Why Does Vincent Brooks Keep Cheating With Catherine?

Disclaimers:

This article contains a few spoilers from the PlayStation 4 port of Catherine: Full Body that are included mostly for analytical purposes. Feel free to avoiding reading it if you are a Catherine crusader who is looking forward to purchasing and playing the Nintendo Switch port in July 2020.  

This is an analysis of a theory about a video game character that will involve discussing serious and triggering topics, such as female-on-male rape and signs of abuse in a relationship. Reader discretion is advised, along with the strong recommendation to call the relationship abuse helpline in your country if you are being abused in a relationship.

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USA – 1-800-799-7233

Australia – 1800 737 732

There is only one month left until Catherine: Full Body, the enhanced port of a twisted tale of fear, lust and indecisiveness becomes available for the Nintendo Switch [27] [28] [29]. Ever since 2011, many of those who played the original version of the tale for the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 have questioned why Vincent Brooks, the tale’s protagonist just would not simply tell the beautiful woman he woke up next to that he already has a girlfriend [6] [12] [33]. I believe I have a theory for why he can hardly put the temptress aside for his girlfriend and that is no other than the possibility of him having Stockholm syndrome, similar to how I have theorised that Pauline from a certain classic arcade game from the early 1980s could have a serious fear of heights and that Sam-I-Am from the cartoon adaption of Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss on Netflix could have bipolar disorder [35] [36] [41] [42]. I also remember when some Western Catherine crusaders have theorised that Rin was going to be a cis female for the Western release of Catherine: Full Body back in early and mid-2019 after the story eventually revealed that he is a cross-dressing male in the Japanese version [11] [26] [39] [40].

After being critically and cautiously acclaimed on the Playstation 4 and PlayStation Vita in 2019 [8], Catherine: Full Body will soon be ready to bring some erotic horror into the Switch era [28]. [27] [29]

Interestingly enough, there will be some free DLC for the Japanese version of the Switch port of Catherine: Full Body that provides three brand new voices for the temptress [8], along with her other ten voices for the Japanese PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita ports. Aside from that, let us explain why her target has fallen in love with her, not just because of her good looks. [9]

Stockholm syndrome is a mental disorder that leads to strong attachment to a person who has caused a traumatic experience, such as a kidnapping [23] [24] [30]. Those with Stockholm syndrome cannot be bitter towards their captors, no matter how terrifying the trauma they caused was. Harley Quinn, the Joker’s longtime “love interest” from Batman: The Animated Series, the Batman comics and so on is a prime example of a fictional character who has been suspected to have Stockholm syndrome [3] [14] [15] [16] [34]. Surely some Disney desirers have theorised that Belle from the animated adaption of Beauty and the Beast from 1991 has Stockholm syndrome [22] [25] [30] [32], but Emma Watson, the actress who played the role of her in the film’s live-action remake from 2017 denied it due to how she identified signs of the character maintaining her independence [2] [20]. But as for the black-haired bachelor in Catherine, he seems to be more likely to consist of Stockholm syndrome due to how indecisive he is and how he lacks much ambition [12]. How Vincent ended up in a troublesome love triangle may not have been a kidnapping [5] [6], but there is an aspect of the hookup and so on that has unnerved plenty of Catherine crusaders.

Harleen Quinzel on the front cover of her new graphic novel. No matter how ruthless the Joker has been to her, there just seems to be no signs of the cycle ever ending [34]. Could the same technically apply to Vincent and Catherine? [14]

I may be very relieved that there have been no accusations of pedophilia against the Brookster’s love for Rin who is considered to be old enough to work at a bar in Full Body [11] [39] [40], but I am rather skeptical about his love for Catherine [12], whether she will speak in any of her alternate voices or not [8]. [11]

