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Azul: Master Chocolatier (2022) Board Game

ByMichail

Azul: Master Chocolatier is a standalone sequel to the popular board game Azul, which was designed by Michael Kiesling. In this version, players take on the role of master chocolatiers competing to create the most delicious and visually appealing chocolates. The game was released in 2022 by Next Move Games and has quickly gained popularity for its engaging gameplay and beautiful components.

Game Components of Azul: Master Chocolatier

  • Player Boards:** Each player has a cardboard game board.
  • Tiles:** 100 high-quality resin tiles designed to look like chocolate bonbons.
  • Factory Boards:** Double-sided factory boards with 5 new special factory variants.
  • Additional Components:** Circles of cardboard to hold the plastic tiles.

    How To Setup Azul: Master Chocolatier

    To set up the game, players start by arranging the factories in a circle, each loaded with four randomly drawn tiles. Each player receives a player board and the necessary components. The game is ready to begin once all the tiles and factories are appropriately placed.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Tile Placement:** Players draft and place tiles (chocolates) on their player board.
  • Drafting:** Players choose a factory to take all tiles of a single color (flavor) from, moving the rest into a central pool.
  • Scoring:** Points are earned at the end of each round and at the end of the game for completing rows and columns on the player board.
  • Game Duration:** The game typically lasts 5-6 rounds, ending when a player fills a row on their board.
  • Special Variants:** Includes special factory tiles with unique powers, such as magnets for certain tile colors or extra penalty spaces.

    Player Experience

    Azul: Master Chocolatier offers a fun and strategic experience for both kids and adults. The game is easy to understand once gameplay begins, making it accessible to new players. However, the special variants add a layer of complexity and excitement for those familiar with the original Azul.

    Pros

  • Family-Friendly:** Suitable for ages 8+ and enjoyable for the whole family.
  • High-Quality Components:** Includes 100 high-quality resin tiles and double-sided factory boards.
  • Variety and Challenge:** The 5 new special factory variants provide fresh challenges and gameplay variations.
  • Engaging Theme:** A delightful chocolate-making theme that adds a new twist to the classic Azul gameplay.

    Cons

  • Theme Execution:** Some players find the chocolate theme not well-executed, particularly with the muted color tiles.
  • Chaos with Variants:** The special factory variants can add chaos to the game, making the first player’s turn very powerful.
  • Lack of Realism:** The chocolate tiles do not closely resemble real chocolates, which can be a disappointment.

    Personal Thoughts on Azul: Master Chocolatier

    Azul: Master Chocolatier is ideal for fans of the Azul series looking for a new twist or for those who enjoy tile placement and strategic games. While it may not appeal to everyone due to its theme execution, it offers a fun and engaging experience for family game nights and casual gaming sessions. It is particularly recommended for those who appreciate the analytical and mechanical aspects of Azul but are looking for something fresh and different.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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