BoardGame Verdict
91

Obsession is a strategic Euro game set in Victorian England where players manage troubled family estates, hosting activities with servants and gentry to restore their reputation. The game combines worker placement, hand management, and tile placement as players renovate their estates and compete in refined Victorian society over 16-20 turns.

91

The Verdict

based on 26 reviews

Positive 0%
Strong, immersive Victorian theme that seamlessly integrates with gameplay
Engaging and strategic gameplay with satisfying combo opportunities and a need for careful planning
High-quality components, beautiful artwork, and thoughtful design (especially the second edition)
Excellent and smoothly implemented solo mode
High replayability due to multiple paths to victory and diverse strategies
Can have a steep learning curve and be challenging for players new to modern board games
Some luck elements, particularly with the building market and guest draws, can occasionally feel unfair or lead to frustration
Limited direct player interaction, sometimes described as feeling like "multiplayer solitaire"
Potential for analysis paralysis due to the numerous choices, leading to longer turn times
100
Gaming with Edo & Jessica, JessicaVideo

Jessica provides a highly positive solo review of Obsession, praising its thematic immersion, engaging mechanics, and high replayability. She rates it a perfect 10/10, considering it her favorite solo game.

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100
Meeple Mountain, Bob Pazehoski, Jr.Article

The reviewer absolutely adores Obsession, hailing it as a thematic masterpiece that effectively blends Victorian intrigue with engaging gameplay. They enthusiastically detail the game's mechanics and immersive character interactions.

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100
Geeks Under GraceArticle

Obsession is considered a terrific masterpiece by Geeks Under Grace, lauded for its deep strategy and strong thematic immersion that successfully brings the Victorian elitism era to life, making it an absolute must-play board game.

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100
That's What Jenni Said, JenniArticle

The reviewer is completely obsessed with Obsession's second edition, praising its immersive theme, high-quality components, and engaging gameplay. They found the strategic management of estate elements, guests, and servants highly enjoyable, leading to an immediate hook.

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95
Tabletop Tolson, Tabletop TolsonVideo

This video offers a complete review of the physical board game "Obsession," which is set in Victorian England. The reviewer discusses the game's highly thematic elements, including hosting activities to build reputation and manage a household.

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95
Unfiltered GamerArticle

The reviewer highly praises Obsession for its immersive theme, character-driven story, and extensive variability. They found the gameplay engaging, enjoyed the high-quality components, and felt the expansions further enriched the experience.

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95
The Broken Meeple, Luke HectorVideo

The reviewer considers "Obsession" a stellar board game, praising its high-quality components, engaging gameplay, and immersive theme as a well-executed passion project, despite minor concerns regarding player interaction and a degree of luck.

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95
BoardGameCo, Alex RackVideo

The reviewer provides a comprehensive look at the worker placement game "Obsession," highlighting its unique theme and accessibility. He appreciates the game enough to keep it in his collection and recommends it, though he personally rates it slightly below its high BoardGameGeek score.

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90
Board Game GuysArticle

The reviewer highly praises Obsession as a deeply thematic and satisfying game where players build intricate engines and carefully manage events and guests, stating it is definitively worth its widespread acclaim and will endure as a beloved title.

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90
Board Game Hangover, Yiannis (Board Game Hangover)Video

The video provides a genuine review of the physical board game 'Obsession' from the 'Board Game Hangover' channel. It delves into the game's theme, rules, and various aspects of gameplay, highlighting why it's considered 'The Fanciest Board Game'.

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90
Punchboard, AdamArticle

The reviewer praises Obsession as a great game with a clever 19th-century setting blending deck-building and worker placement, finding its integration of cards superior to contemporaries. They highlight its appeal to Austen fans and solo players, despite potential learning curve and luck-of-the-draw elements.

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90
Allies or Enemies, Jess and ShawnVideo

This video provides a comprehensive review and overview of the board game 'Obsession'. It covers what's included in the box, how the game plays, and offers insights into player count suitability and replayability.

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