Video Game Narratives: “Catherine”
Catherine is a puzzle-platforming adventure game for the PlayStation 3 and XBox 360 developed by Atlus in 2011; it is a self-described as an “unconventional romantic horror.”
To summarize the story: Vincent Brooks-a financially poor bachelor is indecisive about his relationship with his girlfriend, Katherine. One night at a bar, he meets a young attractive woman named Catherine and ends up having a one night stand with her. Meanwhile, a series of deaths have been occurring, a common symptom is the victims are plagued with nightmares. It’s revealed that these deaths are linked to cheating, dishonest men. Each night they are transferred to their “nightmares” as anthropomorphic sheep. If they they die in their dreams, they die in real life.
The game follows a branching narrative due to the players’ interactivity and choices. There are main “checkpoints” in the game that each play-through must follow (ex. Vincent meeting Catherine and starting a fling with her) but your choices and answers dictate which one of the endings you will end up receiving. All your responses have consequences, where that’s deciding which block to move in order to compete a tower to deciding how to response to your girlfriend’s questions over text messages. It intertwines relatable struggles with relationships & commitment in the daytime with Vincent and the two “Catherines.” While also being a surreal, psychological shock in the nighttime based on the unfortunate events of Vincent. There are 8 different endings corresponding to 3 central narratives either with Katherine, Catherine (bad, good and true) or a neutral “Freedom” ending.
Catherine has a strong sense of immersion in two major sections of the game. Firstly, in the nighttime how fast you climb and arrange the blocks will determine where you’ll live or die-due to the block below you collapsing or gruesome monsters chasing you at rapid speed. Once level is completed, you can talk to other “sheep” in the “safe zone” and buy items to help you progress through future levels. Secondly, Vincent and his friends hang out at a bar called “The Stray Sheep.” You have a number of options: Receiving text messages, drinking, talking to friends and other patrons (it’s later revealed some are actually fellow sheep) and playing Rapunzel. The day and night aspect of the game gives a solid narrative structure: with the night being more fast paced and strategizing due to the time limit on completing a level. To a more relaxed and general immersive atmosphere while you hang out at the local bar.
With the narrative taking place across the span of 8 days in game, in actuality Catherine takes about 10–20 hours to complete. With that in mind, it offers a ton of replay value to easily experience all 8 endings-mentioned earlier.
As for engaging with the audience, Catherine’s overall style and layout attracts niches audiences like anime fans (especially during cutscenes) and well as subtle symbolism to religion and folklore. With the M-rating, it’s safe to assume that the player demographic is also 18 or older for the serious and mature subject matter. In addition, the story is fast-paced & energizing. The gameplay is simple and can be set on easy, normal or hard mode so newcomers and avid gamers can be on the same page.
This is an imitate game. Including the fact that it has some explicit themes, it would not be suitable for mobile devices. It’s more of a game where you have to play on your own time, having to reflect on your answers and think of strategies for the puzzles and block towers. The player needs complete attention for Catherine, so it being available on console is a wise choice.
Overall, Catherine is a bit of a physiological trip. Due to the fact that it heavily relays on your own life experiences and morale. Each character has a different perspective on love, commitment and relationships so you are bound to agree with one or disagree with another. Since it’s a short game it offers plenty of replay value to go for different ends. It’s highly recommend playing the game first with the choices and answers that you honestly agree with. Afterwards you have more freedom to decided what other ends to go for. Many on their second play through pick the answers that they are completely against with offers a completely new experience.
