Gimmicks can be quite the gamble. When a designer kicks off with an innovative mechanic, it often blossoms into something memorable. However, the challenge arises when that initial idea becomes all-consuming, potentially sidelining other critical elements. This kind of obsession can be a risky move in game design. Today, we’re diving into the PC game Pairs & Perils. It’s enjoyable but exemplifies this issue pretty well.
On the surface, Pairs & Perils is a straightforward matching game. Players venture into dungeons filled with foes, each boasting unique abilities. Your task is to match cards on a board. Get it right, and your party attacks, triggering spells and abilities. Get it wrong, and your opponent’s turn timer ticks down, leading to their attack. Simple enough, right? There’s nothing inherently wrong with these mechanics, and the game is generally fun. Yet, my critiques don’t target these fundamentals.
As a fan of roguelites, I’m perhaps a bit more discerning with this genre. I’ve played a slew of them, noticing a pattern: they either soar or flop, without much middle ground. This isn’t due to core mechanics alone. A major gripe with many such games, and Pairs & Perils is no exception, is the lack of a compelling story.
Certain games, such as shooters or arcade-style titles, can thrive without an elaborate story. The action is the main attraction, and too much narrative can break the flow. Roguelites, however, tend to lean on strategic elements. Players want to know why their character is embarking on this journey. Like platformers, games where players spend hours with a character need some narrative hook. We don’t need a novel’s worth of lore as we get in RPGs, but a bit of story can enhance immersion. Sadly, Pairs & Perils lacks this layer entirely.
Firing up Pairs & Perils, I expected a brief introduction to set the stage—who am I, why am I here? Instead, I was swiftly thrust into a familiar roguelite map, with no storyline to guide my actions or give context to my card flipping. While some might argue this omission doesn’t matter, I beg to differ. A narrative gives players a reason to return, a curiosity to discover what unfolds next. Without it, despite the fun mechanics, the motivation dwindles over time.
Another concern lies in the game’s rhythm. When cards appear, you get a brief glimpse before they flip, which feels a bit too hurried. A few extra seconds could make a big difference. Initially, with fewer cards, this isn’t too problematic, but as the game progresses and the board fills up, that added time becomes crucial. The board isn’t full of friends either; trap cards that harm you lurk among your deck. Focusing on these traps detracts from memorizing beneficial cards, adding to the challenge.
A strategic flaw arises here: after matching several cards, more are added, giving you a brief window to remember them. I found myself repeatedly learning only the new pairs, ignoring the broader board strategy. This reduces strategy to a rinse and repeat of matching the newest cards and neglects the potential depth of the gameplay.
Another strategic snag is how cards influence opponents. In a good strategy game, anticipating the opponent’s moves is key. But Pairs & Perils keeps your eyes glued to the cards. Keeping track of enemy plans or planning your card plays becomes secondary. This distraction dilutes the battle mechanic’s potential, turning a nuanced feature into a basic memory game.
Mechanically, Pairs & Perils functions well. The matching mechanic is solid, and typical roguelite deck-building features like new cards and character upgrades appear as you navigate different rooms. Although it’s what you’d expect if you’re acquainted with the genre, the graphics and controls are competent.
Ultimately, Pairs & Perils stands as a roguelite CCG with a clever gimmick at its heart. However, that alone doesn’t lift it above the rest, especially considering the issues that gimmick introduces. It’s enjoyable in short bursts and reasonably priced, but I’d gladly pay more for a more polished and robust experience. This game is decent and uses some inventively implemented ideas. Unfortunately, "okay" isn’t quite enough for a strong recommendation.
If the developers could enrich the game with a story and strike a more balanced gameplay feel, Pairs & Perils has the potential to become a standout title. As things stand, it’s fun but forgettable, particularly in a crowded genre. If you’re eager to try it, it’s not a waste, but better options exist if you’re just browsing.
This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
Rating Breakdown
- Look and Feel: 7/10
- Challenge: 7/10
- Replayability: 6/10
- Value for Money: 6/10
Overall: 6.5/10
Pairs & Perils boasts a fascinating central mechanic but struggles with execution. While there are intriguing aspects, an equal number of flaws let it down. A lack of story and some unpolished mechanics leave what could be a great game in the "just okay" category. A few updates could shift my perspective, but for now, it remains an entertaining but not a standout choice.
