Review: Pairs & Perils (PC)

Gimmicks can be quite the double-edged sword in game design. While they often begin as innovative ideas that have the potential to evolve into something exceptional, the risk of honing in too closely on that novelty can lead to everything else in the game feeling overlooked. This is a trap that game designers must be cautious of falling into. Today, we’re diving into Pairs & Perils, a PC game that, while entertaining, serves as a prime example of these pitfalls.

On the surface, Pairs & Perils presents a straightforward concept: it’s a matching game set in a dungeon where you encounter a random array of foes, each boasting their own unique abilities. You’re provided with a board of cards to match, and doing so correctly triggers attacks and spells from your party’s variety of classes. Mess up, however, and your opponent’s turn timer decreases, leading to their onslaught when it hits zero. It’s an engaging concept and a fun gameplay loop, but my issue isn’t with these core mechanics themselves.

Now, for those who enjoy roguelites, Pairs & Perils enters familiar territory. I’ll admit, it’s my go-to genre, and I’ve seen how these games often either hit the mark spectacularly or miss it altogether. Where this game struggles is in its storytelling—or more accurately, its lack thereof.

Many games, especially action-packed shooters and arcade titles, can survive with minimal narrative. However, when it comes to strategic roguelites, players usually crave context—a reason to embark on their journey. Simply put, while an in-depth RPG-like backstory isn’t necessary, a bit of narrative to pull players into the world is. In Pairs & Perils, this storytelling is glaringly absent.

From the moment I launched Pairs & Perils, I expected some backstory or at least a brief introduction to my character and their motives. Instead, I was thrust into a standard roguelite map without any narrative footing or explanation. The absence of a storyline may seem trivial, but having it would provide that extra incentive to keep players coming back for more. Without it, the game, though enjoyable, lacks that essential motivator to keep players invested in the long run.

Further steps into the game highlighted another area in need of refinement: the rhythm and pacing. The time given to memorize the cards before they flip seems just shy of adequate. I’m not asking for an eternity, but a few more seconds could make a notable difference, especially as the board expands. It becomes increasingly challenging when trap cards, which hurt you if flipped, appear amongst your deck. Trying to remember everything creates a frantic experience that detracts from strategic play.

Another challenge lies in the game’s flow. After matching a set number of cards correctly, new ones appear, providing another fleeting chance for memorization. This encourages a loop of focusing solely on recent pairs, sidelining broader strategy and making gameplay feel less rewarding.

Strategically, Pairs & Perils demands foresight—you need to anticipate and counter your opponent’s moves. Yet, the game revolves around maintaining focus on card memorization, often at the expense of strategizing, which reduces what could be a rich battle mechanic to mere memorization exercises.

From a mechanical standpoint, Pairs & Perils is fundamentally solid. It delivers on the matching mechanics that define it, alongside familiar elements expected in a roguelite deck-builder. There are new cards and characters to unlock, which can then be upgraded, creating a sense of progression. The controls work well, and visually, the game is adequate for its genre.

Overall, Pairs & Perils stands as a roguelite CCG with an intriguing central gimmick. However, this isn’t enough to distinguish it from the competition when the game’s innovative aspects are hampered by its execution. While it’s suitable for short sessions and comes at a reasonable price, it lacks the polish needed for a standout recommendation. If the developers were to weave in a compelling story and smooth out gameplay intricacies, Pairs & Perils could rise to be a must-play title. For now, it’s positioned as a fun, if somewhat forgettable, entry in its crowded genre. If you’re curious, it’s worth checking out, but for those shopping around, there might be more polished options available.

Note: This evaluation of Pairs & Perils is based on a retail version provided by the publisher.

In conclusion, while Pairs & Perils boasts a promising core idea, its execution falls short in certain areas. This leads to a game that is enjoyable but lacks the depth and intrigue to make it remarkable. A few thoughtful updates could change its standing, but for now, it’s comfortably settled in the “good but not great” category.