“Azul: Summer Pavilion” is a standalone board game in the Azul series, designed by Michael Kiesling and published by Next Move Games. Released after the original “Azul” and “Azul: Stained Glass of Sintra,” this game continues the tradition of tile drafting and placement, this time inspired by King Manuel I’s plans to construct a grand summer pavilion for the Portuguese royal family.
In “Azul: Summer Pavilion,” players draft tiles from a central pool and use them to decorate the floors of the pavilion. The game is played over six rounds, each round representing a different color of tile being scored. Players select tiles to fill specific areas on their board, with each section requiring a distinct number of tiles to complete. Bonus points can be scored by covering certain spots and for collecting sets of tiles.
One of the key mechanics introduced in “Azul: Summer Pavilion” is the ability to save certain tiles for later rounds, giving players the opportunity to plan ahead. Additionally, there are wildcard tiles that change each round, offering flexible placement options. The player with the most points at the end of the game is declared the winner. The game is well-regarded for its beautiful art, high-quality components, and strategic depth, offering a unique take on the tile-placement genre that appeals to both fans of the Azul series and newcomers alike.
