Azul is undoubtedly one of the best abstract games available, earning its rightful place on the list of essential games for any board game collection.

Azul Mini, the newest addition to the Azul family, keeps the rules and gameplay unchanged but features a smaller footprint with its compact box, tiles, and boards. This portable version allows you to take the Azul experience with you wherever you go, catering to those in need of a travel-friendly option.

The board and tiles are designed to prevent any unintended movement or sliding during gameplay, ensuring a stable and frustration-free experience. Even when the boards are angled at 90 degrees, the tiles stay in place. The factory tiles are also housed in a recessed piece, which keeps them organized. Moreover, scores are tracked using two sliders instead of a cube, which is another great improvement over the original game.

Azul Mini offers good component quality overall. The player boards feature overlays, and although the tiles are thinner and smaller compared to the original game, they closely resemble their counterparts. However, the box’s thin and top-opening design raises durability concerns, diverging from the sturdiness of typical game boxes. The game includes a bag with a button closure for holding tiles during gameplay, which also doubles as a storage option. Nevertheless, the reliance on a button closure increases the risk of tiles accidentally falling out. Therefore, it is a better idea to use a plastic bag or container for storing the tiles. Keeping the box is a better option, as it offers a more compact solution and includes a container for holding discarded tiles during play. It’s also worth noting that the factory tiles are very thin, and while they can be permanently stored in the provided plastic insert, cardboard tiles would have provided better durability.

In conclusion, Azul Mini is a must-have for those who desire the Azul experience while camping, traveling, or playing games in settings where sudden movements are inevitable. Its reduced size, inclusion of board overlays, and more affordable price point make it an attractive option. However, if your Azul adventures primarily take place on a stable tabletop, the original version remains the superior choice.

Disclaimer: We received a review copy of this game.