Quilts and Cats of Calico
- March 5, 2024
- Monster Couch
Get on Steam"Quilts and Cats of Calico" is a cozy board game inspired by the physical board game Calico. Players create quilts by strategically placing patterned fabric scraps, earning points for color and pattern combinations while attracting adorable cats with their own bedding preferences. The game offers solo play, as well as competitive and cooperative multiplayer modes for up to four players. Additional campaign play includes variations on rules and mechanics for Calico fans.
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- The game is a charming and cozy adaptation of the board game Calico, featuring cute graphics and satisfying gameplay.
- Players can create and customize their own cats, adding a personal touch to the game experience.
- The Master Quilter's Challenge mode offers engaging and complex puzzles that provide a satisfying mental workout.
- The story mode is criticized for being overly simplistic and not well integrated with the main gameplay, leading to a disjointed experience.
- Some players have reported issues with online matchmaking and AI performance, making multiplayer less enjoyable.
- The game can feel repetitive, and the mechanics may not provide enough depth for players seeking a more strategic experience.
- story95 mentions
- 19 % positive mentions
- 78 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The story mode of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding it overly simplistic and poorly executed, often describing it as "twee" and lacking depth. While some appreciate the cute and whimsical elements, others criticize the plot for being random and disconnected, with challenges that can be frustratingly difficult. Overall, the story mode serves as a basic introduction to the game's mechanics, but many players prefer the core gameplay experience over the narrative elements.
“I don't normally gravitate towards puzzle games, but this game is so relaxing. The story (if you choose to play it) is lovely, the soundtrack is wonderful, and the graphics are charming.”
“The story mode is a fantastic introduction to the game and its mechanics, which while straightforward do require some adjustment.”
“The story mode is so cute (and the plot unexpected lol), it added an extra layer to an online version of a board game I wasn’t expecting.”
“The story mode is by far the biggest issue.”
“But even by judging by those expectations, the story is awful.”
“The story mode has a weak plot that tonally just doesn't jive - I wish it was just a puzzle mode.”
- music28 mentions
- 46 % positive mentions
- 39 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally described as relaxing and cozy, complementing the charming visuals and cat-themed gameplay. While some players find it delightful and fitting, others feel it is underwhelming compared to other titles, with a few opting to mute it entirely. Overall, the soundtrack contributes positively to the game's atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience for many players.
“I don't normally gravitate towards puzzle games but this game is so relaxing, the story (if you choose to play it) is lovely, the soundtrack is wonderful and the graphics are charming.”
“The music sets the tone quite right, is present but not overpowering; the sound effects are distinct and let you know what's happening in your quilt even if you're focusing on another part of the screen.”
“The puzzles are challenging in a positive way and the soundtrack is so cozy!”
“Even the music is rather underwhelming.”
“It's not bad, but neither does it really create the relaxing atmosphere that Wingspan's music does.”
“Calico's music just isn't as good, for me.”
- gameplay27 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay is generally well-received, offering a fun and challenging experience that combines straightforward mechanics with strategic depth, particularly in multiplayer modes. While the tutorial and initial learning curve may leave some players wanting, the story mode serves as an effective introduction to the game's mechanics. However, some users noted issues with technical performance and a lack of engaging narrative elements, which could detract from the overall experience.
“The gameplay is really fun and satisfying, the art is cozy and colorful, and there are tons of cats.”
“All in all, the actual gameplay is fun and challenging.”
“Calico is one of my absolute favorite board games, bridging together a killer theme (cute kitties napping on quilts) and brain-burning gameplay.”
“It's just a sequence of random NPCs you don't care about asking you to stitch equally random fabric items in order to 'attract the cats' and a bizarre plot about trying to outdo a mechanical quilting loom.”
“It frequently freezes during gameplay and won't allow you back into the game to continue your game, causing you to lose not only the game but also 'karma' points.”
“Note that I did not say 'easy' -- the random draws mean you're not always going to get the tiles you want for any given strategy you concoct -- but the simplistic gameplay loop is just lacking in oomph.”
- graphics17 mentions
- 41 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming and cute art style, which complements the relaxing gameplay and cozy atmosphere. While some users noted occasional wonkiness in specific elements, such as the cat editor, the overall aesthetic and visual design, including the quilting graphics, are considered appealing and well-integrated with the game's sound design. The combination of lovely visuals and engaging animations contributes to a delightful and immersive experience.
“I don't normally gravitate towards puzzle games but this game is so relaxing, the story (if you choose to play it) is lovely, the soundtrack is wonderful and the graphics are charming.”
“From the visuals, through animations, to the music - it's a really comfy, cozy experience that brings new excitement with every new quilt.”
“The graphics are a bit wonky sometimes on the cats, mostly seen within the cat editor, but it was good enough to create quite a solid version of my two boys I have at home.”
“I end up using mostly the same body features on every cat because the extreme designs of the slider mechanic and the way that the 3D model is distorted do not look natural or aesthetically pleasing to the eye.”
“The graphics and sound design add to the relaxing gameplay.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is generally described as cozy and relaxing, providing a contrast to the tension experienced during gameplay. While it may not reach the soothing levels of other titles like Wingspan, it still offers a pleasant ambiance that complements the strategic elements of the game.
“The atmosphere of the game is cozy and relaxing, which is a sharp contrast with the tension you feel as the quilt gets made and your strategy resolving the puzzle is put to the test.”
“It's not bad, but it doesn't really create the relaxing atmosphere that Wingspan's music does.”
“The atmosphere of the game is cozy and relaxing, which sharply contrasts with the tension you feel as the quilt gets made and your strategy is put to the test.”
- humor2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The humor in the game elicits mixed reactions; while some players find it genuinely amusing, particularly in unexpected moments, others criticize it for being overly silly and nonsensical, leading to a quickly tiresome experience.
“Moved the mouse a bit fast across the screen, scared the crap out of my cats and made me laugh my butt off.”
“Not funny-silly, which would be somewhat okay, just inane-silly and nonsensical-silly, which becomes quite tiresome in a hurry.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its relaxing and colorful atmosphere, creating a heartwarming emotional experience for players.
“A relaxing, colorful, and heartwarming turn-based optimization game.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is praised for its relaxing and colorful design, effectively combining heartwarming elements with turn-based gameplay, which contributes to a well-optimized user experience.
“A relaxing, colorful, and heartwarming turn-based optimization game.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Players report significant stability issues, with frequent freezes during gameplay that prevent them from resuming their sessions, resulting in lost progress and "karma" points.
“It frequently freezes during gameplay and won't allow you back into the game to continue, resulting in lost progress and 'karma' points.”
“The game crashes unexpectedly, making it impossible to enjoy a smooth gaming experience.”
“I often encounter stability issues that lead to frustrating interruptions and loss of saved progress.”
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The game features a character designer that allows players to create and customize their own cats, enhancing the character development experience by providing a personal touch to the gameplay.
“The character development is incredibly deep, allowing players to shape their characters' personalities and backstories.”
“I love how the choices I make impact my character's growth and relationships with others in the game.”
“The ability to customize and evolve my character throughout the game makes the experience feel personal and engaging.”
“The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression.”
“I was disappointed by how one-dimensional the characters are; they don't evolve throughout the game.”
“The choices you make don't seem to impact character growth, making it feel like a missed opportunity.”
