Obsession
- Designer Dan Hallagan
- Publisher Kayenta Games , 4GAMES , Boardgame Mall , CMON Global Limited , Giochix.it
- Illustration Dan Hallagan
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You run a country estate in mid-19th-century England, renovate rooms, host social events (balls, hunts, recitals) and manage a domestic staff to boost wealth, reputation and connections. The game plays over roughly 16–20 turns where building tiles determine which events and guests are available and successful hosting yields new opportunities and prestige. A parallel competition centers on courting the county's most eligible young gentleman and lady as an additional objective.
Who Is This Game For?
Aimed at experienced gamers (gamer/enthusiast level), Obsession suits players who like thematic engine development with strategic personnel management. It supports 1–4 players (solo mode included) and the 90-minute playtime makes it an extended game for game-night groups willing to learn its systems.
How It Works
Core mechanics include Worker Placement to manage the extensive staff and Closed Drafting plus Deck/Bag/Pool-Building to grow your roster of Victorian gentry. Hand Management matters when inviting guests and staging events, and Action Retrieval affects how actions become available again. Each round you select building tiles from a central market that dictate possible events and guest lists.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Dan Hallagan, Obsession emphasizes immersion in the Regency/Victorian setting and fuses Worker Placement with deck/pool-building approaches. It was nominated for the Cardboard Republic Immersionist Laurel in 2018 and for Gra Roku Advanced Game of the Year in 2024. The mix of estate renovation, social events and a courtship race distinguishes it from purely mechanical eurogames.
Awards
- 2024 Gra Roku Advanced Game of the Year — Nominated
- 2018 Cardboard Republic Immersionist Laurel — Nominated
Pro
- Strong thematic integration in Victorian England
- Blend of Worker Placement and Deck/Pool-Building provides strategic depth
- Includes a solo/solitaire option (players.min = 1)
- Clear progression through building renovations and event hosting
Contra
- Relatively long playtime (90 minutes) requires patience
- Learning curve for staff management and interlocking systems
- Not ideal for younger players (min_age = 14)
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in mid-19th-century rural England (Regency/Victorian milieu), the game focuses on country houses, social events and upper-class society—rooms, reputation and local connections drive gameplay.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus early on synergies between building tiles and your personnel; favor repeatable actions to steadily improve your deck/pool and staff.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
Yes. indicates a solo/solitaire mode is provided.
How long does a game really take?
The listed duration is 90 minutes; first plays with setup and rule explanations can take longer.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with Worker Placement and deck/pool-building systems helps; the game is aimed at enthusiasts rather than casual beginners.
How does this compare to similar games?
Obsession combines Worker Placement with deck/pool-building and a strong social-theme focus, setting it apart from mechanically-focused euros.
Is this suitable for families?
With min_age = 14 and moderate complexity, it's more suitable for older family members and hobby gamers than for younger children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The interplay of Worker Placement, Closed Drafting and Deck/Bag/Pool-Building defines the game's core experience.
Fazit
Recommended for players who enjoy thematic, strategic Kennerspiele and personnel optimization; solo players are supported. Casual groups seeking quick family games may find it too involved.
