Gimmicks in gaming can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, a fresh mechanic can transform a game into something outstanding. But the risk lies in becoming too fixated on that core idea, potentially neglecting other crucial aspects of the game. This oversight can lead to trouble, especially in game design. Let’s dive into Pairs & Perils, a PC game that, while enjoyable, perfectly illustrates this challenge.
At first glance, Pairs & Perils seems like your typical matching game. You enter a randomly generated dungeon, facing foes each with unique abilities. The gameplay revolves around matching cards: do it correctly, and your party members attack, triggering spells and abilities; get it wrong, and your opponent’s turn counter drops to zero, readying their attack. Simple enough, and a fun concept. However, my gripes aren’t with these core mechanics.
Pairs & Perils belongs to the roguelite genre, which is a personal favorite of mine. I’ve played countless titles that follow a similar formula, and they often either excel or fall flat, rarely falling in between. This disparity often lies in elements beyond the basic mechanics, like the storyline—or, rather, the noticeable lack of one here.
Typically, arcade games and shooters can skirt by with minimal narrative, focusing instead on action to keep players engaged. But in strategic roguelites, the absence of a backstory leaves you wondering why you’re on this adventure in the first place. It’s not that every game needs pages of lore like a high-fantasy RPG, but a touch of storytelling would provide the motivation to keep playing. Regrettably, Pairs & Perils misses this mark entirely.
Upon starting my journey in Pairs & Perils, I expected to meet my character and learn the purpose behind my dungeon crawl. But instead, I was plunged into gameplay without context—a map, a task, and no real narrative. Some might argue that the story doesn’t matter, but I disagree. A compelling narrative keeps players returning, eager to uncover what happens next. While Pairs & Perils is fun, the lack of a storyline means there’s little incentive to stick with it over time.
The next issue is with the game’s pacing. The cards flip over for a brief moment for you to memorize them before they turn face down. This fleeting glimpse is shorter than I’d prefer—a few seconds more would make a huge difference. At the start, the board is manageable, but as it fills up, you really need more time to remember card placements. Additionally, there are trap cards mixed in that you must avoid. Paying attention to these interferes with memorizing your own deck, making the game more challenging than necessary.
Matching cards unlocks new ones, giving you another short window to memorize. I fell into the pattern of remembering only new pairs because they stood out more, leading to a cycle of identifying fresh cards while neglecting others—a strategy that oversimplifies the gameplay.
Another strategy-related concern is how your actions affect opponents. In strategy games, you plan responses to adversaries’ actions—something that Pairs & Perils unintentionally sidesteps. The focus on memorization means you’re not interacting strategically with the enemy, reducing a potentially engaging battle mechanic to a straightforward matching exercise. This isn’t inherently the game’s fault—it’s a consequence of emphasizing memory over tactical play—yet it diminishes what could be a deeper experience.
On the bright side, Pairs & Perils gets the basic elements right. The matching mechanics function smoothly, and the roguelite staples—unlockable cards and character upgrades—are present. The controls work well, and the graphics, while not extraordinary, suit the game’s style.
In conclusion, Pairs & Perils offers a unique roguelite CCG experience with a creative core concept. Still, it struggles to distinguish itself in an already saturated market due to the very gimmick it hinges upon. It’s fun in short bursts and easy on the wallet, but I’d gladly pay more for a polished, fuller experience. It’s an interesting game with potential, leaning on innovative ideas, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights needed for a strong recommendation.
Incorporating a more comprehensive story and smoothing out its rough edges might elevate Pairs & Perils into something truly noteworthy. For now, it’s a fun, albeit forgettable title, especially when compared to the wide array of alternatives available. If you’re keen to try it out, you won’t be wasting your money, but better options are out there if you’re browsing for the next gaming adventure.
This review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher.
Review Summary
Score: 6.5/10
- Look and Feel: 7/10
- Challenge: 7/10
- Replayability: 6/10
- Value for Money: 6/10
Pros: Interesting core mechanic, well-executed basic elements.
Cons: Lack of narrative, rushed pacing issues, superficial strategy elements.
Pairs & Perils presents a compelling foundation, yet the execution falls short. Its unique mechanic entertains, but an equal number of flaws hold it back. Without a story and with unfinished mechanics, the game remains good, but not great. A few updates could change my perspective, but for now, it rests in the realm of average.
