In this family board game review, we will be covering the game Azul.
Azul is an abstract game for 2-4 players. It usually takes about 30 minutes to play. The box recommends it for players ages 8+, but Maci started playing this when she was 6 with no problem.
In Azul, you place tiles on a mat to make either a pre-determined design or create your own, depending on the side of the player board you choose. In our family, we always use the pre-set design. You add to your score at the end of each round. The game ends when someone completes an entire row on their own board.
The Dad Review
Azul is a great family game and I believe it earns its number two spot on BGG’s family ranking at the time of this review. Players definitely have to plan ahead while also being diligent of what others are doing, to come out on top. As far as player interaction, you do have to pay attention every turn to see what others are doing, because you are shaping your game on what tiles are available. Players go down at some points, player interaction can stop and players can go into solitaire mode, forgetting to pay attention to their opponents moves. This something you should be aware of if you like constant interaction between players.
Maci had a great time because she beat her personal score and I can see that as she is aging up she is grasping some of the more advanced strategies. As your family grows with games, this is fun to watch from a parent perspective. I will say there will be times that you are presented with a chance to just ruin someone’s turn and I guess it comes down to how your family plays. I’m a jerk, so yes I did take a tile Angela needed and yes I’m okay with that, but only because she’s laid back most of the time. On the other hand, if your family is super competitive this could present some negative play. Then again, this game does offer a chance to plan ahead. So in closing, yes I’m super competitive, and yes Azul is a great family game, even when someone takes a tile you need.
I rank this 10/10 – definitely worth owning and having in a family collection.
The Kid Review
I think Azul is a great game. I mean I love it. It is fun because I like placing the tiles on my board. The two main things I try to do are get all of the same type of color and complete as many columns as I can. This way I can win at Azul. But one thing all kids should work on is paying attention to the other person’s board or boards. Sometimes my dad takes tiles I need or I could take his, but I forget about that. In conclusion, I really rank it 10 out of 10.
The Mom Review
Azul is one of my favorite games to play. I love abstract games, so it is right up my alley. I’m all about logical games with spatial reasoning, and this hits those points too.
One thing I do struggle with Azul is that there is a little bit of a “take that” component that some players take advantage of. (Hint: see Jake’s review). I just don’t play like that, although I know it’s good competition.
Azul is easy set up, to teach, and to grasp. Players choose one color off of the little mats, and push the other tiles into the center. After choosing a color, they then fill one row on the right of the player board as much as they can. If they overfill the row, extras go into the negatives row at the bottom. At the end of the round, each full row will move a single tile onto the design board. Then points are scored. It is nice that players have a sense of their scores throughout the game.
Overall, I give Azul a 10/10. It’s definitely worth adding to your gaming collection, and great for new gamers too!
Overall Thoughts
We all agree that we like Azul a great deal! We have also reviewed the Azul Crystal Mosaic Expansion, so be sure to check that post out too!
- Overall Rating – 10/10
- Ease of Setup – 10/10
- Ease of Understanding the Rules – 10/10
