There was never a game quite like Catherine. Developed by Atlus, the story of Vincent and the women in his life weaved a tale of love and infidelity. The game came out in 2011, so why are we talking about it now? It seems that Vincent is back climbing with a remaster and a remake of the original game. Catherine Full Body brings the game to modern consoles with new puzzles, new endings, and a new character.
Vincent might be in his early thirties, but he is still trying to avoid being an adult. His girlfriend, Katherine, is waiting for him to propose. The idea fills him with such dread that he spends his nights drinking with his friends at the Stray Sheep. During a particular thirsty night, he meets Catherine, a blond ready for some fun. Vincent wakes up the next morning with Catherine in his bed. He is horrified, but Catherine won’t go away. Vincent will have to weave a series of lies while dealing with the two women and trying to discover what is going on.
Catherine is split into two parts. The first is a visual novel as you discuss your life with your friends and the women in your life. The second part takes place when Vincent falls asleep. Looking like a half-man half-sheep, Vincent has to climb a tower that is consistently changing and crumbling. There are also monsters that will climb after him. Reaching the top, the player must answer questions about the things that are most important to them. These might be nightmares, but they also might be giving clues.
Catherine Full Body adds some improvements to the original game. Some of the tower stages are new and two players can try their luck in a multiplayer dash. If you just want to experience the story, a safe mode can be enabled that takes the danger out of climbing. The biggest change is the introduction of a new character, Rin, short for Qatherine. A neighbor of Vincent, she plays the piano at the bar. Fans of the original game might warn you that the women have a secret, and Rin is no different. When it was reveled, I was shocked and happy. Games have come along way.
Catherine Full Body is a full priced game, so should fans of the original give it a try? You might discover that besides Rin, the endings have changed as well. One I was not particular fond of, but the others give more weight to the store of Vincent. If you have never played the original, this game is a must. The story and actors maake you feel the weight of what happens when you start to become an adult. This game is not preachy, but you might be talking about it long after you have ascended the tower.
8/10
Available on PS4
