Gimmicks can be a double-edged sword in the gaming world. A fresh idea might turn into something truly remarkable, but it’s easy to get fixated, letting everything else fall to the wayside. This tendency can spell trouble for any game, including our focus today: Pairs & Perils, a PC title that’s enjoyable but highlights this issue well.
Visually, Pairs & Perils is straightforward—a matching game at its core. Players find themselves dungeon-bound, squaring up against random foes, each boasting unique abilities. Your task? Match cards to unleash attacks from your party or trigger spells. Missteps cost you by advancing an opponent’s turn timer. It’s a simple yet engaging play style, and this matching mechanic is solid. However, the frustrations I have aren’t rooted in these basic mechanics.
If you’re into roguelites like me, you might approach Pairs & Perils with a critical eye. These games walk a fine line—they’re typically hit or miss with little middle ground. Beyond mechanics, it’s usually the lack of a compelling story that detracts from the experience, and this game is no exception.
For action-heavy arcade games and shooters, a light story may suffice. We dive in for the adrenaline, not the narrative. But roguelites, often strategy-driven, call for a clear quest or purpose. Without a narrative hook, players lose investment. Pairs & Perils falls short here, offering no inciting backstory or character motivation as you plunge into its depths. This lack of narrative drive limits its long-term appeal despite its initial fun.
When I started the game, I expected a setup—some guidance on character and mission. Instead, you’re thrust into the fray with a familiar map but no unfolding story, leaving you flipping cards without context. Some argue this doesn’t matter, but a continuous storyline motivates players to return. Without it, the game becomes less compelling over time.
Another challenge lies in the game’s pacing. Players are given mere seconds to memorize card placements before gameplay begins, which feels too brief, especially as the board fills up. Early on, it’s manageable, but more cards later make this a challenge. Adding to the pressure are trap cards mixed in, which demand attention, further pulling you away from memorizing useful cards and complicating strategy.
Once you match enough cards, new ones appear, and you get a short time to memorize again. This cycle led me to recall only the most recent pairs, neglecting strategy and using less of my available board. This cycle chips away at the essence of strategy the game could potentially hold.
Furthermore, considering card effects on opponents—the crux of strategic play—falls by the wayside as attention zeroes in on memory. Instead of strategizing, you focus solely on remembering card positions, reducing battles to a simple routine rather than dynamic encounters. This is less about flawed design and more a consequence of the game’s focus, reducing an intriguing battle to repetitive gameplay.
On the bright side, Pairs & Perils is mechanically competent. The matching mechanics function well, and it includes expected roguelite deck-builder elements such as unlocking and upgrading cards and characters. Visually, it aligns with genre standards and controls smoothly, making for cohesive basic gameplay.
In sum, Pairs & Perils wields its gimmick cleverly but doesn’t fully transcend it. It’s an enjoyable roguelite card game, albeit hindered by its gimmick’s limitations. It’s fun in short bursts and doesn’t break the bank, but it lacks the polish and narrative depth to truly shine. While it’s not a game you’d feel bad buying, it doesn’t quite climb the ranks of must-play titles.
With some narrative enhancements and balance tweaks, Pairs & Perils could become a noteworthy contender within its crowded genre. Right now, though, it lingers as a fun but somewhat unremarkable experience. Eager to try something new? This game isn’t a waste, but there are better alternatives if you’re browsing around.
This review reflects my experience with a retail copy provided by the publisher.
A Balancing Act
Look and Feel: 7/10
Challenge: 7/10
Replayability: 6/10
Value for Money: 6/10
Overall: 6.5/10
Execution Problems
Pairs & Perils introduces a core mechanic full of potential but doesn’t fully deliver. For every element that makes this game intriguing, another aspect falls short. The lack of a story and some unpolished mechanics prevent it from reaching greatness. An update or two could certainly elevate it, but for now, it sits comfortably in the "good but not great" category.
