Gimmicks in game design can be a double-edged sword. Sure, some incredible games have emerged from an innovative mechanic that builds into something truly special. Yet, diving too deep into a fresh idea can cause developers to lose sight of the game as a whole, leaving other elements feeling neglected. Today, we’re diving into a game that exemplifies this phenomenon: Pairs & Perils. It’s entertaining, no doubt, but also a cautionary tale.
At first glance, Pairs & Perils introduces itself as a straightforward matching game. Players enter dungeons, confronting a mix of enemies, each flaunting unique abilities. You’ve got a board of cards to match, with correct matches equating to attacks or spells from your party. However, mismatches accelerate your opponent’s turn timer, leading to counterattacks or enemy abilities when it hits zero. This setup is simple and enjoyable, but my qualms aren’t rooted in its mechanics, at least not the foundational ones.
Pairs & Perils identifies as a roguelite, a genre I hold dear. Given my fondness, my critique may be a bit more incisive than usual. Having played countless titles of its kind, I find they either hit the mark or fall short, with little room for mediocrity. Often, success hinges on elements beyond basic mechanics. Chief among these is the narrative—or rather, the absence of one in this case.
Certain genres, like arcade games or shooters, can skirt by with minimal narrative. Action takes center stage, and elaborate storylines can disrupt immersion rather than enhance it. However, for roguelites—often strategic in nature—a compelling story is the glue that holds everything together. When embarking on a quest, even a vague sense of purpose enriches the experience. This sentiment extends to platformers too. While they don’t require exhaustive lore like say, a rich RPG, a thread of narrative fosters immersion and motivation. Regrettably, Pairs & Perils drops the ball here.
Firing up Pairs & Perils, I anticipated an introduction to my character and some context for this dungeon crawl. Instead, I was met with the same generic map typical of roguelites, before being abruptly tossed into action. Without a goal or narrative foundation, my motivation dwindled. Fun as it is, the game lacks that narrative hook to keep players coming back.
Another concern arose with the game’s flow. Once cards are dealt, there’s a brief moment to memorize them before they flip—a timeframe that feels frustratingly brief. An extra few seconds could drastically improve the experience. With a small deck, it’s manageable, but as the game progresses, the board fills up, amplifying the need for a better memory allotment. Plus, the presence of trap cards disrupts focus, making it harder to memorize useful ones.
After striking a few matches, new cards are added, and players receive a brief second chance at memorization. I found myself memorizing only the latest pairs, neglecting older matches and inhibiting strategy. This pattern detracts from using the full board effectively, undermining the game’s strategic potential.
Strategy, ideally a cornerstone of Pairs & Perils, is muddied by focusing solely on matching cards. The aspect of anticipating opponent moves or planning attacks gets lost when memorizing cards becomes the priority. It reduces potential tactical depth to a simplistic routine, overshadowing the game’s intriguing battle mechanics.
Despite these issues, the core mechanics of Pairs & Perils are solid. Matching works seamlessly, and roguelite staples like card and character upgrades are present. For those familiar with the genre, this is pretty standard fare. Controls and graphics are adequate for what the game sets out to do.
In sum, Pairs & Perils stands as a roguelite CCG with an intriguing gimmick. Yet, this isn’t enough to distinguish it in a crowded genre, especially considering the snag its central feature causes. It’s serviceable for brief play sessions and not a bank-breaker, but there’s a yearning for a more polished experience. With additional development to flesh out its story and refine its mechanics, it could rise to prominence. For now, it’s a decent game that feels a touch forgettable among its peers.
If the developers introduce a narrative and balance the gameplay, Pairs & Perils could transform into a must-play. As it is, it’s a fun diversion, but amidst the genre’s myriad choices, there are more compelling games to explore. If you’re tempted to try it, rest assured it won’t be a wasted purchase, though broader options merit consideration.
