Calico and Neat Things DLC Review

Calico and Neat Things DLC

Release: December 15, 2020
Publisher: WhiteThorn Games
Developer: Peachy Keen Games
Genre:
PEGI: 7
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Calico is a charming, low-stress, and cozy game that was released on PC in 2020. The game is set in a small, colorful town where you can run a cat café, befriend the locals, and explore the world around you.

The gameplay in Calico is fairly simple. You can decorate your café, cook and bake food, and take care of the cats that live there. You can also complete quests for the townsfolk, which will earn you money and unlock new items.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Calico is the freedom it gives you. There are no time limits or strict objectives, so you can play at your own pace and focus on the things you enjoy. This makes it a great game for relaxing after a long day.

Calico presents itself as a “community sim game” where you’re tasked with rebuilding the town’s cat café. This premise, while simple, provides a surprisingly engaging framework for a game focused on relaxation and creativity.

Gameplay – Beyond the Basics:

• Café Customization: This is a core element. You’re not just placing furniture; you’re designing a space. The game offers a decent variety of furniture, decorations, and even the layout of the café itself can be tweaked. The Neat Things DLC expands this considerably with new themes and items.
• Cat Wrangling: Attracting cats is key. You do this by making your café appealing (comfortable furniture, good food) and by befriending wild cats around the island. Once they like you enough, they can join your café. Each cat has its own personality and preferences, adding a touch of unpredictability. You can even dress them up with the clothing items you craft or purchase.
• Cooking and Baking: The game features a simple but satisfying cooking system. You gather ingredients (some are found, others are purchased) and combine them to create dishes that attract specific types of cats or fulfill quest objectives. Again, the DLC adds more recipes and ingredients.
• Questing and Community: Talking to the townsfolk and completing their quests is important for progression. These quests often involve crafting specific items, delivering goods, or simply getting to know the characters. This adds a light narrative element to the game and provides a sense of purpose beyond just decorating and cat-collecting.
• Island Exploration: While not a vast open world, the island of Calico is charming and offers different areas to explore. You’ll find resources, new cats, and hidden secrets. The Cali Coast area added in the DLC provides a new environment to discover.
• Magic: Calico incorporates a touch of magic. You can use special items to influence the environment, such as making cats bigger or attracting more of them. This adds a whimsical layer to the gameplay.

Graphics and Sound – A Cozy Aesthetic:

The visuals are a standout feature. Calico’s pastel color palette, soft lines, and chibi-style characters create a visually appealing and comforting world. It’s a style that perfectly complements the game’s relaxed atmosphere. The music is similarly soothing, with gentle melodies that never become intrusive.

The Neat Things DLC – Worth the Price?

The Neat Things DLC is a worthwhile addition for players who enjoyed the base game. It significantly expands the content in several key areas:

• New Items: More furniture, decorations, clothing options for your character and cats, and new recipes. This adds even more depth to the customization aspect of the game.
• Cali Coast Area: A new area to explore with unique resources, cats, and characters. This provides a fresh environment and extends the game’s longevity.
• Quality of Life Improvements: While not always explicitly stated, DLCs often include bug fixes and minor improvements to the base game, making the overall experience smoother.

Criticisms and Considerations:

• Repetitive Gameplay: While the core loop of decorating, cat-collecting, and questing is enjoyable, it can become repetitive for some players. The lack of any real challenge might also be a drawback for those seeking more demanding gameplay.
• Limited Scope: Calico is a very specific type of game. If you’re not drawn to its cozy, low-stress gameplay loop, you might find it lacking in depth or excitement.

Final Verdict:

Calico is a charming and relaxing experience that’s perfect for players looking for a cozy escape. While it may not appeal to everyone, its beautiful visuals, engaging customization options, and adorable cats make it a delightful experience for fans of the genre. The Neat Things DLC enhances the base game significantly and is a worthwhile purchase for those who want more Calico in their lives.

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