Published on: October 1, 2025
written by Kiomye Thompson
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For this month, I really wanted to continue with the fall vibes—something that truly encapsulates the feeling of falling autumn leaves, pumpkin-scented candles, and cozying up under your favorite blankets. Calico, from Flatout Games, is the perfect puzzle game for those vibes. As you create quilts for sleepy cats, it’s hard not to feel the warmth of the season. If you’d like to try this cozy game, stop by Gabi’s Olympic Cards and Comics on November 4th for a free demo. You’ll even get 10% off the game if you participate in the event!
Designer: Kevin Russ
Artist: Beth Sobel
Publisher: Flatout Games
Player Count: 1–4
Playtime: 30–45 minutes
Ages: 10+
Gameplay
In Calico, you’ll be competing to sew the most appealing quilt and attract the cuddliest cats to your creation. Each hex-shaped tile represents a patch of your quilt and includes both a color and a pattern. How you arrange those tiles will determine how many points you earn and whether you can lure those finicky felines.
If you place three or more tiles of the same color together, you’ll earn a button of that color. Cats, on the other hand, care only about patterns each cat card in the game has a preferred arrangement (like a group of identical patterns, or a specific layout), and meeting those requirements lets you add that cat to your quilt. Balancing the pursuit of buttons and cats is key, and everyone’s quilt ends up looking completely unique by the end of the game.
Review
I’ve always been drawn to tile-laying games, and Calico captures everything I love about the genre. The way each tile fits together so snugly feels like solving a tactile puzzle, and the board’s clever layout gives a real sense that you’re actually sewing something together. Watching your quilt come to life over the course of a game is incredibly satisfying—and no two are ever the same.
The artwork by Beth Sobel is especially worth praising. The cats are delightfully drawn, and there’s something heartwarming about gently placing a little cat token onto your quilt once you’ve met its criteria. The buttons are equally charming, and together, the visuals and components make the game feel genuinely cozy and warm.
But don’t let the aesthetic fool you, Calico can be fiercely competitive. Beneath the soft exterior is a tight, strategic puzzle with limited space, limited options, and plenty of tough decisions.
Throughout the game, you’ll be pulling random tiles from the bag to replenish the shared tile market, and that’s where most of the player interaction happens. There’s a certain thrill in grabbing the tile everyone else wanted or the crushing feeling of seeing the exact tile you needed show up right after your turn. For a game that looks so simple on the surface, it brings out a surprising range of emotions and strategic possibilities.
If you’ve played other Flatout Games titles like Cascadia, you’ll feel right at home here. While Cascadia leans more into nature and open-ended pattern building, Calico feels tighter and more puzzle-heavy, with a satisfying layer of tension as the board fills up.
Calico is an excellent pick for solo players, couples, or small groups looking for a quiet yet mentally engaging experience. It’s easy to teach, beautiful on the table, and offers just the right blend of relaxation and challenge. Whether you’re in it for the aesthetics, the puzzle, or just to pet every cat, this game is a perfect fall companion.
So if you’re looking to cozy up with something that delivers warmth and brain burn, come try Calico at our demo event on November 4th. And remember—demo participants get 10% off the game. It’s the perfect time to bring home your own box of buttons, cats, and cozy competition.
