Fallout Games has partnered with Monster Couch, the developer of the video game Wingspan, to bring their cozy yet highly strategic board game Calico to digital screens. This alone isn’t fresh news. The game was announced by Monster Couch back in December of 2022.
What is new is that on April 24th, the demo version for Quilts and Cats of Calico, the name by which the Calico board game goes on Steam, is out. But what makes the digital version of the game different from its physical counterpart, and why should players consider buying it once it’s released?
The game will feature three game modes: solo, multiplayer, and story/campaign mode. Solo and multiplayer are self-explanatory, but what about story mode? As per Monster Couch, the story mode will immerse the players in the world of Calico, which has been inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli. It sounds promising, but it remains to be seen how they will pull it of and still have it make sense for a Calico-based game.
Demo currently available only offers solo play and one specific match that players can replay as many times as they wish. As players begin to play, they will notice that, in addition to the playing pieces, their board is also home to three cats. Although these felines have a habit of sleeping on the board and quilt, that alone won’t score any points. Instead, players will need to sew the appropriate pattern to gain points. If the roaming cats frequently get in the way, players can always ask them to stay outside the playing area. Additionally, players can customize their digital cats, adding a fun and personal touch to their gaming experience.
All in all, the game is pretty and fun, just like the board game, but in one aspect, it’s easier. Instead of having to pay attention to patterns and colors yourself, the game will tell you if the patch you are currently holding will give you points if you place it where you intended to. Not a bad feature by itself and definitely helpful for new players and solo play, but hopefully can be turned off in multiplayer mode since it could remove some of the strategic aspects of the game.
Overall, Quilts and Cats of Calico has the potential to be a great addition to the digital board game market. With its charming aesthetic, multiple game modes, and cute digital cats, it has something for everyone. And while the demo version may not have all the features, it still offers a taste of what’s to come. Players can now try it out for themselves and decide if they want to add it to their gaming collection when it officially releases.