Calico

Calico is a charming tile-laying game that immediately captured my attention. The theme of creating quilts and attracting cats is incredibly endearing, and the artwork is absolutely delightful. The game itself is deceptively simple at first glance, but there's a surprising amount of strategic depth to it. I've enjoyed playing it with both my partner and solo, and I find it's a game that can be tailored to your desired level of challenge.

The core gameplay involves placing tiles to create quilt patterns, matching colors and patterns to score points, and attracting adorable cats to your quilt. The rulebook is well-written and easy to follow, making it approachable for both beginners and seasoned board game enthusiasts. I appreciate the fact that the game offers multiple scoring options, allowing for different levels of complexity.

However, I must admit that the lack of a dedicated organizer for the components is a minor drawback. It can be a bit of a chore sorting through all the tiles and pieces, especially after multiple plays. This is something that could be easily remedied with a simple insert or bag system, which I have found some great options for on Etsy.

Overall, I highly recommend Calico. It's a delightful and engaging game that is sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys tile-laying puzzles, cute themes, and strategic gameplay. While the lack of organization might be a minor inconvenience, it doesn't detract from the game's overall appeal. I find myself reaching for Calico time and again for a relaxing and rewarding gaming experience.