Catherine Image See the trailer
Catherine
Xbox 360
Atlus
Release Date:
Also On: PlayStation 3
Metascore
82
Based on
39 Critics
User Score
7.9
Based on
139 Ratings
Summary Back to top
Catherine is an action adventure game from Atlus.
Starring: Liam O'Brien, Katsura Hashino, Laura Bailey
Developer: Atlus
Genre(s): Horror
# of players: 1-2
Cheats: On GameFAQs
Rating: M
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Critic Reviews Back to top
Positive:
32
Mixed:
6
Negative:
1
100
1UP
Jul 19, 2011
In an era increasingly defined by developers' ever-growing fear of creating anything that isn't a safe, conservative million-seller, Atlus' willingness to create and publish something as unique as this is truly commendable. Best of all, it's not just a weird game -- it's a great one, too.
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91
Game Revolution
Jul 31, 2011
Its mature themes, both sexual and religious, never step beyond the bounds of vulgarity and are treated respectfully and provocatively: It's actually mature. For that alone, and paving the way for a new modern hybrid of video games, Catherine should not be forgotten to the lamen silence of the lambs.
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90
IncGamers
Feb 6, 2012
For all intents and purposes, Catherine makes a mockery of the term video 'game' and what most people associate with the term. Yes, Catherine is a game, but it's also so much more than that. By placing you so elegantly into Vincent's world, and doing so in a way that makes you feel as though you are Vincent as opposed to 'just' playing as him, Catherine manages a level of intrigue so rare in the boxed console game space.
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85
GameSpot
Jul 21, 2011
Catherine is involving, intense, and unlike anything you've ever played.
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80
Gamereactor Sweden
Feb 6, 2012
Both the nightmarish story and the puzzle levels work very well indeed in this unique title. And there are sheep. Lots of sheep.
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80
GamesRadar
Jul 25, 2011
Catherine is a breath of fresh air, an experience that is silly, fun, and serious all at once. Whether you're looking for a one-night stand or a long-term commitment, we highly recommend giving it a shot.
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40
Giant Bomb
Jul 28, 2011
Catherine's limited character interaction, shallow characters, and monotonous puzzles combine to form a unique experience that feels frustratingly limited in every respect.
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User Reviews Back to top
Positive:
32
Mixed:
3
Negative:
1
10
Just2RateD3
Sep 27, 2012
Not a mainstream game by any means and that is one of the many things to like about it. The story is unique and very intriguing, so much soNot a mainstream game by any means and that is one of the many things to like about it. The story is unique and very intriguing, so much so that there were more than a few times where in my mind I knew I should call it a night, but I always wondered what was going to happen next so I kept going. I am not a puzzle guy so the game was pretty hard in some areas, but with enough practice and online help I was able to make it through the game on normal and view all of the endings without it being too frustrating or easy. If you like games that keep you mentally involved and you are looking for something different, give this a try. The price has dropped down to below 30$ in most places from what I have seen.… Expand
10
deathbystereo77
Oct 21, 2011
This game is really something else. If you're up for a challenging game with a flavor unlike any other games out there, check this game out.This game is really something else. If you're up for a challenging game with a flavor unlike any other games out there, check this game out. It is a serious mind-bender and the story delivery is like a movie. I rate it very highly because of the willingness of ATLUS to go outside of the box and deliver a game that is satisfying in a world of many games that seem the same (at least to an experienced gamer like me).… Expand
10
ovoon7
Jul 28, 2011
This game is sublime. Atlus proves yet again to be the best game studio/publisher in existence. Atlus, don't stop publishing games. Also, theThis game is sublime. Atlus proves yet again to be the best game studio/publisher in existence. Atlus, don't stop publishing games. Also, the Persona team can't be beat.… Expand
9
ageofwinter
Nov 16, 2012
I was sceptical about buying this when I first heard of it, the only reason it caught my interest was because Atlus was developing it, andI was sceptical about buying this when I first heard of it, the only reason it caught my interest was because Atlus was developing it, and they created my favourite series Persona. I took a risk, spent the money and boy was I happy, I really like the branching storylines, the texting while in the pub, and the arcades reminded me a bit of Shenmue. The story is absolutely fantastic & dark, just what Atlus is known for. The cutscenes are superb & the artwork is fantastic. The puzzles get increasingly tougher, I often go back to the game just to do a few puzzles, they're a blast to play through. I would recommend this game to anybody.… Expand
8
Swimming_MANGO
Jan 7, 2012
When I first heard of Catherine, I was told it was a game heavily influenced by the Japanese culture, heavily story based, and a puzzle game.When I first heard of Catherine, I was told it was a game heavily influenced by the Japanese culture, heavily story based, and a puzzle game. While all of these things are correct, I myself was worried when I bought it because I find it very difficult to relate to characters in Japanese games, when they're presented to the western culture, and therefore the story of many of these games simply isn't very good. This is most definitely NOT the case with Catherine. Atlus has done a very good job or combining the physical attributes of the Japanese culture with the feel, and atmosphere of the western culture, and I was able to relate to the characters, and enjoy the story.
The game play of Catherine is either one of two things: navigating a tower of blocks to climb it, and ultimately reach the top of the current tower, and escape before the tower collapses or the Boss of the final tower of the night kills you. The other segment of game play is in the local bar while the character is awake, talking to the other characters, and uncovering more of the story. Both are very simple, linear, and frankly can get boring, if the tower of blocks being the puzzles aren't kicking you in the @$$ that is. The story is truly where the game shines. Without spoiling the game, I can say that the story is about the protagonist Vincent, and his situation of having to choose between his long-time girlfriend, and accepting responsibility, or going off with this new girl with the same name who appears as Vincent's dream girl. This however is not the entirety of the game as a strange murder mystery is also wrapped into the story, as well as Vincent finds himself being forced to climb or die in his dreams. As as with a common movie myth, if Vincent dies in the dream, he dies for real. Without saying anymore of the story, it is a riveting experience, and while the puzzles are repetitive, and lacking in entertainment, I found myself pushing through each puzzle to make it get further in the great story.
The graphics are good, with an anime/manga design to everything (criticize all you want over which it is I'm not active in the culture, and you get the gist of what I mean) which while at first may turn off players like myself, I quickly found it to fit with the story quite well, and I didn't mind after a few minutes into the game. The game however is also set up like an interactive movie, which is an interesting decision, which fits well, and helps to set Catherine apart from all the other games (not really necessary though as it is clearly far from the regular). All in all, Catherine is most definitely an interesting experience, but not for those who prefer game play over story. However if you want a good story out of your games, and you don't mind a sometimes annoying puzzler then Catherine is most definitely your game. It should also be noted that buying the game at regular $60 price, I also got the game's soundtrack FOR FREE adding to the dollar value of the game. Great game, Great story. Can't wait to see what Atlus does next.… Expand
7
drlowdon
Feb 27, 2013
Probably best described as an interactive story puzzle game Catherine certainly won’t be appeal to everyone but it there is certainly nothingProbably best described as an interactive story puzzle game Catherine certainly won’t be appeal to everyone but it there is certainly nothing else quite like it.

