The Obsession A-List: Asquith, Annesley, and Alderley
Witness a battle of high society as the Asquith and Annesley families vie for prestige in Obsession’s Derbyshire.
I would have loved to explore even more games over the last week, yet Obsession always lives up to its name! Hot on the heels of a recent victory, it was only appropriate to move onto the next solo opponent. The Annesleys looked to be rather awful, as is the assumption in Derbyshire. I set to work putting the country estate and social circle back together!
Game Overview
Game Name: Obsession
Publication Year: 2018
Designer: Dan Hallagan
Artist: Dan Hallagan
Publisher: Kayenta Games
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
The return of the Fairchild heirs set everything in motion. To court one and marry into the family might seem like the ultimate goal, yet it all boils down to reputation. A family must be able to showcase a quality estate, staff, and societal connections. Without balance, it all slips away.
First Play
January 25, 2019
Complexity
3
Latest Play
October 15, 2025
Expansions
6
Setup Time
10 Minutes
Lifetime Plays
106
Play Time
50 Minutes
High Score
248
Game Area
24" x 28"
Low Score
82
Looking to Alderley
Although I enjoy playing with any family, the Asquiths hold a special place in my heart. It’s the Dowager Countess. Who else?! She’s just amazing.
I dove back into another family vs. family matchup. This Annesley clan was the final standard solo opponent, so I knew I needed to pull out all of the tricks!
Indeed, I saw a few immediate failures. They were not at all nice. Their garden parties were simply too posh.
But if I’ve learned anything, it’s how persistence pays off! The Asquith family wasn’t in the mood for a rivalry.
Annesley Courtship
The way each solo opponent’s numbers work creates some rather interesting situations. I knew I would have to fight for anything in the prestige department.
However, I spotted a way to pull ahead in the estate and sporting categories. Since these themes are hidden with closed courtship, early planning can be a hit or miss.
I managed to find a way to stay ahead of the Annesleys for the first few seasons. Take that! Impeccable planning.
Yet winning every courtship round isn’t necessary to win. It’s all about the subtleties and unexpected charm!
Dowager vs. Heiress
As we all know, a British heiress is a wonderful sight to behold. A treasure at the national level, if you will. But an American heiress? Those are to be avoided at all costs!
Naturally, Carol here weaseled her way into the family’s circle. Panic was not allowed to reign. Not with the Dowager Countess on the job with that polite stare.
In several very interesting twists, Carol visited many times. The money was lovely, though she was not.
Maud was the picture of politeness, though every known Dowager Countess is a schemer behind-the-scenes. Ha!
Lining Up the Staff
I had an interesting experience with the staff. Normally, this limited amount wouldn’t be enough to get me through some of the bigger events. Not at all!
However, the family’s social circle involved a lot of guests who could tend to themselves, thank you very much.
This also forced me to pass 3 times, which often leads to early defeat. Ah, but the money was always stocked up and a Fairchild stopped by 5 times before the end!
After 60 plays, I still have new experiences that can be quite surprising. And this was one of those times…
Session Overview
Play Number: 59-61
Expansion: Obsession: Wessex Expansion
Solo Mode: Included in the Base Game
Play Details: Standard Play with Closed Courtship
Outcome: 122-150, 98-151, 130-129 (1 Win and 2 Losses)
You read that correctly. On my final attempt of the day, I managed to pull ahead and win by a single point! It was a hard-fought victory almost spoiled by the presence of Carol here who was worth -3 victory points. But… Success! I felt excited to see that I wasn’t in for another endless rivalry. Only 2 extended mode solo opponents to go!
%
100 Plays
Affordability
Price & Value
10
Functionality
Challenges & Mechanics
10
Originality
Design & Theme
10
Quality
Components & Rules
10
Reusability
Achievement & Enjoyment
10
Variability
Distinctness & Randomness
10
+ Pros (Positives)
- Each guest features flavor text and a portrait that bring them to life in simple, often humorous, ways.
- The storage boxes for the families, tiles, and cards are excellent and fit perfectly within the main box.
- Servants are easy to distinguish with unique colors and shapes, while the custom meeples are quite sturdy.
- To see the country estate take shape and turn into something amazing by the end is very satisfying and fun.
- Every element of the theme comes through with the mechanics and components to create a memorable game.
- Despite constant losses, the solo game generates fantastic rivalries and exciting, though sometimes rare, wins.
– Cons (Negatives)
- Strategic choices often guide each play, but there are certain luck-based elements that are impossible to control.
- The only area where a lack of artwork is noticeable is for the family estates, which would have been nice to see.
- Although the solo opponents work quickly and easily, rolling a d20 each turn can be repetitive and less thematic.
- Objective cards can be a real hit or miss, sometimes worth almost nothing or upwards of 20+ victory points.
Victory Conditions
Score the Most Points
- Overall Goal Progress 60%
Goals and Milestones
Score at least 200 points.
Score at least 240 points.
Win at least 1 game against each base game family.
Score at least 280 points.
Win at least 1 game against each Up, Downstairs family.
Continue the Conversation
What are some of your favorite elements of Obsession? I’m quite excited to be so close to trying out the newest expansion, although I imagine the final solo opponents are going to be tough. There’s a lot more to come! Do you have a favorite family or guest? The American heiresses can be terrible, but I’m not opposed to all that money. Ha ha!
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