Gimmicks in game design are quite the double-edged sword. On the one hand, they’re where some of the most inventive concepts are born. However, when a new idea becomes the sole focus, the rest of the game can feel neglected. This is a risky move in game development, and it brings us to the PC game Pairs & Perils. It’s got its hook, but it also illustrates this all-too-common pitfall.
Pairs & Perils, at its core, is a straightforward matching game. The setup is simple: you dive into a dungeon and encounter a random lineup of enemies, each possessing unique abilities. Your task? Match cards on a board. Nail those matches, and your party’s classes spring into action with attacks and spells. Miss a match, though, and you’re ticking down the turn timer until your foes strike back. It’s a basic concept that I quite enjoy, and I have no complaints about these mechanics in themselves.
Now let’s talk about Pairs & Perils as a roguelite, a genre I’m particularly passionate about, which might make me slightly more critical. I’ve played many such games, and they often veer great or not so great with little middle ground. One major factor outside of core mechanics affecting this is the game’s story—or, more accurately, the glaring lack of one.
Many fast-paced arcade and shooter games don’t need extensive storylines since the action is the main appeal. But with roguelites, where strategy is key, a backstory can make a substantial difference. You want to understand the motive behind the quest. Pairs & Perils, unfortunately, offers none, which severely hampers player engagement.
I started my first session expecting some sort of introduction—perhaps a glimpse of the character or a snippet of their purpose in this perilous dungeon crawler. Instead, I found myself plopped into a familiar roguelike map without context or direction. With no storyline to propel me forward, my enthusiasm for continued play waned. While the game itself is entertaining, it’s the absence of narrative that detracts from its long-term appeal.
Another issue is the game’s flow. The timed card memorization phase feels a bit rushed. A few more seconds to absorb the board wouldn’t hurt, especially when those trap cards require additional focus. You’re trying to memorize your cards, but distractions force you to be less strategic as the game progresses.
As you match more cards, new ones are dealt, challenging players to remember their positions in seconds. My approach often amounted to just memorizing the latest batch because they were easiest to retain. This practice leaves much of the board unused, diminishing strategic complexity.
Speaking of strategy, Pairs & Perils falters by making you focus so intensely on the cards that you often overlook your opponents’ actions. The challenge here is to plan ahead, yet constantly watching and memorizing cards can disrupt that. As a result, the dynamic and cool battle mechanics become less significant.
In terms of mechanics, Pairs & Perils delivers what you’d expect for a roguelike deck builder. Progressing through the game means unlocking new cards and characters while upgrading them along the way. It checks all the usual boxes and is functionally sound, with controls and graphics that meet genre standards.
Ultimately, Pairs & Perils is a roguelite CCG featuring a compelling foundation but is bogged down by isolated focus on its gimmick. While it’s affordable and enjoyable in short bursts, it lacks the polish and refinement to rise above its peers. This isn’t a game I’d strongly recommend, but it has potential for future updates that might enhance the experience.
A few story elements and some tweaks could certainly elevate Pairs & Perils to a must-play status. For now, it’s a pleasant, if not particularly memorable, entry into the genre.
This review stems from a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher. Let’s break it down a bit more:
- Look and Feel: 7/10
- Challenge: 7/10
- Replayability: 6/10
- Value for Money: 6/10
Overall, Pairs & Perils fetches a modest 6.5/10. It has intriguing mechanics but stumbles in execution. Lacking story and opportunities for enhanced mechanics make what could be a great game merely average. Some updates and polish could rectify this, bumping it from a "good" to a "great" game over time.
