A nice port (get it?)

Atlus is one hell of a company. Following up on its success with the Persona, Shin Megami Tensei, and Etrian Odyssey series, the publisher decided to release a little old game about climbing blocks in a nightmarish hellscape and navigating (sometimes hell??ish) relationships.

Catherine is just as good now as it was in 2011. The question is whether ??or not the new "Full Body" additions are worth double-dipping for.

Catherine: Full Body (PS4 [reviewed], Vita (Japan only)
Developer: Atlus (Studio Zero)
Publisher: Atlus
Released: February 14, 2019 (Japan), September 3, 2019 (WW)
MSRP: $59.99

Catherine: Full Body is basically a beefed-up, touched-up version of the original. Before I begin it's important to note that this release is $60, and the PS3 version can be purchased for around $15 new, even less used. Catherine Classic is on Steam for $20. Now I know a lot of you don't own a PS3 or game on PC, but I thought I'd point that out: you can decide if it's worth the difference by the time this ?review is over.

More cutscenes, more characters, more music, more levels, more multiplayer pretty much describes Full Body to a tee. There's more concessions for a lowered bar of entry with accessibility ??options, which don't shame the player and still offer up the chance to fully experience the story (wi?th in-game toggles if you just need help on a more difficult part). Wait, puzzles? Yeah, this relationship simulator has puzzles: lots of them!

You step into the shoes of Vincent: a 32-something man in a relationship who wakes up in bed with another woman near the beginning of the narrative. Vincent's efficacy as a character and as a metaphor for commitment have been debated over the course of the last seven years; but I think the Catherine team is capab?le of striking real, poignant, and relatable chor?ds throughout the story.

That's partly because there isn't any real meat on Catherine's bones. Most of the narrative parts take place in a divey bar, complete with a dedicated drink button, the ability to chat with patrons and friends, and answer text messages from your potential relationships (the count is upped from two to three in Full Body with Rin). Occasionally you'll get the chance to make major choices that impact the story and converge into one of the (now) 13 ?endings. It's a unique-as-hell game, dotted?? with subtle and obvious symbolism for responsibility and adherence to the past.

To help facilitate the new story, more anime cutscenes have been added, and the touched-up visual style looks somewhere around the neighborhood of a remaster. It's not like cutting-edge graphics really serve to enhance a game like this that's mostly spent in menus or staring at dialogue boxes, but some of the game's more sanctified puzzle a?rena backgrounds do look markedly improved.

As was always the case, the narrative can be hit or miss. Rin is an interesting character at first, but some of the choices for her story end up not really following through. With that said, she doesn't feel tacked-on at all: like she always meant to be there, and even influences gameplay slightly with her piano-playing skills. Honestly, I'm in it more ??for the puzzle aspect, and this timeless formula sti??ll delivers.

Ah, so on those elusive puzzle bits! Imagine Q*bert on crack and you'll have the basic gist down. Each evening Vincent is thrust into a "Nightmare," a series of vertical labyrinths stacked on high with cubes. With a simple control scheme in hand (movement, one button to pull/push blocks, and a sparing power-up press) you'll need to grab blocks and climb your way to the top to avoid falling to your doom or getting eaten by a monstrosity (which serve as the level series bookend boss fights). When you hit the top Vincent will wake up, have another livin??g nightmare of a day, then go back at it until he discovers why this is happening.

Given the unique rule sets of the block physics and the sheer number of different types strewn about the game, there are frequently multiple ways to solve each tower. The action is also well-paced, as there is a sense of urgency to it all, but in a contained way that doesn't turn Catherine into a button-masher. It's incredible how well this idea holds up eight years later, and how much it forces you to think out of the box: some of the later puzzles are more delightfully devilish than Seymour Skinner. The same goes for the bite-sized in-universe arcade game Super Rapunzel, which apes the main cube concept.

Perhaps the most long-lasting Full Body feature is multiplayer. In case you haven't noticed, Catherine is basically played as a fighting game at many FGC events. Multiplayer is online-enabled and immediately available (without having to finish the campaign once), with new stages to boot. Local play is also in with the cha??nce to play co-op or versus, the former of which informs the overarching universe of the game with more lore bits. It's the kind of old-s??chool flair you'd expect from Atlus, and with more levels, it's just as resplendent as it was in the original version.

Catherine: Fully Body contains many of the blemishes from the original but doubles down on the amount of puzzles, which is a net gain. If you already had y??our fill though, you may as well catch up on some of the new endings and call it a day.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

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Which Rin should I choose?

Those wishing to get a taste of what's new in Catherine: Full Body can now head onto their PS4s and download the new demo. Sega and Atlus have uploaded the sampler to the PSN for everyone ahead of the remaster's September 3, 2019, launch. While only a small portion of what the full game will have, the demo tasks you with making a decision between which Catherine you'll pursuit.

