Set in 1720s London, Molly House is a game about creating joy and community in underground queer festivities while navigating the crushing weight of having both declared a crime. Players must manage desires (cards) to earn joy (VP), make tactical decisions, and sometimes inform on rival molly houses to mitigate risks and avoid indictments.
The Verdict
based on 17 reviews
“Molly House is perfect in every way. It’s an amazing game that will long live in my collection and even more so in my heart.”
“Molly House is an intense exercise in empathy. Its figures are centuries old, but their conflicts feel far too current.”
“There’s an entrancing artistic human experience conveyed with a clever integration of mechanism and theme. It’s the brilliance of Molly House.”
“I feel like I’m describing the subgenre of my favorite drummer’s metal side project; it’s an interactive queer history exhibit/ artwork crossed with a snappy semi cooperative board game. I’ve played plenty of games that I couldn’t get out of my head during my time in the hobby, but while those usually had me thinking about game mechanics and strategy, Molly House had me examining shit about life.”
“Molly House does an excellent job of telling the story of a community of queers trying to find connection and happiness under the oppression of a hostile organisation in power – particularly through the deeply unfair and difficult decisions the players are forced to make.”
“Ultimately, a great conversation piece. One that reflects on the human struggle to be free and society’s fear of such gin-soaked bliss.”
The reviewer praises Molly House for its strong thematic integration and the compelling, difficult moral choices it presents to players, making it a game he anticipates playing for years despite initial rulebook hurdles and a less engaging solo mode.
Rahdo considers Molly House a highly engaging and thematically consistent game that presents players with significant choices, although he notes the solo mode is less compelling and some might find the card-tracking demanding. He expresses a strong desire to continue playing the game for many years.
“Kelly has crafted a paean to queer resilience. This, I think, is Molly House’s last gift.”
“Playing Time: 90-120 Minutes Collections: 1-5 Players, 90-120 Minutes, All Board Games, Bluffing, Card Games, Deduction, Negotiation, Push Your Luck, Solo.”
“While the game itself is a fun and complex game of strategy and bluffing, it's also a game whose subject matter and historical ramifications are worth considering. Molly House showcases actual people who lived and were prominent members of the Molly community at the time, with the rulebook's last few pages dedicated to further elaborating and giving context to the time and people involved.”
The reviewer found 'Molly House' to be a compelling and innovative board game, particularly commending its unique card play mechanism that creates an engaging and dynamic experience worthy of exploration.
The reviewer, Jonathan, and his friends clearly enjoyed their playthrough of Molly House, highlighting its engaging gameplay and the social dynamics that emerge. While there might be some learning curve or minor mechanical quirks, the overall experience was positive enough to merit a full 'Playing With Friends' video culminating in an endgame discussion.
The reviewer acknowledges the strong reputation of the designer and the game's theme of social deduction and betrayal in 18th-century London. However, they express concern that the game might be "over deluxified" and potentially overpriced for a game that primarily involves card play and dice rolling.
The reviewer praises 'Molly House' for its beautiful theme, production quality, and clever informer mechanic, which creates moments of communal joy. However, they note that the game is held back by somewhat fiddly rules and a high degree of randomness.
“Fascinating for theme and style, but maybe too cumbersome mechanically. I appreciate the idea of taking risks in design.”
“In Molly House, players take the roles of the gender-defying mollies of early eighteenth century London. Throw grand masquerades and cruise back alleys while evading moralistic constables who seek to destroy your community.”
