Obsession is a Victorian-themed strategy game where players compete to build the most prestigious estate by hiring servants, hosting events, and impressing guests with their wealth and status.
Obsession has a moderate complexity level due to the variety of cards and mechanics, but the rulebook is well-written and the gameplay flows smoothly.
Luck plays a minor role in Obsession as players have control over their actions and decisions, but there is still some randomness in the event and guest cards.
Obsession has moderate player interaction as players can compete for the same guests and events, but there is no direct conflict or negotiation between players.
Obsession offers high replayability due to the variety of cards and strategies available, as well as the randomized setup of the game board and events.
Obsession is set in Victorian England, and the game's theme is centered around the players' attempts to build the most impressive estate and social standing. The theme is unique and immersive, and it adds a layer of depth to the gameplay.
The game features high-quality components, including thick cardboard tiles, wooden tokens, and metal coins. The artwork is also stunning, with detailed illustrations that bring the game's theme to life.
Obsession is a game that rewards strategic thinking and careful planning. Players must balance their resources and make smart decisions about which actions to take each turn. The game also features a variety of different strategies that players can pursue, making each playthrough unique.
With multiple paths to victory and a variety of different cards and tiles that can be used to customize the game, Obsession has a high level of replayability. Players can try out different strategies and approaches each time they play, keeping the game fresh and engaging.
Obsession includes a solo mode, which is a great option for players who prefer to play alone or who want to practice their skills before playing with others. The solo mode is challenging and well-designed, providing a satisfying experience for solo players.
Despite its strategic depth, Obsession is easy to learn and play. The rulebook is well-written and easy to understand, and the game's mechanics are intuitive and straightforward.
Obsession is a game that encourages social interaction and conversation. Players must negotiate and compete with each other to build the most impressive estate, and the game's theme provides plenty of opportunities for storytelling and roleplaying.
While Obsession is easy to learn, it can be quite complex to master. Players who prefer simpler games may find the game overwhelming or frustrating.
The game can take up to 2 hours to play, which may be too long for some players. This can also make it difficult to find time to play with others.
While the Victorian England theme is unique and immersive, it may not be appealing to all players. Some players may find the theme too stuffy or uninteresting.
While the game is strategic, there is still an element of luck involved. Players who prefer games with no luck or randomness may not enjoy Obsession.
The game is best played with 2-4 players, which may not be ideal for larger gaming groups. Players who prefer games that can accommodate more players may want to look elsewhere.
You can find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the Obsession files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.
These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Obsession.
Your estate is the foundation of your gameplay in Obsession. You need to build it up with rooms, servants, and guests to score points. Try to build a balanced estate with a mix of different types of rooms and guests.
Keep an eye on what your opponents are doing. If they are collecting a lot of cards from a particular suit, it might be worth trying to collect some of those cards yourself to prevent them from scoring too many points.
Servants are a valuable resource in Obsession. They can help you complete tasks, gain extra actions, and score points. Make sure to use them strategically and don't waste them on tasks that won't benefit you in the long run.
Obsession is a game that rewards careful planning. Try to think ahead and anticipate what your opponents might do. This will help you make better decisions and stay ahead of the competition.
The social season is an important part of Obsession. Make sure to invite guests to your events and attend other players' events to gain social standing and score points.
The game is divided into three rounds, and each round has a limited number of actions. Make sure to use your actions wisely and don't waste time on tasks that won't benefit you in the long run.
Finally, be prepared to adapt your strategy as the game progresses. Sometimes, your opponents might throw a wrench in your plans, and you'll need to adjust your strategy on the fly. Don't be afraid to change course if necessary.
Instead of trying to collect a variety of guests, focus on specific guests that will give you a lot of points. For example, if you have a lot of rooms that give bonuses for having aristocrats, focus on collecting aristocrats.
Each room in Obsession has a special ability that can be used once per round. Make sure to use these abilities strategically to gain an advantage over your opponents.
The final round of Obsession is worth double points, so make sure to plan ahead and set yourself up for a strong finish. Try to save some of your best guests and rooms for the final round.
Sometimes, taking a calculated risk can pay off big in Obsession. For example, if you're behind in points, you might want to take a risk and try to complete a difficult task that will give you a lot of points.
Keep an eye on your opponents' estates and try to use them to your advantage. For example, if an opponent has a lot of aristocrats, you might want to invite them to your events to gain social standing.
While the major suits (aristocrats, servants, and guests) are important, don't neglect the minor suits (artifacts, gardens, and libraries). These suits can give you valuable bonuses and help you score points.
As the game progresses, the state of the game will change. Pay attention to what cards have been played and what cards are still available. This will help you make better decisions and stay ahead of the competition.