There are certain games out there that are so universally recognized, you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who hasn’t tried them at least once. We’ve all matched three similar items, indulged in the occasional snapping game, or flipped a couple of cards on a grid hoping for a pair. However, this familiarity can be a double-edged sword for developers trying to innovate. Remember the Match Three phenomenon? Jewel Quest was a standout during that craze, and it spawned several sequels that retained their charm. While it’s possible that others came before it, Jewel Quest remains lodged in my memory. I played them and loved them, but then everyone jumped on the bandwagon. Every mobile developer seemed to want a piece of the action, and that saturation showed exactly why we can’t have nice things. Oversaturating the market tends to stifle fresh game ideas before they even hit the scene. So, what does all this have to do with today’s focus? Well, it applies to the game we’re discussing. Thankfully, the developers have taken the classic Pairs game and revamped it in a way that I sincerely hope gets the recognition it deserves. The game in question is Pairs and Perils, and it certainly deserves a thorough exploration.
Pairs and Perils is a roguelike crafted by the talented folks over at Little Horror Studios, with Rogue Duck Interactive handling production. You can grab it now for your PC on Steam, and it’s a game that emphasizes brainpower over quick reflexes. This alone intrigues me, as many games in the roguelike genre often demand the opposite, so it’s a refreshing change.
At its core, Pairs and Perils is simple. You’re tasked with memorizing the positions of various heroes and their weapons, and then matching them to unlock combined abilities. But, as you might expect, there will be twists and unexpected events to spice things up.
During your adventuring in Pairs and Perils, you’ll face both challenges and dangerous traps. A lapse in memory can lead to the wrong matches, pushing you closer to peril. Enemies operate on their own timers, making each misstep a countdown to more treacherous steps ahead. Plus, the adversaries you’ll encounter have unique powers themselves, ranging from pilfering your hard-earned loot to summoning hordes of skeletons, demanding every ounce of your strategy to overcome.
The game isn’t just about relying solely on memory, though. To uncover the best card synergies, you’ll need to make strategic purchases at the in-game shop, enhancing your deck with useful upgrades. Meanwhile, protecting your precious cards from mischievous monsters will necessitate careful planning.
True to roguelike form, Pairs and Perils offers a unique experience with each playthrough. Heroes, foes, and items are all randomly generated, ensuring each run feels fresh and peppered with surprises. The difficulty curve is pretty steep, intensifying with your successes. As you progress deeper into the dungeon, expect to face formidable bosses ready to end your run without a second thought.
Pairs and Perils seems set to capture my interest perfectly. It’s a game that takes well-worn mechanics and breathes new life into them. Being an avid roguelike fan myself, I can’t wait to dive in and see what it has to offer. You can find Pairs and Perils on Steam now, and don’t be surprised if you hear more from me about this gem soon.