From what I played at E3, Full Body feels like a very faithful update to the cult classic game. I'm not sure about some of the finer details regarding the new character, Rin, or how certain story segments will play out, but the game isn't far from release. With only a few short months left, why not give this latest demo a try and see if Catherine is right for you. Katherine may be a better fit for the more co?nservative among us, however.

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Gallery Nucleus will host the event

Atlus has announced that it will be teaming up with Gallery Nucleus to put on a Persona 5 Royal and Catherine: Full Body art gallery in LA next month. Similar to what Sega held last year for Yakuza 6, this exhibition will be a showcase of various pieces related to the games in questio??n. There is set to be some kind of interactive installation (likely related to a famo??us landmark from the game) and a photo-op wall.

Running from August 17 until September 1, 2019, the showcase will feature tribute art for both titles as well as pieces created by fans sourced by Gallery Nucleus. Special pieces of licensed Atlus merchandise will be available for purchase durin?g the gallery's duration. Not only that but on opening day, famed character designer Shigenori Soejima will be making an appearance.

Soejima will be present from 1:00 pm PST until 7:00 pm PST on Saturday, August 17. He'll be hosting a special opening day ceremony and panel where fans will be able to ask questions and get items signed. Pre-registration for the opening day event will begin on August 2? over on Eventbrite. Whi?le admission is free, spots will be limited, so make sure to bookmark this page to remind yourself.

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This game came out in 2011 and is still relevant

Catherine is a shining achievement for ??Atlus. It's? out of their classic JRPG comfort zone and managed to spawn a speedrunning/competitive fighting game community out of it, on top of everything else it accomplished. It's no wonder why we're getting a re-release.

The confusingly phrased "enhanced port" is still coming westward in September, a whole seven months after Japan received it. Dubbed "Catherine: ?Full Body," this PS4 (and?? Vita, in Japan: RIP) port boasts new content and enhanced visuals, as well as a Japanese audio track for the localization. It is indeed, full bodied.

Never played it before? I'd hate to spoil it for you, but Catherine is a rad, weird adventure that combines Q*bert style gameplay with a heavily occult-based dark romance motif. Odds are you've probably hea??rd your friends rave about it: come September, you'll probably just want to finally pull the trigger already. The new trailer below should give you a basi??c idea.

If funds are an issue, note that you can get the PS3 original for under 10 bucks used: so you have plenty of time to continue waiting to find out if all of the Full Body extras are enough to justify that very new $60 price?? tag.

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Coming on PS4 this Fall

Atlus has finally announced a western release date for Catherine: Full Body, the revamped edition of 2011's sexy-scary puzzler. This version ??of the PS3 and Xbox 360 classic will be arriving on PS4 September 3, though it seems the PS Vita port may not be arriving with it.

Catherine: Full Body reunites protagonist Vincent with Catherine, Katherine and all-new gal Qatherine (or "Rin" for short), three very different women who turn his world upside down. Full Body features new cut-scenes and an expanded story, along with a host of new features and mechanics for use in the game's block-shoving puzzle segments. The western release will ?include both the English and Japanese dubs.

Also revealed was Full Body's "Heart's Desire Premium Edition", featuring a hardcover art book, steelbook casing, a collector's box, the game's soundtrack and a sheep plushie. It also contains the game itself, because we live in a world where I have to clarify such things. This edition is available to pre-order today over at the official site.

Catherine: Full Body launches in North America and Eur??ope September 3.

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Erica, Toby and pals step up to the challenge

Atlus has revealed, via Famitsu, that multiple cast members will be getting in on the block-shoving action of Catherine: Full Body next month, as a selection of DLC chara?cters are launch?ing alongside the remastered puzzle title.

The "Additional Playable Character Set" is launching as day one DLC (of course) and features a bunch of recognisable faces from Catherine's story, who can be used in the game's Colosseum and Babel mode. This set includes all three "Catherines" alongside Orlando, Toby, Johnny, Erica, Toby and Boss, all of whom are prepped to wrap their heads around Catherine's puzzles.

Catherine: Full Body launches in Japan next month, on Valentine's Day no less, and is a remastered and revamped edition of the bizarre 2011 release. A western localisation has been confirmed, but we are yet to receive a launch date. A special announcement is also planned for this Fr??iday, so maybe we'll have more news for you then.

Catherine: Full Body launches in Japan on PS4 and PS Vita Feb??ruary 14.

Additional Character Set coming to Catherine: Full Body [Famitsu / Ryokutya2089]

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I should write something...

Persona 5's handsome protagonist Joker is a busy kid. In between clearing Momentos of shadows, sitting his exams, and micro-managing his relationships with about ten different women, he's also found time to show up in Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Atlus' upcoming remaster, Catherine: Full Body.

