Exploring how Cat Lady uses a 3x3 grid-based draft to force players to take cards they may not want to get the cards they do. And how this has applications in building TTRPG quests and adventures.
I was just telling someone how much I love the digital version of this game! I play the digital version solo quite a bit because it's quick, cute, a fun little balance puzzle, AND in the digital version you have a little parlor room that fills up with trophies and decor! Every play tracks how many orange cats you feed, how many toys you take, how much catnip you get, etc. and when you fill each achievement, a piece of decor is added to your cat lady parlor room.
I've yet to play the digital version, but it's quite fun in person. Such a simple and accessible game, but with some fun choices. Never overstays its welcome.
"If the quests are bundles of outcomes, however, it becomes increasingly hard to evaluate them. Once they each have positive, negative, and questionable value tied to them, it is a tough choice indeed."
This is such a simple and straightforward idea, but I don't recall ever seeing it expressed before. It's great, and I'm going to think about how I can include it in my games going forward!
I've played with this mechanic before in a "Grid Draft" for magic the gathering, which allows 2 players to emulate the experience of what is usually an 8 player booster draft by using the 3x3 grid to create those choices between cards you want and don't want. Very cool to see it used to great effect with Cat Lady! Also wanted to shout out, I attended your game design workshop in Severna Park several weeks ago and thought it was a great into to the concepts! Looking forward to learning more and reading more of your work.
I really need to look into the various MTG draft types and methods. It sounds like there are some really interesting things going on there. I've played MTG casually a few times, but know absolutely nothing about the tournament scene.
I was just telling someone how much I love the digital version of this game! I play the digital version solo quite a bit because it's quick, cute, a fun little balance puzzle, AND in the digital version you have a little parlor room that fills up with trophies and decor! Every play tracks how many orange cats you feed, how many toys you take, how much catnip you get, etc. and when you fill each achievement, a piece of decor is added to your cat lady parlor room.
I've yet to play the digital version, but it's quite fun in person. Such a simple and accessible game, but with some fun choices. Never overstays its welcome.
Yeah, I enjoy playing it in person, too. It's been a good game for people who don't game much - cute theme, easy to learn, short play time.
Take three to get one...cards....
An old card game rule, this.
To get one benifit but with drawbacks....applible to many other games, indeed!
Indeed!
"If the quests are bundles of outcomes, however, it becomes increasingly hard to evaluate them. Once they each have positive, negative, and questionable value tied to them, it is a tough choice indeed."
This is such a simple and straightforward idea, but I don't recall ever seeing it expressed before. It's great, and I'm going to think about how I can include it in my games going forward!
Thank you so much!
I've played with this mechanic before in a "Grid Draft" for magic the gathering, which allows 2 players to emulate the experience of what is usually an 8 player booster draft by using the 3x3 grid to create those choices between cards you want and don't want. Very cool to see it used to great effect with Cat Lady! Also wanted to shout out, I attended your game design workshop in Severna Park several weeks ago and thought it was a great into to the concepts! Looking forward to learning more and reading more of your work.
So glad you were able to attend the workshop!
I really need to look into the various MTG draft types and methods. It sounds like there are some really interesting things going on there. I've played MTG casually a few times, but know absolutely nothing about the tournament scene.
Thank you for the comment!