Calico
- Designer Kevin Russ
- Publisher Flatout Games , Alderac Entertainment Group , Arclight Games , CrowD Games , Cryptic Cardboard
- Illustration Beth Sobel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
In Calico, players place hexagonal patches on their personal quilt boards to create color groups and patterns. By doing so, they earn buttons and attract cats that prefer specific patterns. Each turn involves selecting a patch from the open draft and adding it to your quilt. Scoring is based on how well you complete your quilt’s pattern and the bonuses from buttons and cats.
Who Is This Game For?
Calico is a medium-weight puzzle game suitable for 1 to 4 players aged 10 and up. With a playtime around 45 minutes, it fits well into casual gaming sessions. It requires moderate strategic thinking but is accessible to those new to pattern-building games.
How It Works
The core mechanics include Pattern Building, Enclosure, and Grid Coverage on a hexagon grid. Players draft patches from an open pool and place them to form connected groups of colors and patterns. Completing specific configurations allows players to place buttons and attract cats, scoring end-game bonuses based on their quilt design.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Kevin Russ, Calico blends abstract puzzle mechanics with a cozy quilt and cat theme. It won the American Tabletop Strategy Games Award in 2021 and was nominated for multiple Golden Geek Awards in 2020. The game is part of the Animals: Cats family and features innovative pattern and tile placement mechanics.
Awards
2020
- 2021 American Tabletop Strategy Games — Winner
- 2021 Gouden Ludo - best family game — Winner
- 2020 Cardboard Republic Socializer Laurel — Nominated
- 2020 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Unique blend of Pattern Building and Enclosure mechanics
- Includes solo mode
- Short playtime around 45 minutes
- Winner of the 2021 American Tabletop Strategy Games Award
Contra
- Moderate complexity may deter very young players
- Limited direct player interaction
- Puzzle focus may not appeal to casual gamers
Setting & Atmosphäre
Calico centers on sewing colorful quilts to attract cats, combining abstract pattern creation with a warm, animal-themed setting.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on gradually completing your quilt pattern and using buttons to maximize end-game scoring.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes, Calico includes a solo mode for single players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 45 minutes, including setup.
What prior experience do I need?
Calico is a medium-weight game suitable for ages 10+ and accessible to newcomers to pattern-building games.
How does this compare to similar games?
Calico uniquely combines abstract pattern building with a cozy quilt and cat theme.
Is this suitable for families?
Calico is suitable for families with children aged 10 and older who enjoy puzzle and tile-laying games.
What mechanic makes it special?
The combination of Pattern Building on a hexagon grid with Enclosure and end-game bonuses defines Calico.
Fazit
Calico is recommended for players seeking a strategic tile-laying puzzle game with a charming theme and a solo mode. Its moderate complexity and 45-minute playtime make it accessible and engaging.
