Gimmicks can be a double-edged sword in the realm of game design. A new idea can be the foundation of a fantastic game, but equally, it can lead developers down a narrow path, focusing too heavily on the new concept at the expense of other game elements. This is where Pairs & Perils comes into play—a PC game that embodies both the allure and pitfalls of innovative mechanics.
On the surface, Pairs & Perils is a straightforward matching game. You delve into dungeons to face a variety of randomized foes, each equipped with unique abilities. Your task is to match cards on a board. Successful matches allow your party members to unleash powerful spells and abilities, while mismatches give your opponents a chance to strike back when their turn timer hits zero. The premise is simple and enjoyable; however, my reservations are not with its core mechanics but with what lies beyond them.
Pairs & Perils markets itself as a roguelite, a genre I hold dear and therefore critique more rigorously than others. I’ve dived into countless roguelites, and they typically straddle a fine line between brilliance and mediocrity, rarely dwelling in mediocrity. For Pairs & Perils, it’s the sparse narrative that disrupts the flow. This game suffers from a lack of story, a common gripe in many roguelites.
In genres like arcade games or shooters, an elaborate story isn’t a necessity. The intensity and thrill suffice to keep players engaged. However, roguelites tend to be more strategic, akin to platformers, and a motivating storyline can significantly enhance the experience. It doesn’t have to be a detailed epic like an RPG, but a semblance of context would be appreciated. Unfortunately, Pairs & Perils doesn’t offer this.
Upon starting the game, I anticipated an introduction explaining why I was navigating this treacherous dungeon. But instead, I was plunged right into the gameplay with no backstory or objective. This lack of narrative might seem trivial, but it impacts player motivation and long-term engagement. As it stands, despite the game being entertaining, there’s less incentive to revisit it.
Another flaw I noticed was in the game’s rhythm. The time allowed to memorize card locations feels too brief, especially as the board grows. What initially seems manageable becomes overwhelming. The presence of trap cards complicates this further, as they divert attention from memorizing beneficial cards, heightening the challenge unnecessarily.
The gameplay flow suggests a pattern—remember only the recently revealed pairs and cycle this methodology as new cards emerge. This inadvertently negates strategic depth, focusing instead on a short-term memory test.
The strategy element also suffers due to the game’s memory-centric design. Planning against opponents becomes secondary to memorizing card positions, making battles feel less strategic and more like a repetitive routine. It’s not that the mechanics are flawed; they just pull focus in directions that diminish the game’s strategic potential.
On a technical level, Pairs & Perils holds up. The control scheme is intuitive, graphics are serviceable, and mechanics are well-executed. Yet, it sits in a crowded genre where being “okay” isn’t enough to shine. The innovative mechanics are overshadowed by their complications, making the game enjoyable but not unforgettable.
If the developers could infuse some narrative and refine the balance, Pairs & Perils could evolve into a standout title. While it’s a reasonably priced game that’s fun for short bursts, more polished competitors are available. If you’re keen to try it, you’re not wasting money, but be aware that higher quality options exist.
This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
In summary, Pairs & Perils has an intriguing core mechanic but stumbles in execution. Its lack of narrative and under-polished mechanics make for a game that’s good but not great. Some updates could certainly elevate its status, but for now, it remains a game that sits comfortably in mediocrity rather than excellence.
