Have you ever wanted to ride on the back of a bear-sized cat through the woods on a pleasant spring day? How about fly through the air on a giant crow that gives off the glow of a thousand galaxy stars in the night sky? Or perhaps you would like to run a cafe that serves the local construction workers handmade baked goods in miniature?Then the lovely game Calico, is just what you've been needing.Yes it's time for another indie game review from me, Namibunny!
Released in 2020 by Developer Peachy Keen Games and published by Whitethorn Games and Maple Whispering Limited, Calico is a short but very peaceful and relaxing experience that has you meeting villagers (human and otherwise) from the top of a snowy mountain all the way down to the bustling beach boardwalk. Not without it's glitches, the story progresses at a comfortable pace and surprising abilities and secrets are unlocked the further along you are.
I mentioned this was a relaxing experience and I meant that 100%. From the muted pastel color palette to the serene background music to the interactions with the animals, this is the kind of game you put on when you've come down with a flu but still want to entertain yourself. Your nose may be stuffy and your body may achy, but your mind will surely be at peace in this cozy town.
Character creation is surprisingly inclusive for this kind of game, including skin color, body sizes, and gender. Glitches are no-so-rare but at least on PC you can largely work past them and ignore them. Not a cat person? It's ok I forgive you. If you're not a fan of breakdancing cats then how about Capybaras? Polar bears? Regular bears? Crows? Dogs? Red pandas? Deer? Foxes? Pigeons? Ferrets? Pigs? Horses? Then yes, this game is still for you! Still not sure if you should get Calico? Here's a description on their website that might give you a better feel about it:
___________________________
"Whitethorn games are:Easy-going: They don’t require any prior gaming knowledge, special skills, or feats of dexterity to enjoy.Bite-sized: Our games can be played a little at a time, can be saved constantly, and can be picked up and put down without penalty.Stress-free: You have enough stress in the rest of your life. Our games offer challenges without frustration or shame."
___________________________
The next time you want to escape reality, be it capitalism or a sore throat, take a peaceful walk into Calico. In addition to your animal friends being warm and fuzzy, your heart will be as well.
Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games, Humble Store, itch. io, Gamejolt), Xbox One, Xbox Series S|X, Nintendo Switch
