The 4 Squares Review - Cascadia

The Dice Tower takes a look at Cascadia!

Intro 0:00
Overview 1:10
Final Thoughts 9:09
Scores 16:41

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[jelledaems]

Yesterday I tought this game to my five year old daughter (the standard game) and I felt so proud: she beat me in her first game with 96 points versus 86 points for me. My personal best is 100 points and in her first game she came prety close to that. I love the game for that

[looktothefuture]

Love this format! Quick intro, short and concise game overview finished off with four completely different perspectives and opinions on the game 👍🏼

[ChooseConnect]

Got this for my B day last month. I'm a heavy gamer that was having a hard timing finding something to play with my family who are more casual. This has reached the table at least 10 times already. Not my personal fav, but I love it because it's perfect for casual groups!

[Nayr]

The discussion over Calico is exactly how I felt. Every game of Calico, I always eventually get to that "I need this very specific piece at this specific time", plus feel the AP everytime. It feels very thinky indeed, to the point of where I hesitate to bring it out for casual gamers. This looks more approachable, so we'll see how it goes since I just got it. Thanks for the video!

[MerrillWhiteKalEl]

This is such a solid gateway game. I love it and the solo play is also really good. Super glad I backed it and I love the puzzles it offers. I would recommend this to anyone.

[MikhailGordin]

I think the more apt comparison for Cascadia isn't Calico, but Kingdom Builder (or equivalently Winter Kingdom). Calico is about building the best thing you can to match a set of constraints in a gradually more crowded space. Cascadia and Kingdom Builder are about creating patterns to match a set of spatially-driven opportunities (the scoring conditions) that vary from game to game, across an expanding board (in Cascadia because you're building it, in Kingdom Builder because you're gradually opening up more available sections of terrain through piece movement and card draw).

They're both pretty simple to get into - however, I think Kingdom Builder is tighter and potentially more punishing game than Cascadia, and one where bad luck (or more likely bad / risky early choices) can potentially mess you up more strongly. Not sure which one I personally prefer though - I think probably still Kingdom Builder, though I like Cascadia as well?

[koriakin]

Funny how Zee gave it a 7 and now it's in his top 100 😅

[MikEkiMEver]

I've only been able to play this game a few times so far, but I love it and so do those that have played it with me. There's variety, the ability to make it tougher but also accessible to younger players, and the artwork is beautiful. I admit my bias, as I live in Oregon, but love the animals, artwork, and gameplay.

[hanslamal]

Congrats Tom to have found a shirt with the correct salmon color! 😌

[annabahatska]

It was fascinating to see four different people sharing their impressions and opinions of Cascadia. I bought the game because of the bgg rating - and because there were really a lot of sweet and positive feedbacks. It is definitely an easy to teach game and very kid friendly. Plus I love the nature/national parks theme, even if it's pasted on ))

[Atlas-FM]

I definitely preferred this one over Calico because Cascadia had interesting decisions while not feeling punishing. With Calico I feel like i start out with a plan and am forced to constantly make concessions to make the best of a worsening and more restrictive situation.

[TheNerdShelves]

Great discussion you 4. I am on board (no pun intended) with everything you all have said regarding the game play, feel and comparison to Calico. It's definitely more forgiving than Calico, but also makes you feel like you can be more creative with your terrain. I have played it with heavy gamers who love crunchy games, I've played it with my children and many in between. I can honestly say that every person I have played with really enjoys it. I think that's really saying something. Let's not forget, there is a family variant as well, which is a nice touch. Thanks for the review😊

[StKnightis]

I haven’t seen Chris in many of the videos. Good addition. Fresh perspective. 👍

[HansJoachimMaier]

It is an after work game for me. Something I can play at evening to relax instead of watching TV. The weekend is reserved for the bigger, more challenging games.

[TrpleOseveN]

YES!!!... Tom plz do more post credit scene in your videos, LOVE IT!!!...😁👍🏼

[SolviKaaber]

Once again I ask you to mention what games are in this genre that make it so crowded. As someone who purchases board games, I don't care how many similar games there are, I want to know if it's better than the others or not. Cascadia is a tile-laying abstract puzzle game, I've played a bunch of those, Cascadia isn't something original. But what it is, is that it's better than a majority of these games, even Calico, and I'm kind of shocked it didn't grab a Seal of Excellence.

[mandalorian]

It’s a shame they didn’t discuss the 15 scenarios that are included as well. They make this an excellent solo experience 👍🏼

[relativelyboard]

Interesting. Calico was definitely one of my favourite games of last year. So it's good to see they this one. By the sounds of it, feels like we would still prefer the menacing feeling of "every decision matters" in Calico. But this is worth a try.

[darinlagarry]

I do like this more than Calico... because my group(s) tend toward AP. Still the theme of Calico keeps it on my shelf.

[Cujo]

I think this game is great. I give it an 8.5. It’s a great gateway game. You can teach it in less than 5 minutes and away you go.