Gimmicks can be a double-edged sword in game design. They often fuel ingenious ideas, but they also carry the risk of over-focus. When developers get too engrossed in perfecting that one new idea, they risk neglecting other game aspects, which can cause issues. Today, I’m diving into "Pairs & Perils," a PC game that exemplifies this pitfall. It’s an enjoyable game, sure, but it also highlights the risks associated with relying too heavily on a single novel mechanic.
On the surface, "Pairs & Perils" appears as a straightforward matching game. You’re thrust into a dungeon, charged with facing a myriad of enemies that each boast unique abilities. Your mission is to match cards on a board. When your matches are correct, your party’s different classes launch attacks and spells. But make a wrong match, and you advance your opponent’s turn timer, inviting their wrath once it hits zero. This premise is delightfully simple and engaging. My gripes don’t stem from the core mechanics, which work just fine. The trouble arises with what’s missing around them.
As a roguelite, "Pairs & Perils" enters a genre that’s one of my personal favorites. I’ve played countless games of this type, and to me, they either hit the mark exceptionally or miss it altogether. A significant factor affecting this success is the story—or the glaring lack of it in this case.
In action-oriented games like arcade shooters, expansive stories often take a back seat. These games thrive on adrenaline, where complex storytelling can disrupt immersion. But in games like "Pairs & Perils," which demand strategy and leave you on a mission, players yearn to understand the motivation behind their quest. While a full-blown narrative isn’t a must, a decent backdrop is crucial to keep players engaged. Sadly, "Pairs & Perils" neglects this entirely.
Booting up the game for the first time, I expected an introduction to my character—some context for why I was braving this perilous dungeon. Instead, I was left adrift, with no narrative to anchor my card-flipping adventure. While this might not bother some, I find that a story gives a game depth, encouraging repeated play to uncover the next chapter. Without it, "Pairs & Perils," despite being fun, doesn’t compel long sessions.
Another issue lies in the game’s pacing. At the start of each round, cards are dealt face-up only briefly before flipping back down. For me, this window felt too short—a few extra seconds could make a big difference, especially as the board fills with more cards. Then there are trap cards. They add a risk element but also distract from memorizing cards you actually need, complicating the gameplay significantly.
After every successful match streak, new cards are added and you’re given another short glimpse. This can lead players to only focus on the newly added cards—an approach that abandons any real strategic planning and undermines the potential depth of gameplay.
The strategic element further falters because watching your opponent is difficult when you’re scrambling to remember card positions. Eyes glued to the board, you miss crucial opponent cues, rendering what could have been a strategic duel into a memory exercise.
Despite these setbacks, "Pairs & Perils" mechanically holds up. The base matching game is sound, complete with typical roguelite deck-building features like unlocking and upgrading cards and characters. The controls are smooth and the graphics are suitably functional for the genre.
In conclusion, "Pairs & Perils" is a roguelite CCG built around an intriguing concept, but its execution is flawed. It’s a decent game to play in short bursts and doesn’t break the bank; however, I would rather invest more in a game with more polish. With some narrative enhancement and balanced gameplay tweaks, this could become a title worth recommendation. But as it stands, it’s a mid-tier game in a very saturated genre. If you’re extra curious to try "Pairs & Perils," it’s not a loss, but there are other games that might give you more bang for your buck.
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: 6.5/10
Execution Problems
"Pairs & Perils" features a core mechanic that’s fun but its overall execution needs refinement. The initial enjoyment and intrigue get matched by areas that fall short. Lack of story and underpolished mechanics soften what could have been a standout game. With a bit of polishing, future updates might elevate this to the notable, but for now, it securely rests in the good-not-great zone.
