Calico Review: The ultimate relaxing puzzle game featuring quilts and cats
Calico, a seemingly unexpected combination of quilting and cats, won the 2021 SXSW Tabletop Game of the Year award and has captivated board game enthusiasts around the world. While its cute appearance may fool you, it's actually a puzzle game with deep strategic depths , with reviews saying, "Don't trust the cute cats. Playing well requires deep concentration and serious thinking."
This article will thoroughly analyze Calico, from its appeal to strategic tips, with actual player testimonials. After reading, you'll definitely want to make the perfect quilt for your cats.
Game Basics
Calico is a 30-45 minute tile-placement puzzle game for 1-4 players .
Calico is a 30-45 minute tile-placement puzzle game for 1-4 players (ages 10+, complexity rating 2.19/5). It was created by designer Kevin Russ and Beth Sobel , known for her beautiful artwork, and is published by Flatout Games and AEG. "The adorable cat illustrations instantly grab the player's attention."
The core mechanic of the game is a color and pattern combination system using 18 hexagonal patch tiles of each of six colors (108 tiles in total) . Each turn, players select one tile from their hand and place it on the quilt board. Groups of three or more tiles of the same color earn buttons (3 points), and combinations of specific patterns earn cats (3-11 points).
Additionally, each player can choose from three goal tiles , each with a different color or pattern that can be used to achieve additional points.
The appeal of Calico: strategic depth hidden behind cuteness
Despite its cute appearance, this is a challenging puzzle game with deep strategic elements.
Visual Appeal and Component Quality
Calico's first impression is defined by its beautiful artwork, described as "exquisite" by Beth Sobel , and its premium components, including a dual-layer board . "The tiles fit securely into their slots without moving around or becoming damaged over time," says Calico's founder, who created the game's feel similar to a high-quality puzzle.
A complex puzzle
Despite its cute appearance, Calico's greatest appeal is its challenging level of difficulty, so much so that it's often described as "this cat has claws." You'll make good progress in the first few tiles by acquiring color groups and cats, but the more tiles you place, the deeper its claws dig in, and by the middle of the game, you'll be praying to God for a green tile or a yellow polka dot pattern.
Players must "see color with their left eye and pattern with their right eye," and the "two puzzles overlapping" structure forces players to constantly consider multiple factors simultaneously.
This complexity is what causes players who thought they could hit all the goal tiles and get double points before the first play to actually miss at least one goal tile.
Plenty of cats and strategic options
There are 10 types of cat tokens (Mille is worth 3 points, Gwen and Leo are worth 11 points), and each can be attracted under different conditions. The points are designed according to difficulty, such as "Millie requires 3 or more of the same pattern, Tibbit requires 4 or more, and the best Gwenivere requires 7 or more of the same pattern," so players can choose a strategy that suits their ability.
Highly replayable and variable setups
The game's design allows players to enjoy a fresh experience no matter how many times they play, thanks to the fact that "variable scoring conditions change strategies, making the game never the same" and "20 different goal tile combinations give the game a different feel."
One of the attractions of the game is its high replayability , with "dynamic tile placement mechanics and numerous objective cards ensuring that no two games are the same."
Concerns and solutions
We will introduce the weaknesses of Calico and effective countermeasures to address them.
Lack of interaction between players
It has been pointed out that "there is no difference between a solo game and a multiplayer game, even when players are sitting face to face, because there is no meaningful interaction between players."
Countermeasure : "You can indirectly disrupt your opponent by understanding the tiles they need and strategically taking them," so try observing the board situation of other players. Also, "a variant in which all players compete on the same board" has been suggested.
The occurrence of analysis paralysis (AP)
Players tend to "struggle even with relatively small decision spaces" and "goal tiles require far-reaching planning" which can lead to overthinking and slow play.
Solution : It's important to remain flexible and envision multiple success scenarios. Rather than striving for perfection, the recommended approach is to focus on doing a small number of things very well.
Dependence on luck
There may be situations where you don't have either of the tiles you want and are forced to play a tile you don't want, or where the outcome of the game depends on whether or not you get lucky enough to get a tile.
Solution : You can also make good use of unnecessary tiles by cleverly utilizing the seven free spaces as an opportunity for larger pattern collections and color group connections.
First play time extension
"The first game with a new player tends to take at least an hour."
Solution : If you're looking for a more relaxed game, start with the Family Variant (flip the goal tiles and focus on collecting cats and buttons) to ease the learning curve.
Recommended for these people and occasions
We will introduce the types of people and play scenarios for which Calico is particularly suitable.
Family Game Enthusiasts
"Fun for families ages 10 and up, with a balance of strategy elements without being overly complex," making it ideal for family get-togethers . "It's an excellent choice for family get-togethers and casual gaming sessions," making it a game that can be enjoyed across generations.
Cat lover and art enthusiast
The theme is sure to appeal to cat lovers and craft enthusiasts, and Beth Sobel 's artwork is colorful and eye-catching, providing visual satisfaction. The beautiful patterns you create upon completion also provide a special sense of accomplishment.
Solo Gamer
The game has a track record of being "highly polished for solo play, and was nominated for the International Game Awards in the Solo category ." "Solo mode is supported in both the beginner and standard setups," making it ideal for those who want to spend their time alone.
People looking for relaxation time
It offers an experience that's "perfect for those who enjoy a slower paced game, ideal for cozying up by the fire on a rainy day," and a "cozy, quilt-themed, engaging, and visually stunning experience" to help you unwind from the everyday grind.
Puzzle game enthusiasts
Recommended for puzzle fans looking for "an engaging and intellectually stimulating experience for players of all skill levels, incorporating spatial puzzle-solving and planning elements." The moderate difficulty, described as "face-punching delight," promises a rewarding gaming experience.
Calico is a fantastic puzzle game for all ages, with strategic depth hidden beneath its cute appearance. With over 22,000 positive reviews and numerous awards, you'll be hooked. Why not start making the world's coziest quilts for your cats today?
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