Gimmicks can be a double-edged sword in game design. What starts as a fresh idea with the potential to turn into something remarkable can sometimes become the sole focus, leaving other elements underdeveloped. This brings us to today’s subject, “Pairs & Perils” — a game that’s fun yet is a textbook example of how gimmicks can overshadow other crucial aspects.
On the face of it, Pairs & Perils is a straightforward matching game. Players navigate through a dungeon, battling a mix of foes with diverse abilities using a grid of cards. Match them correctly, and your party launches powerful spells and attacks. Get it wrong, and the enemy’s turn revolves faster, eventually striking back. While the idea is enjoyable in itself, my concerns with the game go beyond these fundamental mechanics.
Being a fan of roguelites, I’m admittedly a tough critic. After playing many such games, I’ve noticed they tend to be either exceptionally engaging or not very memorable, often hinging on factors beyond just mechanics. Here, it’s the storyline—or lack thereof—that stands out as a major shortcoming.
Arcade and shooter games often get away with minimal narratives since the focus is primarily on action. However, roguelites, known for being strategy-heavy, typically benefit from some story, even if it’s just a backdrop. You want to understand why you’re embarking on a perilous journey. Pairs & Perils fails in this regard, offering no narrative context to drive the gameplay.
Upon launching Pairs & Perils, you’re unceremoniously plunged into gameplay without any backstory or character introduction. There’s no overarching narrative or setting, which can diminish the motivation to continue. A compelling story keeps players engaged, but here, without any sort of plot, the incentive to progress dwindles, although the game itself remains entertaining.
Moving onto gameplay flow — when cards are dealt, players get a brief moment to memorize them before they flip. This time feels too short; a few extra seconds could have enhanced strategy. Early on, when card numbers are low, it’s manageable. However, as the board fills, these fleeting seconds become vital, especially with trap cards mixed in to complicate matters.
Successfully matching cards reveals new ones, and the cycle repeats with limited memorization windows. This often leads to focusing solely on recent additions rather than the entire board, stripping the gameplay of deeper strategy.
Another strategic pitfall is how card effects on opponents are handled. Strategy games invite foresight and planning, yet here, players must remain glued to memorizing cards, impacting their ability to react to enemy actions. This reduces the complex battle system to a basic loop, detracting from the engaging elements it might otherwise offer.
Mechanically, Pairs & Perils holds up well. The matching mechanics function smoothly, and the classic roguelite elements—like unlocking and upgrading cards—are present. The controls and graphics suit the game’s style.
Ultimately, Pairs & Perils is a roguelite CCG with an intriguing gimmick, but it doesn’t stand out in the crowded genre due to some execution flaws. It’s enjoyable in short bursts and not overly pricey, yet it lacks the polish needed to recommend it enthusiastically. There’s potential here; with narrative additions and some tweaks, Pairs & Perils could transcend beyond being just another title. For now, it’s a decent choice but there are more polished options available.
The version reviewed was based on a retail copy provided by the publisher. Here’s our breakdown:
– Look and feel: 7/10
– Challenge: 7/10
– Replayability: 6/10
– Value for money: 6/10
– Overall: 6.5/10
Conclusion: While Pairs & Perils has a foundation of fun, the execution falters with elements that need refinement. It’s a game of potential, waiting for updates to lift it from being just satisfactory to something players would actively seek out.
