Azul

Azul is a beautiful and engaging tile-laying game that has quickly become a favorite in our household. The theme, inspired by the stunning Portuguese azulejos, adds a touch of artistic flair to the gameplay. The tiles themselves are thick and well-made, and the player boards are sturdy and attractive.

The rules are relatively simple to learn, even for those who are new to board games. The game is quick-paced, with most rounds lasting only a few minutes, making it ideal for a casual game night or a filler game. Despite its simplicity, Azul offers a surprising amount of strategic depth. Players need to carefully consider their tile selections, trying to balance maximizing their own score while also hindering their opponents.

While I found the game to be a fun and engaging experience, some reviewers have noted that the scoring system can be a bit complex for new players. However, I found that the game itself provides enough clues to allow for intuitive play, even without a thorough understanding of the scoring rules.

Overall, I highly recommend Azul for anyone looking for a visually appealing and strategically challenging game. It's perfect for families, game nights, or even just a casual game for two. The game has a high replay value, as the tile combinations and scoring possibilities are quite varied.