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Gimmicks in game design can be a double-edged sword. Often, the most innovative ideas spring from unique mechanics, ultimately creating extraordinary experiences. However, there’s a risk of becoming so focused on that single concept that everything else fades into the background, which can spell trouble in game design. This brings us to the PC game Pairs & Perils. Despite being an enjoyable game, it perfectly exemplifies this dilemma.
On the surface, Pairs & Perils is a straightforward matching game. Players delve into dungeons, facing a series of random foes, each flaunting unique abilities. The gameplay involves a board of cards where you strive to match them accurately. Success means attacking with various party classes and triggering handy spells and abilities. Mishaps, however, speed up your opponent’s turn timer, and when it hits zero, they strike back. The premise is simple enough and certainly fun. But, as is often the case, my gripes with the game aren’t about the basic mechanics.
As a roguelite, Pairs & Perils occupies a genre close to my heart, prompting a bit more scrutiny than usual. Having explored numerous games in this category, I’ve noticed they often walk a thin line between fantastic and forgettable. Much of this difference stems from elements beyond core mechanics, notably the story—or the distinct lack of one, in this case.
Arcade games and shooters can often skirt by with minimal story, as they thrive on action. What matters is keeping the player engaged in the action, not bogging them down in narrative depth. However, roguelites thrive on strategy and quests, making storylines essential to understanding your goals. Unfortunately, Pairs & Perils doesn’t provide any narrative to tether you to your journey.
When I first launched Pairs & Perils, I anticipated some character introduction or a hint at why I was entering a perilous dungeon. Instead, I found myself on a familiar map, thrust into action without context or purpose. While you might argue that the story doesn’t matter as much, I beg to differ. A narrative gives players a reason to keep returning to see what happens next. Without that, the game loses some of its magnetic pull over time, despite being fun to play.
My additional issue lies with the game’s flow. After cards are dealt, there’s a brief period to memorize them before they flip over. While not demanding a full minute to remember the board, a few extra seconds would be beneficial. Early in the game, with fewer cards, this isn’t a big deal, but as your board fills, knowing those cards intimately becomes increasingly crucial. Plus, you have trap cards camouflaged amongst your deck, complicating things further.
Successive card matches introduce more cards, accompanied by another fleeting memory blitz, disrupting any chance for strategic planning. I found myself primarily memorizing new pairs as they were visually dominant. This habit undermines board-wide strategy, detracting from the game’s tactical depth.
The strategic aspect of Pairs & Perils also loses steam due to its focus on memory. In theory, strategy games call for forward planning to effectively counter opponents. Yet, this game’s emphasis on memorization forces players to remain fixated on cards at the expense of planning battle tactics. Consequently, this interesting battle mechanic feels somewhat redundant, as players focus less on their opponents and more on card positions—diminishing the strategy to a basic loop.
Mechanically, Pairs & Perils delivers solid matching mechanics alongside standard roguelite deck-building elements. As you progress, unlocking new cards and characters opens up avenues for upgrades, providing genre veterans with recognizable features. The graphics, while not groundbreaking, aptly suit this type of game.
In conclusion, Pairs & Perils is a roguelite CCG centered around an intriguing gimmick. This aspect alone, however, doesn’t elevate it above its peers, given the issues accompanying it. It’s suitable for short sprints and isn’t too heavy on the wallet, yet I would shell out extra bucks for something more polished. Overall, it’s an adequate game with some innovative ideas, though ‘adequate’ isn’t quite enough for a high recommendation.
If developers enhance the story and add more balance, Pairs & Perils could become a standout game. Currently, it offers a fleeting enjoyment in a crowded genre. If you’re eager to try it, you won’t necessarily regret it, but there are better options if you’re on the hunt.
This review is based on 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 Rating: 6.5/10
Execution Problems
Pairs & Perils features an enjoyable core mechanic marred by execution issues. For each positive aspect of the game, there’s a drawback. The absence of a storyline and slightly unrefined mechanics transform what could be a stellar game into just an okay one. Further updates could change this view, yet for now, it remains in the good but not great category.
