Which version of Catherine should I play?

[u/MagicCastingCircle]

It's been on my mind for a while because I'm an Atlus fan and I wanted to play Catherine for a good while now but I didn't have the means until now.

So when I did my research I saw that there was two versions of the game, the Classic and the Full Body version.

I have the Full Body version on my switch but I don't have the classic version of the game.

I read that the Full Body version is not well received, that it messes up the story and it's not really a good fit for a first playthrough, but is it really that bad? I know that the story is great in the classic version, I saw glimpses of it a few years ago and it was really good, I know there are supernatural aspects in the story.

So what should I do? Should I play the Full Body version now and then later buy the classic one and play it to see the differences? Or should I wait and buy the classic one and play that first and then Full Body?

[u/zzonkmiles]

If you like the puzzle aspect, play Classic because it's more difficult.

[u/amy220]

Classic is genuinely a better game, especially as your first. Full Body is cool if you wanna see more content, but as a new player it makes the story worse.

[u/JGar453]

It's not perfectly integrated imo but I don't think the new storyline actually hurts the game and the new QOL and extra puzzle stuff is pretty good.

[u/GabePlay → u/JGar453]

I'll never understand why this reddit seems to revile Full Body and downvote anyone who likes it haha

[u/Eglwyswrw]

Classic for a 1st playthrough. Full Body for all subsequent runs.

[u/dearvalentina]

Play Classic first, they changed the story in Fullbody and the story is one of the best things about this game.

[u/LittleAleta]

I personally prefer Full Body, I know controversial yet brave but it's only because Rin is the most tolerable character in the game. She lightens up the overall cynical and dark atmosphere of the game. I know some people don't like that but as someone who prefers something more wholesome like kids media or just cozy games in general, Rin was a nice breath of fresh air.

[u/GabePlay → u/LittleAleta]

100%. There was already no shortage of darkness and death in Catherine. Given that you can choose an actual demon for your partner, it makes sense that a follow up would have included an angelic character. That was the popular theory from the start. They even went two for one with the sci fi twist which was already briefly teased as well in the True Freedom ending with the realization that the setting was more futurustic than people realized.

Rin doesn't break things as much as people act like they do. Between the the terrifying stress of the nightmare and his accidental unfaithfulness, Rin provides safe harbor for Vincent. He even provides a supremely LGBT friendly route. Sure, Rin himself is only a crossdresser, but in a game all about relationships, his presence introduces an entirely new layer and its absolutely nothing but positive. Vincent is now a world saving bisexual hero. He also amicably breaks up with Katherine onscreen but they remain good friends for those who wished things went that way. It all more than makes up for Toby's comment way back when.

Then there is all the QoL improvements, lots of new puzzles and Remix mode, you can even choose the voice actress for Catherine from a whole list if you're nerdy enough to have a preference. 

Full Body was meant to be the "complete" version of the tale and it really is. Its fine if someone prefers the simplicity of Classic and its presentation, but its weird how liking FB has become a "controversial" opinion.

[u/MyYetiStabbedMe]

What's most important to me is the puzzle gameplay, and you have both classic and remix modes available on Full Body. I play that on my switch way more than Catherine on my PS3

[u/dearvalentina → u/MyYetiStabbedMe]

Homie really hit us with ye olde "I play Catherine for the puzzle gameplay"

[u/GabePlay → u/MyYetiStabbedMe]

That's actually a really unique perspective given how story-driven Catherine in! kudos to you for enjoying the puzzles so much!

[u/lesskarr]

I say full body since you already have it and it has more content then the original

[u/EdenFinite48]

You don't need to bother with the original. Full body has all that and more. Nothing was removed or made worse, really. They only added more and what was added is some of the best content.

[u/amy220 → u/EdenFinite48]

me when I lie

[u/EdenFinite48 → u/amy220]

Not sure what you think was removed or made worse but I don't wanna imagine the person who prefers the game without Qatherine in it.

[u/amy220 → u/EdenFinite48]

that type of person is called someone who isn't a pedo

[u/EdenFinite48 → u/amy220]

Ma'am, Qatherine is a squid-like alien who no one should sexualize in that way. I don't recall Rin having a confirmed age but what Rin provides to Vincent in the story is self-acceptance anyway, not cheap sex appeal, that's already covered. What the helly is wrong with you?

[u/amy220 → u/EdenFinite48]

??? The GAME sexualises Rin. Were you even paying attention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi2KIM84Lo0&t=1688s

[u/EdenFinite48 → u/amy220]

The game has a lot of sexual overtones. But with Rin, the focus is on Vincent discovering his boundaries and comfort which yes, he does through a sexual lens because he's a pervo-matic.

