be proud. Lots of games come out well polished with fun gameplay, but ninety nine percent of them feel like some kind of iteration of a different game. (Madden 2016 feels like 2015, MGSV feels like MGS1V, and every FPS ever feels like Unreal Tournament.) Catherine is a completely new experience, yet somehow also feels very polished, as if it's the third or fourth sequel in a series. Giant block puzzles need to be climbed quickly, because as you ascend you'll notice the ground beneath you begins to fall into blackness. If you don't want to fall with them, you'll need to think on your feet. As you progress the blocks fall faster, the puzzles get more complicated, and "trick" blocks will make things even harder (some blocks are covered in ice which you will slide right over, others have spikes that shoot out and kill you. Some explode.) These trick blocks need to be both avoided and used to your advantage, and the game does a fantastic job of providing puzzles which test the limits of your critical thinking and your imagination. Bosses are a blast as well. They're both visually interesting and more challenging, as they will sometimes hurl things at you to knock you off the climb.
    Overall this game merges a frame narrative RPG with a true puzzle experience. For smart gamers, this one should be on your shelf. .    … Expand
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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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