Review: Pairs & Perils for PC

Diving into the realm of game design, it’s crucial to remember that innovation can be both a blessing and a curse. Some of the most memorable games start with intriguing new mechanics, yet focusing too narrowly on that fresh idea can sometimes leave other aspects feeling underdeveloped. This brings us to the spotlight on “Pairs & Perils,” a PC game that highlights exactly this kind of design dilemma.

At its core, “Pairs & Perils” is a straightforward matching game set within the confines of a dungeon. Players face off against randomly generated foes, each equipped with unique abilities. Presented with a card board, your task is to make matches. Successfully doing so unleashes attacks from your party’s various classes or triggers beneficial spells. However, mismatching accelerates your opponent’s attack timer, potentially leading to counterattacks or spells from their end. On its own, this setup works well enough and makes for an engaging experience. My primary concern isn’t with the basic mechanics, which are rather solid.

Being a roguelite, “Pairs & Perils” falls into a genre I habitually explore. These games often flirt with either being captivating or falling flat, and the result majorly hinges on elements beyond the core gameplay. A contribution to its middling impact is its stark deficiency in storytelling — a recurring grievance in similar games.

While action-heavy arcade games or shooters can get by with minimal narrative, roguelites, which often lean on strategy, need a bit more depth. Having a quest demands context; without a sense of purpose, the drive to persevere diminishes. Unfortunately, “Pairs & Perils” provides little background to draw the player in.

Upon launching the game, I anticipated some form of narrative introduction, an explanation for my venture into the dungeon. Instead, I was thrust into gameplay with no setup, stripping away an opportunity to engage with a deeper story. Games get away with light storytelling when action is the sole focus, yet here, a sensible story could greatly support player motivation during longer sessions.

Additionally, the game’s pace has its quirks. The time allotted to memorize the cards at the start feels rushed. A tad longer would ease the process, as noting only a couple of pairs with the given time seems restrictive. As the game progresses, more cards clutter the board, amplifying the need for a better memory window. Especially with trap cards strewn about, balancing attention between them and your cards becomes challenging, affecting play fluidity.

The rhythm of play becomes evident as you successfully make matches, introducing new cards and granting brief memorization periods. I frequently found myself only remembering the newest pairs due to their recency, neglecting other cards — not ideal for strategic play.

There’s a notable issue with strategy linked to opponent interactions. The game, rooted in memory, requires intense focus on the cards, leaving little time to strategize around enemy actions. This detracts from the intended strategy element, simplifying what could be richer tactical encounters.

Mechanically, the game holds up in fulfilling its matching premise, and typical roguelite deck-building elements are present. Unlockable cards, character upgrades, and a few other staples round out its offerings. The controls suffice, and the graphics fit the genre’s standards, although they aren’t groundbreaking.

Ultimately, “Pairs & Perils” presents itself with an innovative gimmick, yet it lacks the polish needed to stand tall among its peers. It’s an enjoyable game for short bursts and comes at a reasonable price, but it might have deeper impact with some more refinement and storytelling. While currently it’s an interesting play, it hovers in the realm of being okay without achieving greatness.

If the developers enrich the game with narrative and enhance its balance, I foresee “Pairs & Perils” capturing more attention. For now, it’s a fun title but not one that stands out in a bustling market. Should you have a curiosity to try it, it’s not a waste, but seasoned gamers might find more fulfilling options elsewhere.

This review is based on a retail copy of the game provided by the publisher. Reviews are scored as follows: Look and feel – 7/10, Challenge – 7/10, Replayability – 6/10, and Value for money – 6/10, culminating in an overall rating of 6.5/10. While it has an exciting core mechanic, various execution issues prevent “Pairs & Perils” from reaching its full potential, though there’s hope for improvement through future updates.