Catherine: Full Body

When I first heard about Catherine I was very intrigued by the visual novel part of the game, it was the first time I saw anime as a video game, however I never had the opportunity to play it. Until one day I have seen a gameplay and learnt it wasn't a visual novel, but a puzzle game that had only a few of its scenes as anime, the game is mostly CGI and the visual novel bit is quite secondary to the game, even though that is what will guide you to one of the several different endings the game has.

So, finally, I had the chance to play this game, not only that but in an upgraded version in Catherine: Full Body and I was disappointed. I found the puzzles quite boring and repetitive, each different night is the same things, the only difference is that you get a new type of block each night (a super heavy block, a block that crumbles, a trap block, a slippery block), in the end it doesn't even make that much different when doing the puzzles because it is just too simplistic.

However, what kept me hooked on was the story, but the thing is, I hate how Vincent overshares his life, when his friends are liptight. Fella is open his heart and when his friends are asked about their lives they will try their best to avoid talking about it. Also the NPCs have some little importance, but it is annoying to listen to what they have to say because say an event X happens, most NPCs will talk about that event, so it is, once again, repetitive. There are some NPCs that have stories of their own, but some of them are cringeworthy.

In the end, not even the story was able to kept me hooked, I was playing in Japanese because there are SEVERAL voice actresses that you can pick to voice Catherine, I myself picked Mamiko Noto, but there are several other voices that give Catherine different vibes, which is really good, such a shame the English dub didn't do that.

Everyone complains that there aren't any new ideas or originality has died so its interesting to me that one of the most original games on the market now is a remaster of a game released in 2012. Catherine is a puzzle/horror/romance game and while that sounds insane, it turns out to be a fantastic mix. I'll start with the puzzle aspect which finds the right combination of being challenging without being insufferable. The task is continually building a staircase while the tower crumbles and you're being chased by a monster that varies from level to level. They combine it with the horror elements and while it can be frustrating (like any puzzle game) its so rewarding when you conquer a stage. The blocks vary and they introduce new elements as you progress to keep things fresh. One of the additions to the gameplay is that there are features like autoplay to show the player the route or to skip a difficult section. You also get block formations that can only be moved in their entirety. It can be difficult to strike a balance between giving gamers something to chew on to people throwing their controllers and rage quitting. I think Full Body hits that sweet spot like my personal favourite Portal 2 did before it.

Other than switching up some elements in the puzzle solving gameplay, the biggest addition to this remaster is the new love interest Rin and some additional scenes with Katherine and Catherine. Starting with Rin, this game rights a wrong that was one of the few flaws of the original release. There's a lot more to Rin than meets the eye and not only is she a joyful and comforting presence in both this game and in Vincent's life, they go to some uncharted waters with how the character rounds out. To my surprise though, I thought it was done in a very sweet and respectful manner. After the reveal, the game got an emotional response out of me and I was impressed. They handle a difficult choice with so much tact and even if you're not on board, they switch it up and throw new elements into it in the end. I have to congratulate the developers and the writers for pulling this off in such a kind way, it also helps you forget about a certain character who was not shown the same kindness in the original release. The added scenes also add much more dimension to Katherine especially, she's very cold in the original release and these scenes help give her depth and help you see her side in a less icy perspective. She's all business and to the point in the present but her relationship with Vincent grew organically overtime and she's got a different side to her that could come back if given the opportunity. Excellent ideas and great execution all the way around with these additions.

Getting to our protagonist, Vincent is easy enough to identify with. He's not the everyman you want to root for but he's got a goofy charm and he's the type of guy who means well but always is putting his foot in his mouth or is too awkward to convey his feelings. He's well voiced by Troy Baker in the English version (actually the whole voice cast is very good) and other than him not being able to talk to Katherine for whatever stupid reason (just like any romantic comedy out there), he acts in a way you can understand. Considering what he's facing night after night, I felt sorry from him. But we not only watch Vincent's story, we get a voice in it because you help decide the ending in this game. You are asked questions throughout Vincent's trials and your answers to them determine who Vincent ends up with and which ending you get (there are multiple endings). I love games that give you a chance to choose where the story is going to go and this is another example of letting you into choose where Vincent's story goes.

I don't have many complaints to list off about this. The first thing I'll say is that this game won't be everyone's cup of tea. Its weird, it hops across genres without a care in the world and isn't afraid of alienating the player. So as much as I'm continually praising Catherine, check out the marketing material before buying it because its a cult classic as opposed to a huge hit for a reason. The next is that instead of toning it down, the game plays more into the sexual elements (in the intro especially) and it can be kind of awkward. I was playing this with a friend and after the opening titles he was looking at me all bug eyed and asking if it was going to get pornographic (it doesn't). This choice didn't wreck my enjoyment but it was an odd decision that could alienate some players. It also can be pretty difficult, depending on which difficulty setting you decide to play at. But I would argue that's any puzzle game.

This game is a hidden gem, it doesn't appeal to everyone across the board and the risqué content is going to have the opposite effect for some gamers. But I appreciate this game for not only being unique but being excellent at what it decides to do. It's fantastic and I recommend it highly. If you're interested, watch a playthrough online and if you're still intrigued, I think its even worth buying at full price.

Catherine: Full Body a very ambitious re release, That's truly adds on a new flavor that wasn't in the original game.

The gameplay is truly brain tingling, It looks simple at the Beginning just moving a few block to make a staircase, But it escalates quickly, It will demand precision and forward thinking approach, That is down right maddening in the later levels.

But before I know it, I was truly lost in the box gameplay. It is engaging, it is hard, I had to think before I acted, but it is satisfying.

It looks great, It hasn't changed much from the PS3 Xbox 360 days, but it looked great from the start and now it's sharper. Art style hold up completely it, is great and sexy and cute, it is such a amazing art style, that gives character at adult feeling.

The ost is Golden, it sounds great a lot of jazz tunes that have been stuck in my brain. Certain ost music gives me chills down my spine, because of the horrible block puzzle levels, i was stuck on while listening to it.

The story is great about the main character being 33 and not willing to commit, and that shenanigans happens at the bar, and he has to fight for his life at night.

The cast is great full of character that are distinct with their own personalities, and the male friends feel like people that I have met in my life, They are very relatable

It's just so great seeing a game that is about adult relationship, and the hardship of having to choose between Freedom or order.

And for returning players from the first game, we have a new character, a cute character, a great character, a character that I want to protect Qatherine/Rin. Rin gives a entire new ending and really fun new parts of the game, that I did not expecting but greatly enjoyed.

I think this is a great re release that has a way Full body taste to it, and I would really recommend it, It is great.