Catherine: Full Body

About Catherine: Full Body

Catherine: Full Body is a puzzle-platformer with adult themes developed by Studio Zero and published by Atlus. Released in 2019, it’s an expanded version of the 2011 original, adding new characters, harder challenges, and online multiplayer. Set in a gritty urban environment, the game follows Vincent, a man trapped between his long-term relationship and a forbidden affair. The story weaves real-world drama with surreal nightmares where block-stacking puzzles determine survival. The core conflict is emotional but grounded in gameplay: every decision impacts Vincent’s fate. It’s a bold mix of narrative depth and mechanical challenge, split across single-player campaigns and competitive local multiplayer.

Gameplay

The gameplay cycles between two modes: daytime life and nightmare combat. Daytime segments involve mundane tasks like dating and work, interspersed with dialogue choices that shape relationships. Nightmares are where the action hits, players stack and rearrange colored blocks to create paths, avoiding collapsing terrain. Later levels introduce shifting blocks, timed obstacles, and boss-like sequences. Controls are precise, with responsive button inputs for quick adjustments. Multiplayer lets two players tackle puzzles in competitive co-op, where one builds while the other destroys. The difficulty scales with higher difficulties, forcing players to master patterns and reflexes. Sessions often last 30, 60 minutes, blending tension with repetitive puzzle-solving.

What Players Think

Catherine: Full Body holds an 80/100 on Metacritic but splits community opinions. PlayPile data shows an average playtime of 38 hours, with 28% completing the base story and 12% hitting all endings. The game ranks 73% “Tense” and 29% “Humorous” in moods, reflecting its mix of high-stakes puzzles and awkward dialogue. Critics praise the “addictive block mechanics” but note repetitive nighttime segments. One review called it “a masterclass in moral storytelling,” while others called the difficulty curve “frustrating.” Over 120 achievements exist, with 68% unlocked by top players. Despite its 2019 $39.99 price tag, 43% of players say it’s “overpriced for the content.”

PlayPile's Take

Catherine: Full Body is a divisive title. It excels as a puzzle-platformer with tight mechanics but suffers from pacing and length issues. Fans of narrative-driven gameplay will appreciate the branching story, though the adult themes and mature content limit its appeal. The multiplayer mode adds reusability, but solo sessions can feel punishing after 30 hours. At $40, it’s a moderate risk, worth trying if you enjoy challenging puzzles and character drama. Skip it if you prioritize efficiency or prefer lighter experiences. For the 28% who finish it, the payoff includes a rewarding, if convoluted, ending.

Storyline

Vincent, the protagonist, is a man living in the city. He and his girlfriend Katherine have been dating for five years, but he is accustomed to the carefree bachelor life and has no interest in marriage. One day, at the bar Vincent frequents, he meets a beautiful woman and has an unexpected affair. While Vincent takes every precaution as not to let the fact that he cheated leak out, he also starts to receive the affection of Rin, a pianist who lost her memory. In the meantime, strange rumors have begun circulating the city—“Cheating men will fall into a nightmare. If someone dies in their dreams, it will bring about death even in the real world.” Will Vincent be able to escape his nightmare? And who will Vincent choose after repeatedly fighting through hell…!?