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Obsession box image

Obsession

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.

8.13 / 10
BGG Rating
14+
age
2018
published year
1 - 4
player count
1 - 4
Recommended player count
30 - 90 mins
play time

How Complex is Obsession?

3.1 / 5

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.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of Obsession?

1.5 / 5

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.

How much Player Interaction does Obsession offer?

3.5 / 5

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.

How much Replayability does Obsession offer?

4 / 5

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.

Why you should play Obsession

Theme

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.

Components

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.

Strategic Depth

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.

Replayability

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.

Solo Play

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.

Accessibility

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.

Social Interaction

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.

Why you should avoid Obsession

Complexity

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.

Length

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.

Theme

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.

Luck

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.

Player Count

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.

Where to find the Rules of Obsession

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.

Beginner Strategies for Obsession

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of Obsession.

Focus on building your estate

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.

Pay attention to your opponents

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.

Use your servants wisely

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.

Plan ahead

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.

Don't neglect the social season

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.

Keep an eye on the clock

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.

Be flexible

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.

Advanced Strategies for Obsession

Focus on specific guests

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.

Use the special abilities of your rooms

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.

Pay attention to the end game

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.

Take risks

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.

Use your opponents' estates to your advantage

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.

Don't forget about the minor suits

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.

Be aware of the game state

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.

Mechanics

Hand Management
Open Drafting
Worker Placement
Deck, Bag, and Pool Building
Solo / Solitaire Game
Action Retrieval
Worker Placement, Different Worker Types

Categories

Post-Napoleonic