IGN Reviews ATLUS\' Next Gen Debut Catherine

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[size=+2]IGN Reviews ATLUS\' Next Gen Debut Catherine[/size]

Once you get through any given night\'s puzzles, you\'ll be back in the real world, able to explore the story once more. I felt a real eagerness as I played through the puzzles simply because I wanted to learn more about the plot, and while I think that the puzzles are difficult to the degree that they\'ll turn some gamers off, I suspect that most players will feel a real rewarding sense of accomplishment by getting deeper into the tale. If anything, the game\'s compelling subject matter and amazing cast of characters will have you keep trying on those pesky puzzles just to see another day.

Playing between day and night in Catherine gives the game much-needed structure and lets you know what to expect next. While the puzzle sequences are tense and require rapidity and thought, you can leisurely spend your time at the Stray Sheep drinking some booze, speaking with the patrons and your friends, and even getting your kicks with the jukebox (that plays unlocked tracks from Catherine\'s amazing soundtrack) and an arcade title called Rapunzel (which is a meta-game using the same rules as the nightmare puzzles). Think of your time at the bar as much needed respite from the dangers of Vincent\'s nightly events. Plus, the drunker you get at the bar, the spryer Vincent will be in his dreams.

Catherine has more to offer than just its core, cyclical gameplay. Scoring gold medals by completing puzzles quickly will unlock new, more difficult stages to play through, and local multiplayer will be unleashed once you beat the game in its entirety. But these are all asides to what is a main game that itself is well worth the price of admission. Those are simply little extras that serve as unnecessary -- but welcome -- icing on the cake of one hell of a story-driven experience.

CLOSING COMMENTS

As if it wasn’t already obvious, I loved my time with Catherine. In many ways, I was completely blown-away by it. While I’m sure some gamers will be turned-off by its anime-style presentation and difficult gameplay, I implore those of you who are looking for something authentically different and outright fun to give Catherine a go. This isn’t a game just for puzzle fans or just for those who love anime. This is a game that melds so much together and is so different than anything else on the market that it’s for just about anyone who really loves games.

[size=+1]IGN RATINGS FOR CATHERINE (PS3)[/size]

[size=+1]9.5 Presentation[/size]
Catherine’s story is one of the most unique ever told in gaming, and while it’s a little hokey, it’s still a hell of a lot of fun.

[size=+1]8.0 Graphics[/size]
The anime-style cutscenes and in-game content both look great. There are certainly prettier games out there, but you shouldn’t play Catherine because of how it looks.

[size=+1]9.0 Sound[/size]
I really adored the soundtrack, and while the voice-acting is at times overdone, it’s still extremely fitting.

[size=+1]8.5 Gameplay[/size]
Once you get the hang of the puzzle gameplay, it will become second nature to you. Those who aren’t gluttons for punishment may be turned off, though.

[size=+1]9.0 Lasting Appeal[/size]
Really skilled players could get through the game in under 15 hours, but it\'ll take more than that for most others.


[size=+2]9.0
OVERALL Amazing[/size]
 

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