In fact, Atlus has released video of the Phantom? Thief in action, as he deftly climbs a tower in the block-sliding puzzle adventure. Cheered on by his associates, we get to see Joker utilise the same stealth tactics and acrobatic movements that saw him through his own 100+ hour adventure.

Joker, who can be used in Catherine's Babel and Colosseum modes, is a pre-order bonus in Japan, and will be made available to purchase separately at a later date. Catherine: Full Body launches in Japan February 14, on PS4 and PS?? Vita. A western release is confirmed, but not currently dated.

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Doesn't sound too baaaaahd

This coming weekend sees Nakano Central Park in T??okyo hold its annual Sheep Festival. I'll just right that again. Sheep Festival. Where folk gather from near and far to enjoy and celebrate lamb-related products.

In keeping with the upcoming festivities, Atlus has declared this week "Sheep Week" and plans to drop and series of trailers and contests pertaining to the upcoming release of Catherine: Full Body, which drops ?in Japan o?n PS4 and PS Vita February 14.

Having already released videos of Catherine's alternate voice actors, the rest of this week will see a Japanese twitter contest, a new trailer for the game, and the second in the weird "Theater of Love Problems" series. Catherine: Full Body will also be on show at the Sheep Festival itself, with a VS mode tournament also being streamed live.

Catherine: Full Body launches on PS4 and PS Vita in Japan on February 14. A w?estern localization is confirmed, but there is no s?pecific date window as of yet.

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All gain, none of the pain

The main website for nightmarish sexy-time title Catherine: Full Body has been updated by Atlus, giving us a little more information on the new difficulty modes being implemented i?n the weird anime puzzler.

As displayed by the videos below, it looks like anybody who just wants to dive into the weird troublesome triangle of romance in Catherine's ??story won't h??ave to strain themselves too hard when it comes to the game's block-climbing puzzle sections, as the new Safety Mode gives a plethora of options including removing traps, the time limit, and backpedaling whenever you make a mistake.

If that isn't enough, then you can straight up order the game to play itself, leaving your hands free to make a sandwich, create some ice sculpture, or check that Instant Gram site that all you ??kids are in?to.

For Catherine vets?, the new Arrange Mode will shake up all of the stage layouts and even add n??ew block shapes, in order to give you a fresh new experience with its array of mind-bending stages.

So it looks like whether you're a Catherine beginner, pro, or simply don't want to do any work at all, then Full Body will have you covered. Now, all we need is a date for the confirmed western localization. Catherine: Full Body launches in Japan on?? PS4 and PS Vita February 14.

Catherine:?? Full Body new diffic?ulty modes explained [Official Site]

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That's 'Qatherine' to you, buddy

Atlus has released a brand new trailer for the upcoming remake of the bizarre, sexy, mind-snapping puzzle adventure Catherine: Full Body. The lengthy four-minute clip features footage from the remake's anime cutscenes, in-game machinima and platform-hopping puzzle s??equences.

Along with the new video, pink-haired new star "Rin" has been officially dubbed "Qatherine". In a bizarre new feature, multiple soundtracks have been added, allowing players to pick from eleven different voice artists to play the role of blonde-haired temptress Catherine. Weird. As previously announced, new optional tweaks will give the player the opport?uni?ty to breeze through the game entirely with the minimum of effort. Go back a move, climb with one button, puzzle restart, the works.

A special edition has also been announced for Japan. The set will contain a copy of the game on PS4 ??or PS Vita, various in-game items, limited-edition artwork, a f?our-disc soundtrack set and a 44-page artbook, all housed in gorgeous new packaging.

Keeping the weird factor at an all-time high, Atlus has also noted that Joker, protagonist of super-popular RPG Persona 5, is to be made available as a DLC character. The heart-stealer can be used in Catherine: Full Body's Babel and Colosseum modes, all whilst his fellow Phantom Thieves provide commentary. You certainly didn't see that coming.

You can check out the new marketing reel below. I got a real kick out of the 2001: A Space Odyssey spoof. Catherine: Full Body launches on PS4 and PS Vita in Japan February 14, 2019. A western release is confirmed, but no date is forthcoming ?as of ye??t.

Catherine: Full Body new trailer and details [Official / Gematsu]

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Which Catherine will be your Valentine?

Speaking in the latest issue of Japanese publication Famitsu, Atlus has revealed that surrealist puzzle sequel Catherine: Full Body will not meet its intended Winter 2018 release in Japan, but will ??be arriving on PS4 a??nd PS Vita in time for Valentine's Day, February 14, 2019.

