We’ve all indulged in those classic gaming mechanics, haven’t we? Matching three objects, flipping over cards in hopes of finding a pair – these experiences are almost universal in the gaming world. But this familiarity can be a double-edged sword for developers who choose to incorporate these elements into new games. Remember when the Match Three craze swept across the industry? Jewel Quest stands out in my memory, a title that enjoyed some decent sequels. I’m sure it wasn’t the pioneer, but it certainly left an impression. I played through them and loved every moment, despite the eventual flood of lookalikes that showed exactly how overused ideas can stifle creativity. Now, you might be wondering why I’m taking this trip down memory lane. Well, it ties directly into the game I’m reviewing today. Developers have taken a classic – the concept of Pairs – and reimagined it into something fresh. I’m really hoping players give this inventive take a chance. Let’s delve into Pairs and Perils, a game that promises more than meets the eye.
Pairs and Perils comes from the inventive minds at Little Horror Studios, with production by Rogue Duck Interactive. It’s out on PC and available on Steam right now. What sets it apart in the roguelike genre is its reliance on memory over reflex – a refreshing change that catches the eye. While roguelikes typically test our reflexes, Pairs and Perils challenges our cognitive abilities, which is a welcome twist.
At its core, Pairs and Perils seems straightforward: remember where heroes and weapons are located and match them to unleash their abilities. Sounds simple? Well, expect a few surprises that shake things up, adding layers to this seemingly simple mechanism.
Your journey through Pairs and Perils is an adventure laced with both courageous feats and cunning traps. Make a wrong match, and you’ll find peril knocking at your door faster than you think. Enemies come with their own unique set of abilities, from pilfering your gold to summoning skeleton hordes, demanding a strategic approach to survive.
Strategy is further emphasized in Pairs and Perils. Pure smarts won’t guarantee victory; you’ll need to optimize your card deck with strategic upgrades from the shop to gain the upper hand. Plus, there’s the added challenge of guarding those precious cards against the sneaky clutches of your monstrous foes.
This game is unmistakably a roguelike. That means no playthrough is identical to the last – heroes, enemies, and items are all randomly generated. It keeps each session exciting and unpredictably fresh. Of course, as you succeed, you’ll face steeper challenges, including tougher enemies and formidable bosses who stand ready to end your quest in an instant.
Pairs and Perils feels like a breath of fresh air. It ingeniously blends familiar mechanics with innovative ideas, creating something truly unique. As a veteran lover of roguelikes, I’m eagerly diving in to explore its depths. If you’re curious, it’s available on Steam, and truthfully, this might not be the last time you hear me singing its praises.