The portrayal of Catherine as Vincent’s forbidden lover is highly questionable at times. Catherine may be cheerful and carefree in an alluring way, but the way she assaults him after he attempts to dump her for Katherine McBride is alarming [5]. Furthermore, some Catherine crusaders have suspected that their night in bed together was...not consensual as he was drunk at the time [1] [5] [12] [19] [21]. Although it is unclear if the two have actually had sexual intercourse or not [5] [12], it is still rather intimidating how the sex symbol warns her target that there will be some serious consequences if he slips up [5] [33]. Poor Vincent is too weak-willed to “man up” about the affair and deeply cares for all three of his lovers, including the one who could possibly be his rapist [12] [33]. The symbolism of the logo on his pink T-shirt could be a red flag. Even though I believe that the possibility of Catherine being Vincent’s rapist backs up my theory on him having Stockholm syndrome [5] [6] [12], I still would not want it to have definitely been true in the game’s story overall as it would be in very poor taste to include the premise of rape in a story solely for shock factor. 

How Catherine assaults Vincent in the toilets at the Stray Sheep could be a clear sign of him having Stockholm syndrome if he does not fully resist her after trying to dump her for Katherine [23] [24] [30]. His depression, kind nature towards Catherine and traumatic nightmares about her could also be related to him having Stockholm syndrome [23] [30]. [5]

The way Catherine threatens to Vincent with acts of brutality is also abusive, similar to how Darwin was threatened in his relationship with Jamie in a certain horrible episode of The Amazing World Of Gumball [31]. [5]

It can be argued that Vincent does not have Stockholm syndrome since he has at least tried to end his affair with Catherine as he thinks about either Rin or Katherine and is far more likely to have mild depression due to guilt from cheating, which is what I agree with due to how he has displayed signs of it throughout the game [12] [26]. Moreover, his misery continues when the overbearing beauty with beige-blonde hair breaks up with him in a rational manner [6] [10]. At least when the player chooses the Rin route, the reason why Katherine’s attitude towards Vincent’s supposed affair with Rin seems more positive must be because she is a supporter of LGBT rights and is quite happy that her former partner does not have to try to hide his bisexuality to avoid intolerance anymore [17] [26]. But as for the regular route from the original Catherine, the possibility of Vincent having Stockholm syndrome can be avoided, as long as the player tries to bring his destiny to regular human life with Katherine since she befriended him back in their high school days and they started a happy and healthy relationship when they were both about twenty-seven years old [4] [10] [13].

A happy and healthy relationship between Vincent and Katherine McBride from a lustrum ago. [13]

The same avoidance of Vincent having Stockholm syndrome can apply to leading him to Rin in Full Body since the talented pianist is far too pure-hearted to be an abusive and manipulative partner. [11]

So, does the Brookster really have Stockholm syndrome? I guess it depends on which path the player chooses. And the path that would truly diagnose him with the disorder is the one that sinfully leads him to the fantasy of “freedom” with Catherine [5] [6]. Surely plenty of Catherine crusaders did not take too kindly to the sings of being abusive the femme fatale displayed [5]. Nevertheless, she eventually becomes more sincere and far less manipulative to Vincent in three of her good endings, including an extra one in Full Body [6] [7] [8] [9] [18]. As an alternative to how I believe the talented people at Atlus can expand on the Catherine franchise in the future of gaming by establishing how the succubus appears to other men at another bar apart from Vincent at the Stray Sheep [37] [38], maybe there can be a potential semi-reboot of the original game that takes place in the alternative timeline she created in her exclusive ending from Full Body [7] [8] [18]. But whether you might have Stockholm syndrome or not, an abusive relationship should not be taken lightly. In real life, innocent victims of abuse should stand up for themselves and get help by calling the relationship abuse helpline in their country [31].

