There really isn't anything else quite like it.
You play as Vincent, a lovably slacker reluctant to man up and fully commit to his long-suffering girlfriend, Katherine (with a "K"). His simple, easy life is turned upside down when he wakes up next Catherine (with a "C") one morning, realizing that he has cheated on girlfriend. This this is the main skeleton of the story, and the player will have to guide him as he makes choices that will ultimately decide the outcome of the game.
By day, you control Vincent while he hang outs at his favorite bar, the Stray Sheep. Here, he can talk to his friends to gain useful information, text Catherine or Katherine to improve/damage your standing with them, or even enjoy the addicting arcade game. By night, however, Vincent is thrown into a mysterious and terrifying nightmare world where he must climb an enormous set of stairs to survive. In this world, survival is everything, because if Vincent dies in the dream, he dies for real.
These nightmare stage constitute the main game play in Catherine. Players must push and pull blocks in order to make a stair case that will lead them safely to the top. It sounds easy enough, but the concept is further complicated by special kinds of blocks. Blocks that crumble when stepped on, blocks that explode, or blocks coated with slippery ice are just some of the trials Vincent will have to overcome. The puzzles soon become devilishly tricky later in the game, but the sense of accomplishment after completing a particularly difficult puzzle is enormous. It should be noted that in some puzzles, the camera can become a problem that can greatly hinder your progress. After a few of these puzzles, you will have a complete a special boss stage. These play just like regular puzzle, but with the addition of a huge and horrifying enemy that chases you up the staircase. These stages add a fantastic sense of urgency to the already fast paced experience.
Catherine also excels aesthetically and musically. During gameplay, the cel shaded graphics are crisp and clear. Beautiful anime cutscenes, also dispersed about the game, animate the more important story aspects and help to bring Vincent's world to life. Catherine's musical score is not to be ignored either. Each piece helps to fully round out your experience, from the soothing jazz piano of the Stray Sheep, to the dire remixed classical pieces of the nightmare.
While the main story is somewhat short, Catherine is by no means a short game. With multiple endings, three difficulty levels, and an endearing cast of characters, the game makes sure it's something you'll want to play more than once. Also included are a few multiplayer options. While not anything spectacular, they are surprisingly fun, and you'll likely get several hours of use out them.
The bottom line? This game is a gem, and you have to at least give a try. The ridiculous difficultly and sometimes horrible camera are more than made up for my Catherine's generous successes. Even if you don't like it, this will be a game you'll never forget.