The main bulk of the gameplay, the puzzle element, involves climbing a set of blocks in order to reach the top before the blocks below you fall or, as is the case on some occasions, a nightmarish creature kills you. As the game progresses further complications, such as slippery ice blocks, are added to up the challenge making the game fairly difficult on anything above the easiest setting.

In between these block climbing puzzles the game tells the story of Vincent, a man in a serious relationship with a woman named Katherine that finds himself waking up every morning with the seductive Catherine in his bed and no idea how she got there. Depending on the decisions made by the player when asked questions after each puzzle section or when talking to patrons of the Stray Sheep Bar, which acts as a kind of game hub, each cut scene (and the story as a whole) plays out differently. Just how these two separate elements are linked is integral to the story and so I wont spoil it here.

As I said at the start of this review this is not a game that will appeal to the masses but anyone looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary could do a lot worse than give Catherine a try.… Expand
2
RickyBooby
Mar 16, 2012
I'm still at a loss as to why anyone suggests this game. It's classified action adventure, but I saw neither in the amount of time I couldI'm still at a loss as to why anyone suggests this game. It's classified action adventure, but I saw neither in the amount of time I could stomach playing it. I'm more a fan of playing games than reading them. If you like reading simulators, and you like Japanese style games, and you don't believe "fun" needs to be included, boy is this the game for you. If you treasure a good time, and playing more than reading, you'll want to skip this one. It has generated a cult following, and that makes sense. You should join a cult if you enjoy this game. The "puzzles" are less interesting than a game of Tetris, and the conversations are more ridiculous than a mediocre JRPG. It was painful to play through the little bit I did.… Expand
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