Some games are so universally familiar that you’d probably be kidding if you claimed you’ve never tried them. We’ve all matched three, snapped, and flipped cards on a grid at some point. Yet, developing a new game using these well-trodden mechanics is a risky move. Remember the Match Three craze? One standout was Jewel Quest, which had several enjoyable sequels. Although there were earlier versions, Jewel Quest is the one that stands out for me. I played them all and loved them. But soon, every mobile developer cloned this mechanic, and it became clear why too much of a good thing can kill fresh ideas. Over-saturation can stifle new game iterations before they even have a chance. Now, you might be wondering what this has to do with today’s game. Well, it perfectly illustrates my point. Thankfully, the developers have taken the concept of Pairs and created something distinct enough that I’m hopeful it’ll get the appreciation it deserves. We’re diving into Pairs and Perils today, and it looks like a game worth exploring further.
Pairs and Perils is a roguelike adventure developed by the clever folks over at Little Horror Studios and produced by Rogue Duck Interactive. It’s available now for PC on Steam, and instead of testing your reflexes, it challenges your memory. For a roguelike, this is a refreshing change that immediately grabs my attention. These types of games don’t typically rely on brainpower, so this is definitely a plus.
The gameplay in Pairs and Perils is straightforward yet engaging. You’ll need to remember where heroes and weapons are located and then match them to combine their abilities. But don’t let the simplicity fool you—there are surprises in store that keep things interesting.
Your adventure in Pairs and Perils will be filled with heroic escapades—and traps. Messing up by matching the wrong cards brings you closer to danger. Enemies have attack timers, and each mistake makes your journey riskier. Your foes also come with unique abilities that range from stealing your gold and items to summoning hordes of skeletons. They’re more than just obstacles; you’ll need all your strategic skills to overcome them.
As with many games in this genre, using your brain will only take you so far in Pairs and Perils. To discover the best card combinations, you’ll have to carefully select upgrades from the shop to enhance your deck. You’ll also need to develop tactics to safeguard your valuable cards from being snatched by sneaky monsters.
As I mentioned earlier, Pairs and Perils fits squarely in the roguelike category, meaning every game is a unique experience. Randomly generated heroes, enemies, and items ensure that each playthrough offers fresh surprises. In classic roguelike fashion, the difficulty increases as you progress. Encounters become more perilous, and powerful bosses await in the depths of the dungeon, ready to cut your adventure short.
Pairs and Perils seems like it’s going to be right up my alley. The game builds on familiar mechanics, giving them a fresh twist. Being a huge fan of roguelikes, I can’t wait to dive in and discover what this game has to offer. You can check out Pairs and Perils on Steam, and I’m likely to share more about it in the near future.