The remake to the weird-but-wonderful PS3 nd Xbox 360 title will once again see neurotic protagonist Vincent battle within in his he?art, soul and mind over a trio characters; Catherine, Katherine and all-new third-wheel, Rin who are a part of his living-nightmare of a life. Players will guide Vincent through his weird dramatic exploits, while also taking on the fiendish puzzles that made the original title so addictive.

Although many elements of this re-release are still shrouded in mystery, Atlus has revealed that a new trailer will debut as part of an upcoming live stream which will take place September 15 at 19:00 JST. Catherine: Full Body will also be fully playable at the Tokyo Game Sho??w 2018, which t??akes place from September 20.

Catherine: Full Body launches on PS4 and PS Vita in Japan February 14, 2019. Though the game has been confirmed for western release, t?here is currently no specific date

Catherine: Ful??l Body launches in Japa?n February 14, 2019 [Famitsu]

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Team Catherine, Katherine or Rin?

Documentary-maker Archipel has released a short spotlight video focusing on Atlus' stalwart character designer and lead artist Shigenori Soejima, responsible for the awesome characters of the Persona games, and currently hard at work on the expanded re-release Catherine: Full Body.

The video features footage of the incredibly talented Soejima at work, sketching out the troublesome trio of Catherines that bring distraction, drama and block-based puzzles into the life of protagonist Vincent. Soejima lets us in on his initial concepts behind Catherine's wonde?rful cast of characters, and how they developed over the course of the game's design.

We also get to see behind the closed doors of Katsura Hashino's Studio Zero, and man, that looks like a pretty chill place to work. I wish I could speak Japanese... and design video game characters, draw, and function among other people on a daily basis. You can check out the documentary below, and find Archipel's other videos right here.

Catherine: Full Body is tentati?vely set for release in Japan on PS4 and PS Vita this Winter. The rest of us won't see it until sometime in 2019.

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Puzzling no longer mandatory?

Atlus have released some more details on the PS4 remake of the block-puzzle-meets-social-drama title, Catherine: Full Body. The revamped PS3 and Xbox 360 title was announced a fortnight ago, and raised eyebrows with its bizarre trailer last week.

The new details are a little scattershot, coming across, frankly, like a page of catchphrases and buzzwords than actual info. But, reading between the lines, we learn that Full Body will feature new episodes that will push the "Catherine-style path of righteousness" forward. New endings have been created for all three Catherines, who are all apparently "Even more aggressive and even more erotic and even more stylish". The game will feature new anime movies, even more "sexy events", and should be considered the definitive Catherine experience.

Probably the most interesting news pertains to the gameplay itself, with Studio Zero suggesting that there will be options for people who are bad at, or do not enjoy, Catherine's puzzle-elements. Though no specific details are given, it is stated that "anyone will be able to play the game from start to finish", ??heavily hinting that players "not fond of the puzzle genre" or who are "busy" will be able to enjoy the story without any stress. Interesting.

Catherine: Full Body is scheduled for release Winter 2018 in Japan on PS4 and PS Vita. A Western release is confirm?ed, but no dat?e revealed as of yet.

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Live stream later this week

Atlus have announced that Studio Zero, led by Persona 5 producer Katsura Hashino, are at work on Catherine: Full Body, for the PS4 and PS Vita.

The game is a remake of the bizarre and unendingly creepy puzzle/RPG, that launched on PS3 and Xbox 360 back in 2011. It tells the story of a young man, Vincent Brooks, who is caught in a literal nightmare when torn between his long-time girlfrie??nd Katherine, and a mysterious femme-fatale -- also named Catherine -- who plagues his days and nights.

Vincent's world is probably gonna get a whole lot worse, as Full Body will include the existence of a third Catherine, just to complicate matters further.

Atlus will hold a live stream on December 22 on the Nico Nico channel, where more information, along with a new trailer, will be revealed. The sensibly-titled "From a Traditional RPG to Full Body!? Studio Zero Broadcast 2017.” is expected to start at 19:30 JST.

Here are some breaking details, courtesy of Famitsu, Gematsu and that hive of info, Ryokutya2089:

• Development is a collaborative effort between Atlus and Studio Zero.

• The third “Catherine” is named "Rin" (voiced by Aya Hirano). She is a pianist at Vincent’s regular bar, and has an exceedingly honest and gentle personality. Rin’s involvement in the story will introduce new branches for the other two “Catherines.”

• New endings, episodes, anime movies, and "sexy events" are being added.

• The subtitle “Full Body” was chosen from the wine term, and exemplifies an even richer and somehow more erotic new Catherine.

• A wide range of difficulties and systems are being prepared.

• There is a new mechanic where you move blocks where multiples are connected.

• There will be online battles and cross-save support.
• The scenario is mainly being made by full-time staff.
• You can switch between new and traditional modes during the story.
• Development is currently 50% complete.

 

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