I absolutely adore Catherine’s appearance in a new timeline established in her exclusive ending in Full Body [18], but this image right here could be a red flag of how she still might be potentially abusive with a recollection of the original timeline, thus leading to Vincent having Stockholm syndrome. [7]

Until next time, Catherine crusaders and Nintendo nerds who will be ready to guide the Brookster throughout a series of nightmares on the Switch this July [27] [28] [29]. Stay golden. [7]

References

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17. DismArchus. (2019). Catherine: Full Body- The Cathedral [Rin Route] (8th Day) [English] | Standard-Normal [Perfect]. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VyNMsggT-0&t=765s. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
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38. Williams, L. (2020). A Tomb Raider Game With Sign Language?. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2020/04/tomb-raider-for-deaf-gamers.html. Last accessed 1st Jun 2020.
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A Tomb Raider Game With Sign Language?

Since it has been almost two years since the reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise became an official trilogy [40] [43], will Crystal Dynamics focus back on the older and more experienced Lara Croft who wore shorts and sunglasses for the next set of main games? It is interesting enough that both the classic archaeologist and the survivor have been featured as new fighters during an event in Brawlhalla this year [44]. More interestingly to some degree, how can another spin-off of the franchise increase its appeal for audiences in a new decade? Since spin-offs tend to take on a different perspective in an intellectual property, I was thinking there could be some exclusive aspects in a new Tomb Raider spin-off that are designed especially for players with hearing difficulties, quite like how I believe that there can be a port of Catherine for arcades with specific alternations someday [51] [52]. I know there are readable subtitles in many modern video games for those with hearing impairment to understand dialogue [31] [35] [36], but perhaps there can be something extra special to help further enhance the Tomb Raider franchise’s ambition when it comes to establishing a new spin-off and appealing to a more niche crowd.

Apart from being fascinated in Ms. Croft’s special guest appearance in Brawlhalla, I am also fond of a way of bringing a new kind of crowd to the Tomb Raider franchise in the 2020s. [44]

One thing to help a video game further appeal to gamers with hearing impairment besides subtitles is a character demonstrating sign language. I do not think Lara Croft, the beautiful and independent woman we loved since 1996 would really need to use sign language since she and everyone she has ever met can already hear clearly [12] [43]. Get your facts straight, Takanoto [39]. The need for sign language would apply to a completely new playable protagonist who is deaf. Perhaps the new protagonist can be a cousin of Lara so that her relevancy as a new tomb raider can be quite valid. Quite similar to how Uncharted: The Lost Legacy featured Chloe Frazer as a playable protagonist instead of Nathan Drake [45], a new archaeologist who is highly skilled in sign language can represent the Tomb Raider franchise in a brand new perspective as she breaks the fourth wall by accurately demonstrating simple greetings and phrases within the special language to those with hearing impairment. Perhaps the new explorer who is skilled in sign language should be a young woman to help the spin-off maintain its vibes of female empowerment, especially for the rest of this new decade.

A special thank you to my comrade Dylan, otherwise known as “SuperMiiPro” for this splendid concept art of an exclusive character for a spin-off of Tomb Raider who is skilled in sign language. [38]

I know what some of you might be thinking. Would the premise of a Tomb Raider game that features a new lady using sign language for deaf gamers technically plagiarize Moss, the action-adventure game for the PlayStation VR about a mouse who uses sign language [1] [18] [26] [33]? Well, one difference that can prevent that claim from being the case would be making a new tomb raider communicate with BSL (British Sign Language) since Quill, the adorable protagonist of Moss communicates with ASL (American Sign Language) [28] [29] [33]. Since Lara is British, it would make sense if a new tomb raider who is related to her is skilled in BSL instead of ASL. Additionally, BSL is different compared to ASL with different gestures for many words [11]. Unfortunately, the use of BSL might leave North American players with hearing difficulties feeling quite alienated as it is always likely that an ASL user cannot fully understand the use of BSL [6]. But ultimately, making a new protagonist use BSL can faintly increase the concept’s originality, yet keep its useful exclusive aspect that is similar to Quill’s ability in ASL in Moss. Furthermore, small readable subtitles should appear under every BSL demonstration for both British and North American players.

