REVIEW: Pairs & Perils for PC

Gimmicks in game design can be a double-edged sword. They can give rise to innovative mechanics that elevate a game from merely good to exceptional. However, the danger lies in becoming too focused on that one new idea, neglecting other important elements that together make a game well-rounded. Enter “Pairs & Perils,” a PC game that embodies this notion. While it’s entertaining, it’s a prime exhibit of the risks involved when design priorities go astray.

On the face of it, “Pairs & Perils” is a straightforward matching game. Players dive into dungeons packed with randomly-appearing adversaries, each equipped with distinct abilities. The game presents a board filled with cards where players must find matching pairs. Pair correctly, and your party’s various classes spring into action, casting spells or performing special moves. But miss a match, and it’s your opponent’s turn meter that ratchets down, leading them to attack when it hits zero. The gameplay mechanics here are solid and provide a fun experience. Yet, it’s not the mechanics that pose an issue, at least not the foundational ones.

As both a roguelite enthusiast and a critical reviewer, I’ve delved into countless games from the genre that either hit the mark splendidly or fall flat. The challenge often isn’t in the foundational mechanics but the other aspects that enrich the experience. One glaring flaw with “Pairs & Perils” lies in its narrative—or the conspicuous absence of it.

While some games like arcade titles and shooters often escape unscathed without a story, relying on action to draw players in, roguelites usually benefit from a stronger narrative backbone. These games often demand strategic thinking, pulling you into quests where understanding the ‘why’ becomes crucial. Even platformers, which have less narrative burden, deliver more engaging experiences with a story to tether players to the gameplay. Sadly, this is where “Pairs & Perils” struggles, as it offers little to no storytelling.

Upon booting up the game for the first time, I anticipated a backstory, maybe a little introduction setting up my character and their mission. But instead, I was met with a familiar roguelite map and thrust straight into action without a sense of context. Knowing the narrative gives purpose to the card-flipping and incentivizes returning for more. Its absence, though, means that while the game’s fun, it lacks the draw to keep players engaged over time.

Then there’s the timing element. When cards are dealt, you’re allowed a fleeting moment to memorize their positions before they flip back — and it is fleeting. The limited time makes it tough to recall more than a couple of matches. This isn’t much trouble early on, but as the complexity of your card deck grows, so does the need for more time. Compounding the challenge, trap cards are mixed in your deck, distracting you from the cards you need to remember, hence making the game unnecessarily difficult.

New cards are introduced after successful matches, giving you another brief moment to commit them to memory. The cycle felt like I was only recalling the new additions because they were easier to track, sidelining any strategic depth that was possible.

Strategically speaking, the interplay of cards affecting opponents should elevate the gameplay. Yet, because your attention is consumed by card memorization, focusing on enemy moves or planning your strategy becomes fragmented. This diminishes the otherwise engaging battle mechanics, as your focus is solely on remembering card placements, leaving strategic thought by the wayside.

“Pairs & Perils” is mechanically sound. The matching mechanics hold up well, and the roguelite deck-building staples are present and accounted for. Players unlock new cards and characters, upgrading them in specific game rooms. Controls are intuitive, and the graphics, while not groundbreaking, are suitable for this genre.

Overall, “Pairs & Perils” is a roguelite CCG with an intriguing gimmick at its core. Still, it misses the mark due to the complications that arise from its central mechanic. It’s engaging enough for short sessions and doesn’t break the bank. Yet, I’d happily invest more for a refined version, addressing these shortcomings. It’s enjoyable and incorporates smart ideas, but “good” isn’t quite compelling enough to earn a recommendation.

The developers could significantly improve the game by introducing a storyline and refining the balance, which would make it a worthwhile experience. As it stands, it’s a fun, albeit forgettable entry in a crowded field of roguelites. If you’re eager to try it out, you won’t necessarily waste your investment, but there are more polished alternatives available.

This review is based on a retail copy provided by the publisher. The game scores a balanced 6.5/10 for its look and feel, challenge, replayability, and value for money. While it showcases intriguing mechanics, execution issues hold back its full potential. With potential updates, this title could transform from good to great.