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Review of Calico on Nintendo Switch

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Dec 2020
Cover image of Calico on Switch
Gamefings Score: 7
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 15 Dec 2020
Genre: Life Simulation
Developer: Peachy Keen Games
Publisher: Whitethorn Games, Maple Whispering

Introduction

Welcome to the whimsical world of *Calico*! If you've ever wanted to manage a cat café on a magical island where pastel colors reign supreme, well, lickety-split, you've found your dream game! Aimed at the hearts of cat lovers (and let's be real-who isn't a cat lover nowadays?) and those who also enjoy the idea of being a magical girl, this life simulation game is like *Animal Crossing* but with added magical mushroom sprite clubs. Let's embark on this cutesy journey!

Gameplay

*Calico* puts you in the fuzzy slippers of a character who has inherited a cat café. Throughout this pastel paradise, players will explore, adopt animals, and tackle quirky quests. One minute you're chasing down a cat that mistakenly drank too much of Autumn's potion (don't ask), and the next, you're riding a giant kitty like it's a furry horse! It's all completely non-violent, so if you're vengeful and seek carnage, you're better off playing that game where you shoot aliens. The gameplay centers around friendly and simple tasks-find lost animals, help townsfolk, and occasionally bake a cake or two that might make you rethink your real-life baking skills. Without failure conditions or bugs that cause you to scream in frustration, one could say it's the ultimate chill experience. Just imagine this game as an interactive dollhouse filled with charm, with an aesthetically pleasing twist of effortless fun for all ages.

Graphics

Graphically, *Calico* is bursting with color! It's like a unicorn threw up a rainbow all over the game. The lighthearted artistic style enhances the whimsical nature of the game with vibrant hues and cute character designs. The animals have the usual adorableness we expect from 2020 and beyond-everything from cats to magical mushroom girls-it's a delightful feast for the eyes. However, some may say that the graphics sometimes resemble pre-packaged breakfast cereal mascots lost in a first-grade art class; the visuals are charming but occasionally lack polish. It might not be the eye-candy from *Final Fantasy*, but hey, it has cats! How can you complain when you're surrounded by mythical creatures and your worst issue is minor clipping? Relax, grab a slice of cake, and watch your animal friends frolic!

Conclusion

In conclusion, *Calico* is a delightful, albeit wobbly, endeavor-a hug of a game that mostly succeeds in what it sets out to do-bring joy. It combines the life-simulation genre with a unique flair, especially for those who thrive on cuteness and a sprinkle of magic. Is it perfect? No. But when life gets too serious, and reality starts weighing you down, jumping into a pastel kitty wonderland sounds like a stellar escape. So, grab your switch, summon the tiniest woodland creatures you can muster, and let the whimsical adventures begin. Who knows? You might even discover your inner magical girl while trying to whip up a giant pancake for your kitty café!

See Latest Prices for Calico on Switch on Amazon

See Prices for Calico on Switch on Ebay

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