REVIEW / Pairs & Perils (PC Version)

Gimmicks can be tricky business, especially in the gaming world. An innovative mechanic can set the stage for something truly unique, but there’s always a danger of focusing too heavily on this new idea and losing sight of the bigger picture. This is particularly true in game design, where balance is key. Today, we’re diving into Pairs & Perils, a PC game that, while enjoyable, serves as a perfect example of this conundrum.

At first glance, Pairs & Perils appears to be a straightforward matching game. Players find themselves in dungeons, confronting a random assortment of foes, each with unique abilities. Your task is to match cards on the board. Proper matches trigger attacks from your party and unleash spells and abilities, while mismatched pairs advance your opponent’s turn timer. Once that timer hits zero, the enemy strikes back. The setup is clear-cut, and the gameplay is entertaining, yet my concerns lie elsewhere—not with the core mechanics, which are solid.

Pairs & Perils falls under the genre of roguelite games, a category I’m quite familiar with. As a seasoned player, I tend to be more critical because these games often hinge on their ability to either excel or fall flat, with little middle ground. Beyond mechanics, my primary gripe with many games in this genre stems from a lack of story. Sadly, this game suffers from this very issue.

Arcade games and shooters can often bypass an intricate narrative because the focus is on the action. Roguelites, with their strategic elements, are different. When undertaking a quest, understanding the ‘why’ can make a huge difference. While these games don’t need extensive lore like RPGs, a backdrop or setting to immerse you in the experience is crucial. Regrettably, Pairs & Perils leaves much to be desired in this department.

Starting my first run in Pairs & Perils, I anticipated some introduction—a glimpse into my character’s world and motives. Instead, I found myself on the same basic map seen in many other roguelites, with no clue about my overarching objective or the reason behind card-flipping. While some might argue this doesn’t matter, I beg to differ. A story keeps players coming back; without it, the long-term allure diminishes despite the game’s otherwise engaging nature.

Another snag is in the game’s pacing. You’re given a brief moment to memorize card positions before they flip— a time span that feels unnecessarily short. While not asking for an eternity, a few extra seconds could significantly enhance the playing experience, especially as the game advances and more cards appear. Not all cards are beneficial, and some trap cards can harm your progress. The need to keep an eye on both beneficial and harmful cards complicates memorization.

As new cards emerge on the board after successful matches, a rhythm sets in. The tendency is to focus only on the latest pairs because they are the easiest to remember. This shift in focus detracts from using the entire board strategically and diminishes the depth of play.

Another point of contention lies in the game’s strategic component regarding opponent interactions. Strategy inherently involves foresight and preparation for your opponent’s moves. However, the memory-focused gameplay requires constant glance shifts to monitor cards, making it hard to account for what the opponent might do next. This aspect makes the otherwise clever battle mechanics feel less impactful, as the emphasis remains squarely on card memorization rather than on strategic planning or engagement with the enemy.

From a mechanical standpoint, Pairs & Perils is solid. The matching aspect operates smoothly, and it includes features expected in roguelite deck-builders. As you progress, you unlock new cards and characters, and there are opportunities for upgrades in specific rooms. For those familiar with the genre, the game delivers much of what one would expect. Controls are functional, and visually, it holds up well enough.

Ultimately, Pairs & Perils presents itself as a roguelite CCG with a unique central idea. Yet, this concept alone struggles to distinguish it from its peers when considering the broader experience, which is marred by its own mechanics. While the game provides quick bursts of enjoyment, its lack of polish and narrative leaves much to be desired. In its current state, it comes off as merely decent and not something that stands out remarkably in the crowded genre landscape.

With some narrative development and refinement, Pairs & Perils could rise to prominence. But for now, it remains a fun diversion that doesn’t leave a lasting impact. If you’re inclined to try it, it won’t be a waste of money, but you might find more fulfilling options elsewhere.

This review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.

Review Summary

• Look and Feel: 7/10
• Challenge: 7/10
• Replayability: 6/10
• Value for Money: 6/10
• Overall: 6.5/10

Execution problems aside, Pairs & Perils has potential but doesn’t quite hit the mark. It’s engaging but plagued by an underdeveloped story and mechanics that need tweaking. There are moments of intrigue, but they’re often weighed down by limitations. With a few updates, this game could transition from simply good to genuinely great. But as it is, it remains on the threshold of greatness.