The adorable Quill from Moss demonstrating the word “name” in ASL. [18] [33]

The lovely Charlie Raine demonstrating the word “name” in BSL. [29]

What about the gameplay, the most important aspect of any video game? Well, the tasks for progressing further that require three-dimensional thinking can be present for the sake of challenge that requires logical thinking. When I was playing Tomb Raider Anniversary on my Nintendo Wii [5], I can see how some ways to progress further challenge a player’s sense of logic, which is one of the reasons why the first Tomb Raider game was acclaimed [41]. Since the first level of Rise of the Tomb Raider allowed new players to be given a hint by pressing the left joystick [37], a similar aura around what to interact with can be present in a spin-off for players with hearing impairment. As for the use of pistols, there could be flashing lights at the tips of them after the new protagonist receives some later in the game and is unable to hear the sound of gunshots. However, it would be best not to have flashes in the game to reduce the risk of players with photosensitive epilepsy suddenly having seizures [4] [13] [30]. The same genres of puzzle-platform and action-adventure should be present in a convincing spin-off of the Tomb Raider franchise starring an exclusive new character [41].

The classic use of twin pistols can make a grand return in the spin-off. [41]

Alternatively or additionally, there can be some archery gameplay in the spin-off to add the archery vibe from the survivor timeline for the current crowd of tomb raiders. [40]

Of course, the new spin-off of the Tomb Raider franchise for those with hearing difficulties ought to also appeal to the fellow tomb raiders who have no hearing difficulties at all. There can be some mysterious and mesmerising samples of music to suit the atmosphere of the tomb the new protagonist explores in [5] [42], along with appropriate foley sounds for every moment, such as gracefully running water for a waterfall somewhere in the land she voyages in [10]. And do not forget an English accent for her as she uses BSL, especially if she turns out to be related to Lara, who is our main lady [40]. Speaking of our main lady, there ought to be an introduction cutscene with fully voice acting featuring her before the gameplay with the new protagonist starts to let every tomb raider in the fandom know that the spin-off can be trusted [12]. If a future instalment of a popular franchise is meant to be a spin-off for meeting a certain criterion by providing accurately demonstrated BSL, it might as well keep in touch with what makes the main franchise appealing to its prime audience, including exceptional use of highly convincing diegetic and non-diegetic audio.

A run-of-the-mill setting of a tomb in Tomb Raider: Anniversary. [42]

Aside from the use of convincing audio, I think the spin-off ought to be set after the events of Shadow of the Tomb Raider and just before the Lara Croft who became a survivor becomes the classic Lara Croft in order to appeal to the classic tomb raiders and newer tomb raiders [43]. [40]

Now, which platform within today’s generation of gaming should a new spin-off of Tomb Raider for players with hearing impairment be available for? Publishing it for the Nintendo Switch might be an odd decision to some as plenty of Switch games are family-friendly [20] [22] [23] [24] [25] [32], even though Catherine: Full Body will be sinfully compatible with it this July [21]. Some may suggest the PlayStation 4, but again, the honour of using sign language to that system already belongs to Moss [1] [18] [26] [33]. Additionally, our fellow PlayStation players are waiting for the true outcome of the PlayStation 5, so I suppose it can be available of the PlayStation 5 a few months after its official release [27]. Alternatively, it can be available for the Xbox Series X several months after its first days of marketing to interest plenty of Xbox experts [53]. To those who strongly believe that PC will always be timeless, the spin-off of Tomb Raider for a certain kind of audience may alternatively be published for computers and laptops. Seeing the best choice for which platform to establish a new spin-off on and proceeding to publish it on there can further increase the chance of it being sold excellently and further increasing the franchise’s credibility.

