Azul (2017) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Azul is a board game designed by Michael Kiesling and released in in 2017. It quickly gained popularity for its unique gameplay and stunning components. Set in the Renaissance period, players take on the role of artisans decorating the walls of the Royal Palace of Evora in Portugal.

Game Components of Azul

100 Resin Tiles

4 Player boards

9 Factory displays

4 Scoring markers

1 Starting player resin tile

1 Linen bag

1 Rulebook.

How To Setup Azul

To set up Azul, each player takes a playing mat and places it in front of them with their scoring cube on the 0. A number of “Factory displays” (determined by the player count) are arranged in the center of the table in a circle and seeded with 4 tiles apiece from the bag. A starting player is chosen and receives the starting player token.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics

Tile Drafting: Players take turns drafting tiles from factory displays or the center area, selecting all tiles of the same color.

Pattern Line Placement: Tiles are placed on the player board in specific pattern lines.

Wall Area Scoring: Completed pattern lines move tiles to the wall area, scoring points.

Central Area Management: Unchosen tiles are moved to the center, which can be taken by players, potentially gaining the first player token but incurring a penalty.

Game Objective

The objective is to score the most points by strategically placing tiles on the player board.

Points are earned for completed wall lines, vertical rows, and collecting all 5 tiles of the same color.

Player Experience

Playing Azul involves a mix of strategy and tactical thinking. The game is easy to learn but challenging to master, as players must constantly make decisions about which tiles to pick and where to place them to maximize their score. The game requires anticipating other players’ moves and adjusting strategies accordingly, making it engaging and competitive.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

High Replayability: Each game is different due to the random tile draw.

Beautiful Artwork: The tiles and player boards are aesthetically pleasing.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for ages 8 and above, making it a great family game.

Quick Gameplay: Typical games last 30-45 minutes.

Cons

Randomness: The tile draw can introduce randomness that may affect strategy.

Scalability Issues: Some variants and sequels have issues with scalability for larger player counts.

Personal Thoughts on Azul

Azul is a game that caters to a wide range of players, from casual gamers to strategy enthusiasts. It is ideal for family game nights or as an introductory game to more complex board games. The combination of its beautiful artwork, simple yet deep gameplay, and high replayability makes it a standout in the board game community. If you enjoy strategic thinking and tactical gameplay with a touch of randomness, Azul is definitely worth checking out.

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