Cryptid Cafe

Cryptid Cafe

Cryptid Cafe, published by Squatchy Games, is a family-friendly board game featuring cryptids. Players take on the roles of servers in a restaurant frequented by several of its cryptid customers. In order to win the game, a player has to collect the most tips by completing his/her/their customer orders in the least amount of turns possible.

"As for inspiration for Cryptids it was more of a process really. The original game was Harry’s Place that feature a Sasquatch but then the customers were all made up. After that failed I started reworking the game and it got a new title Harry’s Place: A Cryptid Cafe. After shopping that around to friends and peers it became Cryptid Cafe and that’s when the focus really shifted. From there the rest is history and I am really happy with how everything turned out. The most surprising feedback has been the appreciation of the art. Most illustrators including me don’t think their art is good. So all in all it’s been a great experience."
- Chip Cole

Designer: Chip Cole & Lennon Cole
Artist: Chip Cole
Creature Type: Cryptids
Players: (for deluxe) 1-5 players, (for retail) 1-4 players
Recommended Ages: 13+
(it's worth noting that our 8 year old was able to play this game without any difficulties)
Time to Play: 45 minutes
Publishers: Squatchy Games, 25th Century Games
Year Released: 2022

1 - Monstrosity Factor

How does Cryptid Cafe use the featured cryptids in its gameplay? Do any of the ideas or beliefs surrounding these cryptids factor into the gameplay at all? 

For cryptid-enthusiasts, the game features a generous amount of cryptids. Specifically, these particular cryptids are included in the game: Beast of Busco, Bunyip, El Chupacabra, Flatwoods Monster, Grafton Monster, Jackalope, Jersey Devil, Loch Ness Monster, Loveland Frogman, Mothman, Ogopogo, Sasquatch, Snallygaster, Thunderbird, Wendigo, Yeti.

In terms of how Cryptid Cafe integrates them into the game, the cryptids take on the roles of the restaurant’s customers. Each player can also select a cryptid to represent his/her/their role as a server. 

Furthermore, the rule book provides a brief description of each featured cryptid with an accompanying illustration. Apart from classifying the cryptids as either water, land, or wind creatures, the ideas, beliefs, and knowledge surrounding these cryptids are not included within the game’s rules or mechanics. Do I view this lack of inclusion as a hindrance? It really depends on what one is looking for in a board game. Because it is a family board game, I am inclined to answer 'no'. Read on to find out why.

2 - Family-Friendly Factor

Are there elements within the game which may be considered too frightening for younger players? In context to the mechanics of the game, do younger players stand a chance at winning when up against older players in the family?

There are no scary cryptids in the game or any frightening elements to consider. The cute and creepy style of artist Chip Cole’s cryptids complements the game’s family-friendly theme. 

Since game play does not involve the potentially terrifying stories surrounding the various cryptids, younger players who may not be ready to know of them are spared from doing so. 

Cryptid Cafe offers a level playing field due to the simple mechanics of the game. In our experience, a nine year old had a fair chance of winning against older players in the family.

I do understand the sentiment that players (especially the younger lot) have to learn how to lose graciously and that playing board games is a wonderful opportunity to elicit this type of learning. I also believe, however, that each player should have a fair chance of winning. If a family-friendly game is designed in a way that would always give the older or more "capable" players the upper hand, a younger player who is destined to lose each time in my opinion will not be conducive to learning anything worthwhile. Thankfully, one does not have to worry about unfair odds when playing Cryptid Cafe.

3 - Pedagogical Factor

What is the game’s educational value?

For parents interested in knowing what educational benefits can be gained by playing Cryptid Cafe, the game involves the use of strategy, logic, and math. Deciding which orders to complete based on the tips they accumulate during a specific turn, for example, can be a determining factor for winning the game. 

I was (and still am) convinced that there is an overriding mathematical equation surrounding probabilities which can ascertain which cryptids to serve first based on the points they award, their placement on the board, and the amount and variety of menu items they require. Perhaps something to keep the Math whizzes in the family busy?

Success is not solely determined by strategy, however. Despite all of a player’s attempts to analyze future moves, if another player plays an event card preventing players from grabbing a much needed menu item during a turn, there is not much a player can do. Thus, luck also comes into play which encourages players to be flexible, adapt, and re-strategize accordingly. 

Who would appreciate Cryptid Cafe?

Families with kids of varying ages will appreciate Cryptid Cafe’s overall simplicity. The game is easy enough for the young ones to grasp on their own and complex enough to keep the older ones (like me who likes to overthink and analyze strategies) interested. 

As a collectible, Cryptid Cafe is perfect for fans of cryptid/monster art. Chip Cole's adorable cryptids are visually appealing and worth hanging onto just for the artwork alone.

I keep our copy of the Cryptid Cafe board game encased in our glass cabinet at home which is meant to house my art collectibles (much to my kids' annoyance).

For more info on Cryptid Cafe

Cryptid Cafe website
Squatchy Games on Facebook
Squatchy Games on Instagram