Happy Halloween gamers. Today’s review is a unique platform puzzle with Horror elements from the creators of the “Persona” series. What happens if you have nightmares based on someone you love and have an affair with another person? Solution? Climb to the top of a tower to end it. High Concept is none other than “Catherine.”
Released in 2011 (same year The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim came out) on PlayStation 3, Catherine received positive reviews from critics and gamers alike. Eight Years Later, it was re-released as “Catherine: Full Body” on PlayStation 4 with more new stuff. The game eventually became available on the Nintendo Switch. First time I’ve heard of Catherine, was a review on Toonami.
Prior to playing Atlus’ game, I thoroughly enjoyed playing “Persona 5: Royal.” An upcoming remake of “Persona 3” will be released on February 2, 2024 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. As a gamer and lifelong Toonami viewer, I wanna share my thoughts on this unique game. By the way, “Persona 5: Tactica” will be released on November 16, 2023. Catherine counts as Horror related for Halloween.
Atlus’ upcoming remake of “Persona 3” will be released in 2024 on PlayStation 5.
Heaven & Hell Aspects
Heaven: Troy Baker, Laura Bailey both did an excellent job for their respective performances.
Graphics and Cutscenes resemble an anime.
Vincent Brooks has known his girlfriend, Katherine (with a K) since high school. After a boozy one-night stand with a blonde woman named, Catherine (with a C) Vincent’s caught in a dilemma. Meanwhile, several people mysteriously die from sleeping. Speaking of which, Vincent has nightmares based on his predicament. To stay alive, he must climb to the top. If he doesn’t make it, he’ll die for real.
Gameplay/Mechanics
- Presented as a platform puzzle, you play as Vincent, climbing his way to the top of a tower made of blocks. Grab a few blocks to create a path of stairs. They can either be pushed or pulled.
- Block variety including normal, ice, trap, explosive, immovable and spring.
- Obtain a few power-ups such as an energy drink will let you jump, a pillow to restart a level, a bell turns every block into normal ones and a book that kills enemies in standing in your way.
- Golden Playhouse is the single-player campaign.
- Babel’s a 1-2 player mode. A breather from the Main Story. Invite a friend to test your skills.
- A Karma Meter depends on your choices. A specific one will determine the outcome of Vincent’s fate and Character Development.
- Before you enter a stage, Confessionals will ask you a question. Choosing one a good or bad answer affects Vincent’s relationships with Katherine, Catherine & Rin.
- Depending on your high score, you earn coins. You can also collect some lying on a block. Spend your coins on an item. You’re gonna need it.
- Like Persona 5, Vincent can interact with his friends and customers at a bar. Speaking to a specific character will give you a dialogue choice regarding the Karma Meter. Drinking alcohol gives you trivia on drinking culture. Be careful, drinking too much will affect Vincent’s movements in a future level. Text message the girl you want or not. Be nice or a straight-up jerkstore.
- Once you beat the game, you can replay it for alternate endings.
Full Body adds new treats.
- A new character named, Qatherine or Rin for short. A pianist who also becomes a part of Vincent’s conflict. She also assists you in stages.
- More challenging stages known as “Remix” put your mind to the test. Think you can endure new blocks?
- If you play on Safety or Easy Mode, a feature allows you to skip a stage in case you’re having a hard time progressing. Normal or Hard difficulty won’t let you win easily.
- Atlus’ “Persona” series features various tracks on the jukebox.
DLC adds a more stuff including a Persona 5 themed level, playable characters including Joker from the aforementioned game and commentary from Joker’s team “Phantom Thieves of Hearts.” More bang for your buck.
It took me 8 hours and 30 minutes to beat the game. You get replay value for an ending you want. Whether it’s good or bad.
Primary Themes are Infidelity, Commitment, Choice & Freedom. Each one’s handled carefully.
There’s a few twists and turns that’ll make you gasp.
Hell: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Atlus an Extra Point for making a flawless game as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Catherine: Full Body is a unique platform puzzle game. All the positive things listed, indicates why this game is a masterpiece. If you’re a fan of the Persona series, Catherine: Full Body’s worth every penny.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 