The original release of Catherine was back in 2011 and was met with mixed reactions.  It had been a handful of years since the last proper Persona game and people were wondering what the team at Atlus was going to put out next.  What they were greeted with was a block/puzzle game with some social elements.  The question quick, then, becomes if the remaster is any better.

The short answer is no.  The long answer is yes, but the only people that will probably ever notice or care are those that played the first game.  There are several new endings, including a new love interest, new game modes (although you are still pushing blocks), and new difficulties.  These are all wonderful additions for an enhanced edition, and there is a ton of content present — and presented well — but for who?

The romance aspects have been fleshed out to more depth, to something that resembles that akin to a Persona title.  The problem that arises with this is also the same with the aforementioned series, in that without a guide it isn’t always clear the correct course of action — or response — to take.  The endings have also expanded as well, so each girl gets an alternative ending, plus Rin’s Normal, True, and Bad endings.  Although most of this will only be noticed by returning players.

The lower difficulty setting also allow players to pretty much coast through the puzzles without much fear of death, which is a welcome addition as it allows those more interested in the plot to simply rip through the block moving sections. For those that love that part, though, there is also an online mode for all things moving blocks, inspired by “the competitive scene.”  While It isn’t my idea of a good time, it is wonderful to know that Atlus listens to their fans.

If there is anyone out there that is interested in picking up Catherine, this is the version to get even though the classic version can be found used at most game stores for a song.  With the additions and improvements, there is no reason to not pick it up.  The only real issue is that there might not be anyone picking this title up that doesn’t already have a copy.  Although keeping a fanbase happy isn’t always a bad thing.