84

Calico is a puzzly tile-laying game where players compete to sew the coziest quilt by collecting and placing hexagonal patches of different colors and patterns. Players score points by attracting cats, collecting buttons, and completing personal design goals on their quilts.

84

The Verdict

based on 17 reviews

Positive 0%
Mixed 0%
Simple rules with deep strategic gameplay that is easy to learn but difficult to master.
High-quality components and beautiful, vibrant artwork by Beth Sobel.
Engaging and challenging solo mode with a dedicated campaign.
A mentally stimulating and rewarding puzzle-like experience.
Accessible to a wide range of players, including families, with different modes of play.
Very low player interaction, often described as "multiplayer solitaire".
The luck of the tile draw can be frustrating and a significant factor in the outcome.
Can lead to "analysis paralysis" due to the complex decision-making.
The deceptively cute theme can be misleading for players expecting a light, casual game.
95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
3 Minute Board Games, J Carmichael and S RodgersVideo

This video reviews the tile-laying puzzle game Calico, where players create quilts to attract cats and score points. It emphasizes the game's deceptive simplicity, offering an easy-to-learn yet challenging experience with engaging strategic depth.

95
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
ThinkerThemer, Amy & Maggie (ThinkerThemer)Video

The ThinkerThemer review explores the physical board game Calico, analyzing its mechanics and theme from two distinct perspectives. The hosts provide a positive recommendation, highlighting the game's engaging puzzle and long-term appeal.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Frontline Gaming, SamArticle

Calico is a charming, highly replayable tile-laying puzzle game that successfully balances accessible rules with deep strategic spatial planning and appealing components.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
BoardGameCo, Alex RadcliffeVideo

This video from BoardGameCo provides a genuine review and playthrough of the physical board game Calico. It discusses the game's tile-laying mechanics, player experience, and offers opinions on its replayability, strategic depth, and the balance between relaxation and stress.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Tumbleweird, Brendan QuinnArticle

Calico is lauded as a deceptively deep and rewarding abstract strategy game with excellent components and clear design. It offers satisfying strategic depth without inducing analysis paralysis, making it a highly recommended and delightful experience.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
No Pun Included, No Pun IncludedVideo

No Pun Included finds Calico to be a genius and phenomenal puzzle game. It offers a challenging yet welcoming experience, combining simple rules with deep strategic crunch. The reviewers praise its unique blend of pleasure and difficulty.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
shanodinArticle

The reviewer highly praises Calico as a deceptively challenging yet accessible tile-laying puzzle with simple rules but meaningful decisions. They love its soothing cat-and-quilt theme, beautiful components, and the flexibility it offers players to choose their own goals.

90
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Before You PlayVideo

This video provides a comprehensive playthrough and review of the physical board game Calico. It likely demonstrates gameplay mechanics, offers an evaluation of the experience, and shares opinions on the game's design and appeal.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
The Opinionated Gamers, Brandon KempfArticle

Calico is a satisfying and deeply challenging puzzle game about quilting that combines simple rules with heavy spatial optimization. While it can cause analysis paralysis and feels slightly samey, its inviting art and thinky gameplay make it a top-tier title.

85
InferredThis reviewer didn't give a numbered score. We read the review and inferred a 0–100 score from what they said. Did we get it wrong? Please report it, we'll fix it.
Board 'N' BonesArticle

Calico is a deceptively challenging and brain-burning puzzle game disguised as a relaxing quilt-making experience. The reviewer praises its tight tile-placement restrictions, strategic depth, and high-quality components.

80
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Meeple Mountain, Andy MatthewsArticle

Despite its charming aesthetics, Calico is a surprisingly challenging tile-laying game that forces players to balance parallel color and pattern goals, often leading to difficult choices. It offers deep strategic depth, making it a keeper despite its apparent simplicity.

80
StatedThis reviewer gave their own score. We only converted it to our 0–100 scale.
Nerdly, Matthew SmailArticle

Calico combines simple tile-placement mechanics with a deeply challenging, brain-burning puzzle. It offers gorgeous components, tight decision-making, and scales well from family-friendly to hardcore modes.

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