Review: Pairs & Perils (PC)

Gimmicks can be a risky proposition in game design. Often, innovative mechanics can be the seed that grows into a standout game. But there’s a downside: when developers put too much focus on a shiny new idea, other crucial aspects may fall by the wayside. This tunnel vision can spell trouble. In the realm of PC gaming, Pairs & Perils illustrates this idea. While enjoyable, the game is a perfect example of how a singular focus can send a game off-balance.

At its heart, Pairs & Perils is a straightforward matching game. Players venture into dungeons, confronting a slew of randomized enemies, each with unique abilities. You’re given a board of cards to match. A successful match triggers attacks from your party’s various classes, as well as beneficial spells and abilities. Mistakes, however, give your opponent an edge, advancing their turn timer and letting them unleash their own attacks or abilities when it reaches zero. The core concept is simple and enjoyable. However, the issues I find with the game go beyond these initial mechanics, which I actually think are quite solid.

Pairs & Perils falls under the roguelite category, a genre I hold close to my heart and critique more stringently because of my deep experience with it. While roguelites generally follow a tried-and-true formula, their success often hinges on factors outside the core mechanics. A significant shortcoming here is the story, or rather, its noticeable absence.

Some genres, like arcade games and shooters, often manage to thrive with minimal narrative. These games focus primarily on action, where a complex story might even disrupt immersion. However, roguelites often incorporate strategic gameplay elements. When embarking on a quest, having a clear motive for your journey enhances engagement. Platformers and similar genres benefit from some storytelling to maintain players’ interest over the countless hours they invest. A vast backstory isn’t necessary, but some narrative thread would help keep players immersed and motivated. Unfortunately, Pairs & Perils misses the mark here.

When first diving into Pairs & Perils, I expected an introduction—who am I playing, why am I exploring these treacherous dungeons? Sadly, there’s no such context, just a generic roguelite map that hurls you into the action. There’s no narrative compass guiding the player, no clear objective or backdrop to the card-flipping frenzy. While one might argue this doesn’t fundamentally matter, I believe otherwise. A story, however simple, adds depth that could entice players to return, eager to uncover the next chapter. Without it, the game’s longevity in my rotation diminishes.

Another concern is the game’s flow. When cards are initially dealt, players get a brief glimpse before they flip, and the allotted time is simply too brisk. While I’m not asking for an overly generous period, a few extra seconds would be beneficial. Early on, the limited card count isn’t a problem, but as the game progresses, the board fills up, amplifying the need for extended memory time. The inclusion of trap cards that can damage you upon flipping adds to the complexity; you find yourself torn between avoiding these pitfalls and trying to memorize the beneficial cards.

As you match pairs, new cards enter the board, offering another fleeting chance to memorize them. I found myself focusing only on these fresh cards, neglecting the previous ones, leading to a short-term strategy at best. This undermines the game’s strategic depth, reducing it to mere pattern recognition.

Another strategic hiccup in Pairs & Perils lies in understanding the impact of your cards on opponents. In strategic gaming, anticipating and countering opponent moves is crucial. Here, since the focus is on memorizing cards, players might find it challenging to stay aware of enemy actions or to strategize effectively. The intriguing battle mechanics become less significant, overtaken by the primary task of memorizing cards. This isn’t a critique of the game, necessarily, but rather a consequence of its design, which affects the overall depth and dynamism of the gameplay.

From a mechanical standpoint, Pairs & Perils is competent. The matching games function well, and the elements one would expect from a roguelite deck-builder are present. Unlocking new cards and characters and upgrading them in specific rooms will feel familiar to genre enthusiasts. The controls are intuitive, and visually, the game offers a style well-suited to its premise.

In summary, Pairs & Perils is a roguelite CCG anchored by an intriguing gimmick, yet this alone doesn’t elevate it from the crowd. The central gimmick, while fascinating, pulls the experience back due to the issues it introduces. The game is perfect for short, casual sessions and comes at a reasonable price, but it lacks the polish and depth that might justify a higher investment. The innovative ideas warrant interest, yet they don’t quite push the game to a level where it’s a must-play recommendation.

If the developers consider adding more narrative and refining the game balance, Pairs & Perils could evolve into something truly special. Currently, it’s a fun yet somewhat forgettable entry in a saturated genre. If you’re curious and eager to try it, your money won’t be squandered, but there are certainly superior titles available for those browsing through options.

The review is based on a copy of the game provided by the publisher.

Review Scores:

• Look and Feel: 7/10
• Challenge: 7/10
• Replayability: 6/10
• Value for Money: 6/10

Overall: 6.5/10

Summary:
Pairs & Perils introduces a compelling central mechanic, but its execution has room for improvement. Although the game offers intriguing elements, they are overshadowed by areas needing refinement. The absence of a storyline and a few rough edges in its mechanics mean it lands in the ‘good but not great’ territory. Some solid updates could elevate this title, but for now, it’s just an okay game in a competitive landscape.