Catherine
LumiScore?Our 0–100 score for how developmentally beneficial and low-risk this game is for children. Higher is better.
Growth
47/100
Growth Value
- Problem Solving
- Spatial Awareness
- Strategic Thinking
Risk
LOW
Engagement Patterns
Minimal pressure to spend or play excessively.
Heads up
Parent Pro-Tip
Parents should be aware that Catherine is rated M for Mature and contains adult themes, including sexual content, suggestive dialogue, and elements of horror. The game's narrative has also drawn criticism for its portrayal of women and potentially misogynistic undertones. It is best suited for older teenagers and adults who can critically engage with its mature content and themes.
Top Skills Developed
Development Areas
Representation?How diverse the game's characters are in gender and ethnicity. Higher = more authentic representation. Display only — does not affect time recommendation.
Bechdel Test?The Bechdel Test checks whether a game has at least two named female characters who talk to each other about something other than a man. A simple measure of representation.— Fails the test
Two named female characters (Katherine and Catherine) exist, but their interactions and the overall plot heavily revolve around the male protagonist, Vincent, and his choices between them. The game was criticized for sexist and misogynistic stories, making it highly probable they do not talk to each other about something other than a man.
Parent Pro-Tip
Despite its mature themes, the game's challenging puzzle mechanics can provide strong cognitive benefits, enhancing problem-solving, strategic thinking, and spatial reasoning skills.
What your child develops
Catherine offers significant cognitive benefits through its challenging puzzle-platforming segments, fostering problem-solving, spatial awareness, and strategic thinking. The visual novel elements also engage critical thinking and reading comprehension as players navigate complex relationship choices and narrative threads.
Regulatory Compliance
Tap a badge for details. Grey = not yet assessed.
About this game
Catherine is a platformer/visual novel developed by Atlus for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2011. ###Plot The plot follows the adventures of Vincent Brooks, who is choosing between the two girlfriends — Katerine and Catherine with the opposite personalities.