Aside from a lot of family-friendly Nintendo Switch games, I understand that there are ones aimed at older audiences, such as Mortal Kombat 11 and The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+ [22] [23] [24]. Furthermore, a new Tomb Raider for the Switch could be something indeed. [19]

On second thought, could a Tomb Raider instalment for players with hearing difficulties be an honourable part of the Series X library for plenty of Xbox experts? [53]

In conclusion, I believe a new instalment of the Tomb Raider franchise designed for gamers with hearing difficulties can make them feel even more welcome to the gaming industry, quite similar to how I believe an LGBT-themed spin-off of Leisure Suit Larry can welcome homosexual, bisexual and pansexual players to a new gaming community [14] [15]. If a new Tomb Raider for players with hearing difficulties introduces a new deaf protagonist who is related to Lara Croft, it can bring out a new and refreshing perspective, quite like how a spin-off of Catherine could feature a certain temptress in the eyes of different men at another bar apart from Vincent Brooks at the Stray Sheep and how a spin-off of the Animal Crossing franchise or some new DLC for New Horizons could introduce an underwater village of meranimals for an animal crosser’s avatar to swim around in as a mermaid or a merboy [2] [3] [46] [47] [48]. I am not saying such suggestions will definitely come true since I have never been a writer for The Simpsons [8] [9], but I simply like to make my own theories of how franchises can increase their appeal in the future for fun in association with my passion for writing.

The way I described how a spin-off for players with hearing impairment reminded me of how I described what to expect in an anime based on the survivor timeline [49] [50]. I am okay with some of my dear readers disagreeing with my suggestions for future concepts because I definitely cannot predict the future [8] [9]. [40]

I know Larry Laffer is heterosexual and there were examples of homosexual stereotyping and such in the Leisure Suit Larry series that would be considered to be outdated today [14] [15] [16], but I am up for an LGBT-themed spin-off with far more up-to-date portrayals of LGBT people at some point after Wet Dreams Don’t Dry [7] [17]. I guess I ought to further explain soon. [34]

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Could Qatherine Have A…Regional Difference?

Disclaimer:

This article will feature a spoiler that will reveal the truth about a certain character’s identity as another theory has motivated the writer into discussing it, along with a slight concern. Feel free to avoiding reading it if you are a Western Catherine crusader trying to avoid as many spoilers as possible.

It has been almost a month since Catherine: Full Body was released in Japan to seduce and frighten many Japanese Catherine crusaders [3]. Ever since the speculation of what is truly under a new neighbour’s dress, plenty of us in Europe and the United States have been hoping some more welcoming and positive portrayal of transsexuality and transgenderism in the gaming industry today, compared to how signs of transgenderism of a few characters have been removed in Western releases of their games in the past [3] [5] [6] [8]. Some of us have also expressed concern for the new neighbour’s mystery as Erica Anderson’s portrayal as a transgender character may have been praised for seeming empathetic and humanized, but it was also considered problematic as her being transgender all along as used as a punchline in one of the endings in the original Catherine [5] [19] [22]. But ever since after the release of Catherine: Full Body in Japan, a few Catherine crusaders have a new theory about what the mystery of Rin, other known as “Qatherine” is building up to for the Western release [17]. I can agree with the theory and I shall dig into it with hopefully no ram horns on my head.

I was rather hesitant about giving out a specific spoiler at first, but I felt as if I needed to elaborate on the theory that was brought up by other Catherine crusaders in order to address an issue that should definitely be avoided, especially for the Western release. [6]

It turns out that Rin is actually an otokonoko [6] [25]. It was revealed at some point during the horrific week of nightmares for unfaithful men in the Japanese version of the full-bodied port of Catherine. For those who do not know what the term “otokonoko” means, it means a male cross-dresser in modern Japanese culture [11] [20] [25]. That would explain the apparent lack of breasts on the pink-haired pianist’s chest [6] [15]. I suppose this year is a good time to bring another otokonoko into the gaming industry since the term became more popular in otaku culture after the mid-2000s [11] [20] [25]. I am okay with being proven wrong as I denied the possibility of Rin being a male cross-dresser back in late 2018 due to his highly feminine voice in the Japanese version [26] [27]. Even though I see how that girly voice is part of hiding his identity of an otokonoko, I still hope that Rin is at least physically old enough to be in a relationship with someone at Vincent Brooks’ age. Aside from that, I guess Rin gives otokonokos a great name with his kindness and innocent nature [6]. Finally! I can use the right pronouns for the pink-haired pianist. Or can I?

