Our Take
Azul is an abstract tile-drafting board game for two to four players in which you compete to decorate a Portuguese palace wall by collecting and arranging colourful resin tiles. Designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Next Move Games, it sits firmly in the mid-weight family game bracket — accessible enough for older children yet engaging enough for seasoned hobbyist gamers.
Key Features
Players: 2–4, with a recommended age of 8 and upwards
Average play time of around 30–45 minutes per session
Includes 100 tactile, weighted resin tiles in five colours
Drafting mechanic uses circular factory displays to determine tile selection each round
Penalty system punishes excess tiles, adding meaningful tension to every pick
Scoring rewards completed rows, columns, and colour sets on individual player boards
Our Verdict
Azul is an excellent first step into modern hobby board gaming and a strong addition to any family games shelf. The Spiel des Jahres pedigree is well earned. Those already deep into the hobby may find it a little lightweight long-term, but for newcomers or those wanting a reliable crowd-pleaser, it's hard to fault.