Patchwork Doodle: Game of the Month August 2020
I was really lucky at the end of July when I won a copy of Patchwork Doodle from Cartamundi Games. Many two player gamers will be familiar with the original version of Patchwork by Uwe Rosenberg. In that tile-laying puzzle game players try to fill their board with tetromino pieces while balancing button income with progressing slowly around the board. It’s a very good game and many people’s go-to two player option.
Patchwork Doodle was released last year and is again by Rosenberg. It is most akin to a roll and write game whereby players roll dice to accomplish tasks on their own bit of paper. Except in Patchwork Doodle there is only one dice and it dictates what card out of the ones on display you will collectively use in your own Patchwork. You draw the outline of whatever shape is on the card and, if other people take their time or you all agree, you spend far too long colouring in the shape. You play over three rounds scoring points along the way.
© boardgamereview.co.uk
This aspect of making your patchwork custom and bespoke has proven massively successful in our house. We all like to draw and be creative. Even my youngest son Max understands the concept of the game. He may need assistance in making sure the shape he has drawn is correct but on his first play he successfully filled his 9 x 9 grid. As a little anecdote I was super chuffed that I filled my grid for the first time in the very same game. Having my five year old do the same rather rained on my parade.
© boardgamereview.co.uk
Playing is quite a solitary experience but it does accomodate over 6 players and creates a very calm and pleasant ambience. It also works socially distanced, at 2 metres one player takes on dice rolling for all. It would also work over a video call – as long as everyone has a player sheet.
It is a lovely game to play with family or friends of all ages. With a touch of creativity that children really seem to enjoy. It has consistently entertained us and friends over the last month. Everyone we have introduced it to, has gone on to buy their own copy they have enjoyed it so much. For all these reasons, Patchwork Doodle is our game of the month for August.
Reviewer’s Note
For clarity. We don’t get paid for our reviews. We were lucky to win this game in a competition, this has not affected our review in any way.