5, 4, 3, 2, 1… [15] [26] [27]

Epic jaw drop!! [15] [26] [27]

Even though Rin eventually reveals himself to be a male later on in the Japanese version, there is some speculation that he will be fully a female since not many folks in the West may understand the term “otokonoko” [6] [11] [20] [25]. In addition to this, Rin’s official English voice in the Fine Wine trailer for the Western Catherine crusaders sounds sweet, soft-spoken and so feminine [17]. Furthermore, Brianna Knickerbocker’s vocals would increase the likeliness of Rin being completely female in the Western release [3] [17]. If Rin ought to be fully female in the Western release, perhaps the animators ought to carefully make a few edits in some of the new cutscenes that are quite noticeable for giving Rin breasts, kind of like a reversed progress of how 4Kids used to censor cleavage for their English dubs of anime, such as One Piece [16]. Doing so would not only further prevent Rin from looking underaged, but prevent Vincent from becoming a pedophile and completely ruining his small amount of likeability [23] [24]. At least giving Rin breasts would be a better choice than giving Ratchet from Ratchet and Clank huge black eyebrows that look like the moustache of a certain plumber from Nintendo [9].

I can briefly imagine one of the artists at Atlus USA giving Rin breasts to prevent controversy for the Western release. [6]

Ratchet in the Japanese version of Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time. Those crazy eyebrows… [9]

If Rin is secretly a male in Japan and could be completely a female in the West, then it will not be the only time a video game character has received that kind of treatment. Gracie, the fashionable giraffe from the Animal Crossing franchises identifies as a male in Japanese and Korean versions of the games under the name “Grace” [1]. Saharah, the camel who trades carpets and wallpaper is another Animal Crossing character who is a male in Japan under the name “Ronald” [2]. Both characters became females for localized versions outside of Japan and Korea, possibly due to how feminine their eyes look [1] [2]. As someone who grew up in a generation of increasing tolerance towards transsexuality and transgenderism, I like to see those two animals as transgender, combining both of their regional genders together in my mind.  As much as I hope for more positive portrayals of LGBT characters in the near future of gaming [22], I am actually okay with Rin not being transsexual or transgender at all. However, Rin’s true gender in Japan and the possibility of him being fully female in the Western release can always make me and many others view him as either of those [6].

The glammed up giraffe as she (or he if you live in Japan) appears in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. [1]

Saharah/Roland’s appearance in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. [2]

I would not let a supporting character’s gender change affect my overall experience in playing a unique game and witnessing some positive traits of that character. I have nothing against changing a few things for localized versions of video games. Many regional differences can be reasonable while some others can be simply interesting [9] [10] [16] [18]. I honestly do not find making Rin a female in the Western release to be transphobic because I just want Rin’s physical age to be between the early twenties and early thirties so that Vincent will not be seen as a pedophile [23] [24]. Whether the pianist with a very feminine voice is an otokonoko or not, I still think the character development is more important, along with how old he is when it comes to being in love with an average thirty-two-year-old [6]. I might as well use male pronouns for Rin until further notice. At least there are plenty of positive LGBT portrayals and interpretations in video games and cartoons to go around in this day and age [12] [13] [14] [16] [21] [22]. To those who are brave enough to seek spoilers before the Western release, feel free to state your thoughts on the theory in the comments. Stay golden.

Ultimately, at least the chance of Rin being underaged seems very low as he is allowed to work in a North American bar. Lolicon in Catherine? No thanks! [17]

Who knows? Rin could have his own novel some time later in Japan since there is a genre related to the term “otokonoko” in anime and manga. [6]

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