There are certain games so widespread, you’d question someone’s gaming past if they claimed never to have tried them. Seriously, who hasn’t matched three candies, snapped a card, or flipped pairs in search of a match? These familiar mechanics, while universally loved, pose a bit of a risk for game developers. Remember the Match Three frenzy? One game that comes to mind is Jewel Quest, a beloved classic with several sequels. It played wonderfully—so well that soon every mobile game developer jumped on the bandwagon, creating a glut of similar games. This “more is less” phenomenon can stifle creativity before fresh ideas even take root. This background sets the stage for today’s discussion on a new game, Pairs and Perils. It’s a title that promises to innovate with its tried-and-true mechanics, and it’s definitely worth diving into.
Pairs and Perils, a roguelike from the creative minds at Little Horror Studios and backed by Rogue Duck Interactive, invites players on a different kind of journey. Available on Steam for PC, this game doesn’t rely on quick reflexes but rather your memory. That’s a noteworthy shift from the typical roguelike, where mental agility often takes the backseat.
The game’s premise is quite straightforward at its core: remember the locations of heroes and weapons to match and combine their powers. But don’t be fooled by its simplicity; there’s undoubtedly more depth and surprise waiting to unfold.
As you venture through Pairs and Perils, expect to face heroic challenges peppered with cunning traps. A lapse in memory leading to mismatched cards can spell trouble, as it edges you closer to peril. Enemies come with their own attack timers, adding layers of risk with each misstep. They’re not just there to challenge you; their abilities vary from looting your gold to summoning menacing skeletons, demanding you wield all your strategic skills.
True to the nature of these games, brainpower alone won’t guarantee success in Pairs and Perils. Finding the best card combinations means strategically choosing upgrades and protecting the cards you value from pesky creatures intent on theft.
The roguelike aspect of Pairs and Perils ensures no two playthroughs are identical. Each adventure begins with a new array of heroes, foes, and items, ensuring a fresh experience each time. This also means you’ll face a learning curve that marginally steeps with each success. Keep on your toes, though—powerful bosses lurking in the dungeon’s depths stand ready to cut your adventures short.
Pairs and Perils is already striking a chord with me. By taking familiar game mechanics and reshaping them into something novel, it promises an exciting departure from the ordinary. My passion for roguelikes only adds to my eagerness to see where this game will take me. Head over to Steam to check out Pairs and Perils—likely the first of many discussions we’ll have about it!
