The rating "mature" can be applied to any game with a gratuitous amount of violence, cursing, or sex, but Catherine is an M-rated game with a difference: It actually IS mature. It deals with many real-life situations, such as infidelity, obsession, and alcoholism.

Basically, and briefly, as I age (nearly 40) I am truly growing tired of my favorite pastimes inability to keep me interested. Once in a while something comes along that while not triple A in gameplay, is presented in such a unique and trend bucking way that my imagination is once again captured.

Catherine isn't like other video games. It isn't about saving the world, rescuing a princess, or slaughtering scores of nameless troops. It is, instead, about a regular guy in over his head.

Compelling; personal story; Devious; challenging puzzles; Unusual morality system eschews notions of good and bad; Constant sense of urgency enhances both the story and the gameplay; Fantastic use of sound effects and music

Overly demanding requirements for unlocking additional modes; Occasional camera and control troubles; Intimidating difficulty

Catherine is more of an experience than a game, and the random player won't know what the heck is going on. This game is beautiful, challenging and deep on a level no other game attempts to go for, but ultimately may alienate more people than it wins over.

Original story and gameplay; challenging puzzles

Ridiculous difficulty; may not appeal to everyone

Catherine casts a spell over Kevin VanOrd in this video review.

It's not very often that big budget games explore adult themes in a very serious manner. Catherine deals with relationships, sex, and commitment among plenty of other extremely mature themes. The game has two distinct elements: conversations and puzzles.

Catherine is probably one of the most unique games to be released on the PlayStation 3 in quite some time as it definitely strays from the traditional gaming norm. In essence, the game is a devious puzzle thriller on the PS3 that contains a colourful yet interesting romantic horror theme with a...

For a game I spent a lot of time avoiding before E3, post-E3 I've written and talked a lot about Catherine . Like the game's blonde love interest, once you've had a taste of what the game offers, it is really hard to stay away.

If you're not, or never have been, at a crossroads in your life that represents choosing between freedom or security, then you'll be left with a lovely little puzzle game with a load of unnecessarily slow talking sequences that might be a bit boring.

A captivating blend of puzzle and adventure elements, the Persona Team's HD debut is a tough, but worthwhile challenge.

Suitable length; lots of nice little touches in the adventure portions; well-done dialogue and acting