Catherine arriving July 26

Atlus has dated its summer fling. The publisher today announced that the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 adventure puzzle game Catherine will launch in North America July 26 in standard and collector's editions.

The "Love is Over" Deluxe Edition of Catherine will come bundled with some familiar items from the game. Players will get a pair of polka-dot boxers like those worn by protagonist Vincent, an "empty hearts" T-shirt sported by Catherine, and a pillowcase with the titular character's scantily clad likeness on it. The Deluxe Edition will sell for $80 and will be delivered in a pizza box from Stray Sheep, the drinking establishment featured in the game.

In addition, Atlus is offering some schwag for those who preorder either the Deluxe Edition of Catherine or the $60 standard release of the game. Gamers who commit to a purchase in advance will receive a 36-page art book, as well as an 11-track CD with remixes of the game's music.

Catherine has players navigating tricky relationship waters as Vincent. When the commitment-phobic protagonist's girlfriend Katherine starts talking about taking their relationship to the next level, Vincent finds himself straying. While out drinking with friends, he meets a flirty bombshell named Catherine, whom--after a series of events he can't quite recall--he wakes up next to the following morning.

In addition to helping Vincent make decisions to extricate himself from the situation, players will be called on to fight off the physical manifestations of his fears and guilt as he sleeps. Atlus will also include local competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes, complete with leaderboard support.

Although the game is an original property, Catherine is a collaboration between a number of notable creators. Katsura Hashino, director of Persona 3 and 4, is serving as producer on Catherine, with help from that series' character artist Shigenori Soejima and composer Shoji Meguro. Going beyond the world of games, Japanese animation shop Studio4˚C (Tekkonkinkreet, Halo Legends) also lent its talents to the project.