Obsession: Box Cover Front
Obsession - A three player game with custom meeples. - Credit: Hipopotam
Obsession - in anticipation of the future - Credit: betinet
Obsession - A three player game. - Credit: Hipopotam
Obsession - 1 - Credit: Phreekshow1
  1. Obsession: Box Cover Front
  2. Obsession - A three player game with custom meeples. - Credit: Hipopotam
  3. Obsession - in anticipation of the future - Credit: betinet
  4. Obsession - A three player game. - Credit: Hipopotam
  5. Obsession - 1 - Credit: Phreekshow1

Obsession Review

Obsession offers a truly immersive gaming experience, with its strategic depth, captivating theme, exquisite components, and endless replayability. It's a must-have addition to any board game collection.
  • Gameplay mechanics
  • Theme
  • Components
  • Replayability
4.8/5Overall Score

Quick Summary

Obsession is a board game that impresses with its engaging gameplay mechanics, immersive Victorian theme, high-quality components, and endless replayability. With strategic depth, varied character personalities, randomized card decks, and beautiful artwork, Obsession offers a rich and immersive gaming experience. The game effortlessly transports players to the world of Victorian estate management, where they navigate social interactions, expand their estates, and vie for success in high society. Whether you're a strategic mastermind or a fan of beautifully crafted board games, Obsession deserves a place in your collection, promising countless hours of immersive and strategic gameplay.

Specs
  • Number of Players: 2-4 players
  • Playing Time: 90-120 minutes
  • Recommended Player Age: 14 and up
  • Game Designer: Dan Hallagan
  • Game Publisher: Kayenta Games
  • Game Category: Strategy
Pros
  • Engaging gameplay
  • Immersive theme
  • Exquisite components
  • Endless replayability
Cons
  • Long playing time
  • Complex gameplay for beginners
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Overview

Welcome to the world of Obsession, where Victorian elegance and strategic gameplay blend seamlessly together. In this review, we will delve into the captivating gameplay mechanics, immersive theme, exquisite components, and endless replayability that make Obsession a standout board game choice. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era as we explore the intricacies of estate management, social navigation, and decision-making in this exceptional gaming experience.

How It Plays

Setting Up

To start a game of Obsession, players first set up the game board, placing the various decks of cards in their designated areas. Each player chooses a character and receives their character board, associated cards, and estate tiles. Tokens and markers are distributed, and the game begins.

Gameplay

Obsession is played over a series of rounds, with each round consisting of different phases. Players take turns performing actions such as acquiring new estate tiles, hiring servants, hosting parties, and pursuing social connections. Players must carefully manage their resources, navigate social situations, and make strategic choices to advance their estate and outshine their opponents.

Winning the Game

In Obsession, the game ends after a set number of rounds. The winner is determined by the cumulative points received for various achievements throughout the game: acquiring valuable estate tiles, hosting successful parties, gaining influential positions in society, and more. The player with the highest total score emerges as the victorious master of the Victorian era.

Want to know more? Read our extensive strategy guide for Obsession.

Experience Engaging Gameplay Mechanics in Obsession

Obsession delivers a truly immersive gaming experience through its captivating gameplay mechanics. From the very start, players are drawn into a world of strategy and decision-making that keeps them engaged throughout.

Strategic Depth

One of the standout aspects of Obsession is its depth of strategic options. Players are presented with a plethora of choices, from managing their estate to socially navigating their interactions within high society. Each decision carries weight and can greatly impact the outcome of the game. Whether it’s expanding your property, hosting lavish soirées, or outmaneuvering your opponents, every move requires careful planning and foresight. The game successfully balances complexity with accessibility, allowing both new and experienced players to enjoy the strategic challenges of Obsession.

Player Interaction

Obsession promotes intense player interaction, making it an ideal choice for those seeking competitive gameplay. The game incorporates various mechanisms for engaging with opponents, such as bidding for advantageous positions in the social ladder or strategically influencing their actions. These interactions not only add an element of excitement but also create a dynamic and ever-evolving gaming experience. Knowing how to effectively interact with other players becomes a crucial aspect of achieving victory in Obsession.

Underlying Theme

At its core, Obsession revolves around one of the highest-acclaimed themes in board gaming: Victorian estate management. As players assume the roles of prestigious estate owners, the gameplay seamlessly integrates with the thematic elements. The mechanics beautifully capture the essence of the era, incorporating elements like hosting grand parties, managing servants, and overseeing various aspects of estate life. The attention to detail in bringing the theme to life is truly commendable and enhances the overall immersive experience.

Transition sentence: Now that we’ve explored the captivating gameplay mechanics of Obsession, let’s delve into the rich thematic elements that further heighten the gaming experience.

Obsession - A three player game with custom meeples. - Credit: Hipopotam

Immerse Yourself in the Captivating Theme of Obsession

The theme of Obsession is a central aspect that sets it apart from other board games on the market. It seamlessly transports players to the charming Victorian era, where they take on the roles of esteemed estate owners. This thematic backdrop adds an intriguing layer of depth and immersion to the gameplay, making each decision feel like a piece of a grand puzzle.

