Setup & Rules
Clear out some space because this two player game requires a fair bit of room to get going! This is definitely not a travel friendly game. Each player gets a 9 x 9 grid to build their quilt and in between the players is the time board, which is surrounded by a range of tetris like cardboard shapes (the tiles). Each player starts off with 5 buttons which act as currency, with the aim being to build the most complete quilt on the 9 x 9 board by buying tiles as they progress round the board.
Any empty spaces on the 9 x 9 grid by the end of the game count against the player’s score, so getting the right tiles key to victory.
Gameplay and Difficulty Levels
It took around 5 minutes for our kids to understand the rules to the game and the game is slow enough paced that it can be leisurely explained as the game progresses. There’s a nice amount of strategy involved - from placing your tiles carefully to avoid awkward gaps, to acquiring tiles at the right time. To begin with, small kids will most likely just use their buttons up quickly, acquiring the biggest shapes, which may not be the best fit for their boards. Which is fine, because the games are short enough (around 20 mins) that they can learn and evolve their strategies on subsequent play throughs.
There is a tantrum risk involved with younger children, typically when you inadvertently purchase a specific tile they had been eyeing up 😂
Quality and Design
There’s a very zen feel to the whole game, from the pace, to the design, to the pieces, which are well made, durable pieces of cardboard.
Overall Rating
We love Patchwork, the only drawback is it’s a two player game which can be limiting. However, it’s a nice way to spend some quality, calm one to one time with the kids.
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