Gimmicks, in the realm of gaming, can be unpredictable. They can either spark fantastic ideas that evolve into something extraordinary or lead to a narrow focus where everything else feels like an afterthought. When game designers start with a fresh concept, sometimes they end up perfecting it so much that other components end up neglected, which is a risky strategy. The PC game, Pairs & Perils, is a prime example of this, providing both fun and frustrations.
Pairs & Perils begins as a straightforward matching game, where you delve into a dungeon, facing off against a random array of adversaries, each possessing unique abilities. Your task is to match cards on a board. Successful matches unleash your party’s attacks or trigger magical spells and abilities, while mismatches give your opponent’s turn timer a boost, pre-signaling their own impending strike. This setup is engaging, and its simplicity isn’t inherently problematic. However, the areas in which Pairs & Perils falls short aren’t linked to these core mechanics.
This game’s genre is roguelite, which I’m rather fond of, though it does mean I might cast a more critical eye than usual. Roguelites often swing between excellence and mediocrity, with little in between, usually depending on variables outside basic mechanics. A primary issue here is the glaring absence of a narrative—a common flaw in many of these games.
While an arcade game or shooter might skate by with minimal story due to a focus on action, roguelites thrive on strategy. The absence of any form of narrative framework leaves players questioning their purpose within the game, a problem that can similarly plague platformers. Without a compelling reason to engage in your quest, the incentive to continue playing dwindles.
Upon launching Pairs & Perils and starting my adventure, I found myself thrust right into the game map without any introductory context or backstory. This immediate immersion may suit some, but I prefer knowing the ‘why’ behind my actions. An engaging story compels continued play, providing a reason to return. Regrettably, Pairs & Perils falls short here, offering no narrative hook to sustain engagement over prolonged play sessions.
Another significant gripe concerns the game’s flow. Initial card memorization time feels unnecessarily restrictive, barely allowing players to recall one or two pairs before they’re flipped. This becomes increasingly troublesome as the board fills, demanding sharper memory retention. To complicate matters, trap cards mingle with useful ones, diverting attention and heightening difficulty.
Post-matching, new cards are introduced with another brief memorization window. I found myself defaulting to memorizing only these new pairs—an easy shortcut yet one that dismantles strategic depth. True strategy relies on comprehensive board awareness, but this mechanic inadvertently discourages it.
The strategic aspect suffers further as memory demands dominate focus, overshadowing opponent actions. A strategy game should encourage foresight and adaptability in response to adversaries’ moves. However, the intense focus on card patterns means plans and enemy monitoring suffer, reducing battles to mere card-guessing rather than tactical engagement.
Mechanically speaking, Pairs & Perils holds its ground as a CCG roguelite, with the expected deck-building elements. Players unlock and upgrade cards and characters in familiar roguelite fashion. Visually and control-wise, it meets genre standards but doesn’t excel.
Ultimately, Pairs & Perils centers around an intriguing gimmick but falls short overall. Though it’s entertaining in bursts and affordable, a touch more polish and a comprehensive story could elevate it. While it possesses some nifty ideas, it’s merely adequate and lacks the wow factor that could make it a standout recommendation. With a bit more depth, particularly in narrative and mechanics, it certainly has potential. However, in its current state, this game might appeal only to those specifically searching for something light in the genre.
For now, Pairs & Perils remains a fun, albeit forgettable entry in a crowded field. While not a bad gamble if you’re keen on trying it, there are more polished options available if you’re exploring your choices.
This analysis is based on a retail copy generously provided by the publisher.
