Azul Board Game Review
Overview:
Name of the game: Azul
BGG Weight: 1.76 / 5
Year published: 2017
Publisher: Next Move Games
Designer: Michael Kiesling
Number of players: 2-4
Playing time: 30-45 minutes
Game category/theme: Abstract strategy, Tile placement
Mechanics: End Game Bonuses, Open Drafting, Pattern Building, Tile Placement, Turn Order: Claim Action
Ratings:
Strategy: 7.5
Complexity: 3.5
Player interaction: 6.5
Replayability: 8.0
Game rating: 8.2
Cost: 5.0
Calculations:
Weight Rating = (3.5 + 7.5) = 11.0
Playability Rating = [(8.0 + 6.5 + 8.2) – 3.5] = 19.2
Play Rating Score = (11.0 + 19.2) x 2 = 60.4
Value Rating = 60.4 / 5.0 = 12.1
Final Score Rating = 60.4 + 12.1 = 72.5
Review:
Azul is a beautifully designed and easy-to-learn abstract strategy game that is perfect for players of all skill levels. The game is played over several rounds, with each round consisting of players taking turns drafting tiles from a central pool and then placing them on their personal game board to score points. Players score points for completing rows and columns of tiles, as well as for placing tiles adjacent to certain spaces on their board.
The game’s mechanics are simple to understand, but the strategic depth is surprising. Players must plan ahead and make decisions based on their opponents’ moves, as well as balance their desire for high-scoring moves with the risk of penalties for not completing rows and columns.
Azul is also incredibly replayable. The central pool of tiles is randomized each game, and each player’s game board has different scoring opportunities, so each game feels fresh and unique. The game’s beautiful components and simple rules also make it a great game for introducing new players to the hobby.
Azul is a competitive game, with players trying to score more points than their opponents, but there is no direct player interaction. This means that the game can be played solo or with any number of players up to the maximum of four.
Overall, Azul is a fantastic game that is easy to learn, quick to play, and endlessly replayable. It is a great choice for players of all skill levels and makes a great addition to any board game collection.
10 games that may appeal to someone who liked Azul:
- Sagrada
- Century: Spice Road
- Photosynthesis
- Kingdomino
- Takenoko
- Carcassonne
- Patchwork
- Splendor
- Santorini
- Tsuro
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