Azul: Summer Pavilion

I've been a big fan of the original Azul since it came out, and while I enjoyed Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra, it didn't quite click with me the same way. But Azul: Summer Pavilion? This is the one that really hooked me. It takes the core mechanics of the original – drafting tiles and placing them on your board for points – and expands on them in a really satisfying way.

The addition of the wild tile is a brilliant touch. It adds a whole new layer of strategy, forcing you to think about not only your own placement, but also how it might affect your opponents' options. I also love the two-phase system, where you draft tiles and then place them separately. It really makes you think ahead and plan your moves carefully.

The game is a bit more challenging than the original, but it's still very accessible. We've been playing it with our family, and even my kids, who are relatively new to board games, have picked it up quickly. Plus, it's just beautiful to look at! The tiles are gorgeous, and the overall presentation is top-notch.

If you're looking for a fun, strategic game that's easy to learn but offers plenty of depth, Azul: Summer Pavilion is definitely worth checking out. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the original Azul, or to anyone looking for a new, exciting tile-laying game to add to their collection.