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Gimmicks can be a tricky terrain. Some top-notch games emerge from a new mechanic, evolving into something extraordinary. However, focusing too much on an innovative idea can lead to tunnel vision, where the rest of the game’s elements feel neglected. Within the gaming industry, this approach often spells trouble. In today’s review, we dive into Pairs & Perils—a game that, while entertaining, serves as a textbook case of this very challenge.
Pairs & Perils introduces itself as a straightforward matching game. You step into a dungeon where you’ll face a randomized lineup of foes, each wielding unique abilities. The game presents you with a card board, and from there, the matching begins. Make correct matches, and your party launches attacks, casting spells and unleashing abilities. Missteps, however, advance the opponent’s turn timer, leading to enemy assaults once it hits zero. The concept is simple, and on paper, it delivers a good time. My critique isn’t with the mechanics themselves—instead, it’s where these mechanics might be lacking.
Being a roguelite aficionado, I bring a sharper eye to games in this genre. I’ve experienced countless titles, and they often walk a fine line between being fantastic or falling flat, with very few arriving in between. Core mechanics aside, the glaring issue here is the story—or the absence of one.
Arcade games and shooters can survive with minimal storytelling. High-paced action-centric genres need just enough narrative to keep players grounded. On the contrary, many roguelites are strategic. As players embark on quests, understanding the ‘why’ behind their journey becomes pivotal. Similar sentiments apply to platformers; if you’re dedicating potentially hours to a game, a storyline—even a faint one—can enhance engagement. Sadly, Pairs & Perils skips this narrative foundation entirely.
Upon booting up the game for the first time, I anticipated an introduction to my character and some context behind the perilous dungeon delve. Instead, I was thrust into a map akin to every other roguelite, thrown into action without any narrative structure. The absence of a storyline might seem trivial to some, but it’s a missed opportunity. Storylines provide continuity and curiosity, compelling players to return and discover more. Without it, despite its fun elements, the game struggles to hold long-term appeal.
Another point of critique centers around the game flow. When cards are dealt, you have mere moments to commit them to memory before they flip—a system that felt rushed to me. You might recall a couple of pairs in that brief window, but as the game progresses and more cards filled the board, needing those extra seconds becomes apparent. Add trap cards into the mix, which damage you upon flipping—if these steal your focus, remembering your strategic cards becomes even harder.
After successfully matching several cards, new ones flood the board, giving you another chance to remember them. It ends up forging a cycle where only the newest card pairs catch your attention, diminishing broader strategy and eliminating the full use of your board.
In terms of strategy, a key part of a strategy game should involve planning ahead against your foes. But in this game, memory becomes the focal task, with tactical foresight taking a backseat. Keeping track of an enemy’s next move or card play order is secondary because the focus is glued to the flipping cards. Consequently, the duel mechanic loses its impact, relegating the game loop to mundane matching exercises.
Mechanically, Pairs & Perils performs admirably. Its matching system functions well, and it boasts the hallmarks of a roguelite deck-builder; unlocking, upgrading, and class-specific boards are to be expected. Graphic-wise, the game fits well within its genre’s typical standards. However, there’s an itch for more polish—a longing for something more remarkable.
In summary, Pairs & Perils is a roguelite CCG grounded on an intriguing gimmick. But this core idea alone isn’t enough to elevate the experience amid its flaws. It’s enjoyable in short sessions, offering a pocket-friendly price point. However, I’d be willing to spend more for a title bearing a refined and cohesive touch. While the game is decent and shows potential through its creativity, its execution puts it in the ‘good but not outstanding’ realm.
With some enhancements—especially a captivating narrative and a more balanced gameplay dynamic—Pairs & Perils could become a must-play in its genre, which is already quite saturated. If your curiosity is piqued, it’s not a waste of money by any means. But better options do exist if you’re exploring what’s available.
This review reflects my insights from a retail copy provided by the publisher. For appearance and feel, a solid 7/10. As a challenge, it hits another 7/10. Replayability scores a 6/10, with overall value echoing that sentiment. Totalling at a 6.5/10, execution needs fine-tuning. While the core mechanic is delightful, its potential dims through lackluster storytelling and underwhelming polish. A few tweaks might level up its appeal, yet for now, it remains a decent yet unexceptional choice.
