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Gimmicks in game design can be a tricky balance. They often start as innovative mechanics and can evolve into something truly special. However, the risk lies in becoming overly focused on that one new idea, perfecting it to the point where other game elements feel secondary. This is especially true in game design, where a single-minded approach can spell disaster. Today, we’re diving into a PC game called Pairs & Perils. While it offers enjoyment, it’s a prime example of what happens when a single idea takes the spotlight, to the detriment of everything else.
Pairs & Perils is, at its core, a straightforward matching game. You dive into a dungeon, confronting a random assortment of foes, each with unique abilities. The game presents you with a board of cards to match. Success means attacking with your party’s various classes or triggering beneficial spells and abilities. Missteps, however, advance your opponent’s turn timer, leading to their attack if it hits zero. The concept is elegantly simple, and on the surface, there’s nothing inherently wrong with it. The real issues, as usual, lie elsewhere and aren’t rooted in the basic mechanics.
As a roguelite enthusiast, I’m naturally a bit more critical. I’ve dabbled in many of these games and found that despite a shared formula, they tend to either excel or fall flat, with little middle ground. One of the frequent pitfalls is story—or lack thereof. This game, unfortunately, falls into that trap.
While arcade games and shooters can get away with minimal storytelling by focusing on action, strategic games, like roguelites, need more narrative. These projects often involve quests, and players appreciate knowing the "why" behind their actions. Though we don’t need an epic laden with lore like in a rich RPG, some narrative would provide a purpose to persist. Regrettably, Pairs & Perils doesn’t offer this narrative depth.
Upon firing up the game for the first time, I expected an introduction to my character and their mission. Instead, I was dropped into a familiar roguelite map with no context or goals. Without a narrative thread, my motivation to continue diminshed. While the gameplay itself is entertaining, it’s harder to invest long-term without a compelling story.
Another point of frustration is the game’s flow. After dealing the cards, you’re given a fleeting moment to memorize them before they flip—a window that feels too brief. While this challenge isn’t too pressing early on, it grows significant as the board becomes cluttered, with memorization becoming crucial. Particularly when harmful trap cards mingle with your deck, remembering your cards is vital yet challenging.
The game rhythms often focus on memorizing recent pairs due to ease of visibility, but this strategy detracts from broader gameplay, undercutting strategic depth. Moreover, the intent of a strategy game is planning ahead, reacting to and anticipating opponents’ actions. Memory-focused gameplay, however, demands undivided attention, sidelining the battle mechanics and strategic planning.
The game’s foundation and mechanics—such as matching and deck-building—are solid, with unlocking and upgrading cards and characters as expected in the genre. The controls are intuitive, and the graphics suffices for this game type.
Ultimately, Pairs & Perils introduces an intriguing concept in a roguelite CCG format, yet it doesn’t reach its full potential. While it’s affordable for short gaming sessions, I’d gladly invest more in a refined experience. Despite its innovative touches, this title doesn’t compel me to recommend it heartily.
If future updates bring a richer story and improved balance, Pairs & Perils could become a must-play. For now, it’s a fun game but not a standout in an already crowded genre. It’s an entertaining choice for eager players, but other options might offer more satisfaction.
This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher.
Overall Rating: 6.5/10
- Look and Feel: 7/10
- Challenge: 7/10
- Replayability: 6/10
- Value for Money: 6/10
Summary
Pairs & Perils has a captivating core mechanic, but its execution falters. For every engaging element, there’s another that falls short. Lacking narrative and some mechanics needing refinement make what could be a great game just okay. A few updates might shift my perspective, but for now, it remains in the realm of good but not great.
