"Catherine Classic" is a puzzle-platformer video game developed by Atlus, originally released in 2011 as "Catherine" and later re-released for PC. The game is renowned for its blend of complex narrative, innovative puzzle mechanics, and anime-inspired visuals. Players assume the role of Vincent Brooks, a man caught in a web of emotional turmoil as he navigates his relationships with two women: his long-time girlfriend Katherine and the enigmatic Catherine, who enters his life and complicates his choices. The game's narrative is intricately woven, presenting themes of commitment, fear of adulthood, and the consequences of one's decisions.
The gameplay is split between nighttime segments where Vincent must face surreal and challenging block-puzzle sequences that take place in a nightmarish realm filled with monstrous creatures, and daytime segments that focus on interacting with characters and developing the plot. The puzzles require players to push and pull blocks to ascend towers while avoiding falling off the edges, which makes every move critical and heightens the game's suspenseful atmosphere. The game also features a unique "Confession" mechanic that allows players to shape Vincent's character through their choices, impacting the story's outcome and leading to multiple endings. With its compelling hand-drawn aesthetics and haunting soundtrack, "Catherine Classic" challenges players not only with its puzzles but also with profound questions about love, desire, and the complexities of relationships.