Authentic Setting

The attention to detail in recreating the Victorian era in Obsession is truly remarkable. From the intricate artwork on the cards and game board to the historical accuracy in depicting the opulence and elegance of the time period, every element adds to the immersive experience. The card designs capture the essence of Victorian life, showcasing sprawling estates, lavish parties, and finely dressed individuals, making players feel like they have stepped into a bygone era.

Intriguing Characters

A crucial aspect of the theme in Obsession is the presence of fascinating and well-developed characters. Each player assumes the role of a distinct personality within high society, complete with their own aspirations, connections, and potential scandals. This further enriches the gameplay by providing not only a strategic element but also a narrative aspect to the game. Engaging with these intriguing characters heightens the sense of immersion and makes every interaction more meaningful.

Engrossing Storytelling

Obsession incorporates storytelling elements that enhance the overall thematic experience. Throughout the game, players make decisions and face challenges that shape and influence the narrative of their estate. The game seamlessly weaves together gameplay and storytelling, allowing players to become fully invested in their role as estate owners as they create their own unique stories of triumph and intrigue.

Transition sentence: With the captivating theme of Obsession, players are truly transported to the Victorian era. Now, let’s explore the meticulously crafted components that bring the game to life.

Obsession - in anticipation of the future - Credit: betinet

Indulge in the Exquisite Components of Obsession

The components in Obsession are a true testament to the care and dedication that went into creating this exceptional board game. From the stunning artwork to the quality of the materials, every aspect of the components enhances the overall gaming experience, making it a feast for the senses.

Beautiful Artwork

The artwork in Obsession is truly breathtaking. Each card and game board illustration is carefully crafted to capture the essence of the Victorian era. The attention to detail in depicting the elegant attire of the characters, the stunning architecture of the estates, and the opulent furnishings is extraordinary. Every time players navigate through the well-designed components, they are treated to a visual spectacle that draws them further into the game.

Deluxe Game Board

The game board in Obsession is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The board is designed in a way that allows for intuitive gameplay, with clearly marked areas for placing cards, tracking game progress, and managing various resources. The board’s high-quality construction ensures its durability and longevity, allowing players to enjoy countless gaming sessions with the same level of tactile satisfaction.

Premium Cardstock

Obsession utilizes high-quality cardstock for its various cards, providing players with durable and tactile components. The cards are expertly crafted, with a sturdy thickness that prevents easy wear and tear during frequent handling. The tactile satisfaction of holding and manipulating these cards adds to the overall enjoyment of playing the game.

Exceptional Wooden Tokens

The wooden tokens in Obsession are the perfect finishing touch. They have a smooth finish and are designed to resemble elegant sculptures reminiscent of the Victorian era. These tokens add a tactile element to the game, inviting players to engage physically with the components. The weight and feel of the wooden tokens further contribute to the immersive experience of playing Obsession.

Transition sentence: The meticulously crafted components of Obsession elevate the gaming experience to new heights. Now, let’s explore the replayability of this extraordinary board game.

Obsession - A three player game. - Credit: Hipopotam

Endless Possibilities of Replayability in Obsession

The replayability factor of Obsession is one of its greatest strengths, ensuring that no two games are ever alike. With the multitude of strategic choices, diverse character personalities, and variable gameplay options, players will find themselves drawn to revisit the world of Victorian estate management over and over again.

Strategic Variability

Obsession offers a wide range of strategic variability that keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting. The game presents players with multiple strategies to pursue, such as focusing on expanding their estate, building social connections, or a combination of both. The diverse array of viable approaches allows for experimentation and encourages players to try different tactics in each playthrough. The strategic depth ensures that every game of Obsession presents unique challenges and opportunities for exploration.

Randomized Card Decks

The card decks in Obsession are randomized, contributing to the replayability factor. Each game will see a different combination of event cards, servant cards, and estate improvements, altering the available options for players. This randomness adds an element of surprise and uncertainty to every playthrough, forcing players to adapt their strategies according to the current card pool. The variability introduced by the randomized card decks ensures that players will continually discover new gameplay possibilities.

Rich Character Personalities

Obsession features a cast of rich and well-developed character personalities, each with their own unique abilities and goals. The availability of different characters in each game, alongside the varying strategies players employ, creates a wide spectrum of possible interactions, alliances, and rivalries between players. This aspect significantly adds to the replayability as players explore different character combinations and their potential synergies with particular strategies.

Recommending statement: Obsession is a highly replayable game, offering endless possibilities and experiences with each playthrough. Whether you’re a fan of strategic depth, immersive themes, exquisite components, or engaging gameplay mechanics, Obsession is a standout choice for board game enthusiasts. Get ready to immerse yourself in the Victorian era and unleash your strategic prowess.

Obsession - 1 - Credit: Phreekshow1

Conclusion

In conclusion, Obsession effortlessly combines engaging gameplay mechanics, a captivating theme, exquisite components, and high replayability to deliver an exceptional board game experience. The strategic depth, player interaction, and attention to detail within the Victorian era theme truly set Obsession apart. With each playthrough, players will find themselves immersed in a world of elegance and strategy, making meaningful decisions, and vying for superiority in high society. Whether you’re a seasoned board game enthusiast or new to the genre, Obsession is a game that warrants exploration. It certainly deserves a prominent spot on any board game lover’s shelf.

4.8/5Overall Score
Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.