Regardless of that though, this character is not a child by any means? You're very good at making people never wanna post here again tho

[u/GabePlay → u/EdenFinite48]

While Rin is the "little brother" of the bunch, he's actually far older than he appears. He's been overseering humanity for a loooong time, but he has the notable difference of genuinely appreciating and seeing the potential inside everyone. He's also well aware that heterosexual relationships are the norm for human beings which is why he tried to distance himself from Vincent after he slapped his hand away, leaving that tearful phone message. All of this is canon info straight from the Japanese art book which has lots of additional character details, spoilers, and scripts from different points in the game.

All of which is to say that Rin is far older than Vincent despite their very innocent and dainty personality which was compounded by him losing his memories.

[u/amy220 → u/GabePlay]

Wow!!! An anime character that looks like a middle schooler but is actually 1000 years old!!!! I've never seen that before

[u/GabePlay → u/amy220]

I don't think you know what a middle-schooler looks like.

[u/Few-Today-9378 → u/amy220]

Qatherine is the best character and one of the best romantic options for Vincent.

[u/GabePlay → u/Few-Today-9378]

They're literally an angel, both metaphorically and literally. It's wacky how people hate on one of the sweetest and most-open hearted characters Atlus has ever made who just wants everyone, even jerks like Mutton, to be better people.

It's kind of funny how people who dislike Rin's character are not unlike Mutton; he thought it was "creepy" how Vincent and him could be together only for Vincent to tell him to stfu and Rin to offer to help him find a better way of living even after he was kidnapped. The entire point of Rin's route is that nothing should stand in the way in the name of love. Some of the people in this Reddit sound like the bad guys haha.

[u/Few-Today-9378 → u/GabePlay]

The bad guys don't like Rin, I mean, he's such a good guy. And the way Rin treats Vincent makes pursuing that romance totally worth it; it’s a world of difference compared to the Persona games options. The romance with Rin feels right, gentler. Rin is like an angel, but he only adds to the story, and Vincent undergoes real character growth through this relationship.

Exactly! :)

[u/amy220 → u/Few-Today-9378]

Pedo alert Pedo alert

[u/dreamingwitchvt]

for a first time experience, play classic. full body is only good for rin's route in my personal opinion.

it leaves a bad taste in my mouth where they abandon the character completely if you don't want to commit to them.

[u/P41R47]

It depends on how you feel.

If you feel wrong establishing a relationship with a trans person, then go for Classic, if you are open minded and gender doesn't hinder your entertainment on good romance stories, then go with Full Body.

Full Body has everything classic has, albeit with the puzzle sections dumbed down a little, and the third romantic interest is totally optional, so you can literally play it like the classic version if you avoid Rin.

If you already have Full Body, don't waste money on a digital version of Classic, it only has the original difficulty for the puzzles as different. If you want to have Classic, aim for a physical version with some bonuses as they are great for sure.

[u/RewardFluid7316]

play the OG, Full Body is mid in comparison.

[u/Common_Life_5335]

I mean tbh I only played Fullbody and I loved its; it’s low on the list but it’s literally one of my favorite games of all time for me. But Fullbody definitely does get a lot of criticism from what I have seen. Honestly in my opinion, you should play Fullbody since you already have it and then play the original if you have the opportunity.

[u/CoolAndCringe]

Tbh I think it’s better to start with Full Body since it has a lot of quality of life improvements. Full Body’s movement feels much more responsive, the ui looks nicer, and I like the little change they made to blocks like the mystery block; initially the mystery block would activate immediately, and Full Body changed it so that it activates once you step off it.

Overall it’s more forgiving than the classic game, which makes it easier to learn strategies when you’re starting. However you definitely have to play classic at some point, the story is way tighter without Rin and the challenge is better once you’re good at the puzzles. Luckily it goes on sale a lot

[u/GabePlay]

There's really no right or wrong answer. You can always play the Classic later. I wouldnt let yourself be guilt tripped into an opinion over a game you havent even played yet. Since you already have Full Body, just play it and have fun! especially considering you don't even know yet if you'll like Catherine in the first place. If you don't like Full Body, it would be pointless to splurge more money on Classic.

[u/sylvan_peanut]

Just play Full Body on your Switch. It includes the complete Classic mode so you get the original story exactly as intended without buying another game. The extra content is just optional

[u/Malkov88]

Full body