There are some games out there that are so well-known, it’s almost impossible to believe if someone says they’ve never played them. We’ve all lined up three candies, snapped those sticks, or flipped over two cards hoping for a match. Yet, this kind of widespread familiarity can sometimes backfire on developers who use these common game mechanics to create new titles. Remember the Match Three phenomenon? Take Jewel Quest, for example—great game, and it even had a couple of sequels that played beautifully. Although there might have been earlier versions, Jewel Quest is the one etched in my memory. I spent hours on them and loved every moment. But then, it felt like every mobile dev shop wanted to clone that mechanic, showcasing just how over-saturation can tarnish a new iteration before it even has a chance to shine. Now, you might be wondering how this relates to our discussion today—it’s because today’s feature falls into a similar category. Fortunately, the creators have crafted a game that takes inspiration from Pairs but adds a fresh twist. I hope people will give it a fair chance. Today’s spotlight is on Pairs and Perils, and it definitely deserves a closer look.
Pairs and Perils is a roguelike game coming from the bright minds at Little Horror Studios and brought to us by Rogue Duck Interactive. It’s available on PC via Steam, and what sets this game apart is its challenge to our memory rather than our reflexes. This quality already sets it apart in the realm of roguelikes, piquing my interest. These games don’t often call upon our mental acuity, so that’s a refreshing plus right off the bat.
The basics of Pairs and Perils are straightforward: remember the positions of heroes and weapons and combine them to unlock their abilities. Simple as it sounds, you can expect a few twists along the way to spice things up.
Your journey in Pairs and Perils is set against a backdrop of heroism and peril. If your memory slips and you make the wrong match, you’ll find yourself inching closer to danger. Your foes have their own attack timers, and a misstep makes your next move even more precarious. Speaking of these enemies, they come armed with their skills, from snatching your precious gold and items to summoning skeleton hordes. They’re not just there to irritate you—they’ll push you to muster every ounce of strategy to prevail.
As with many roguelikes, Pairs and Perils requires more than just brainpower to claim victory. You’ll need to carefully consider upgrades at the shop to refine your deck and craft strategies to protect your valuable cards from those sneaky monsters.
As I’ve mentioned, Pairs and Perils is a roguelike, meaning no two games unfold the same way. Each playthrough greets you with randomly generated heroes, enemies, and items, ensuring that every adventure feels new and packed with the game’s delightful surprises. True to the roguelike spirit, expect the difficulty to increase noticeably as you succeed—a testament to the game’s depth. Encounters grow increasingly perilous, with formidable bosses lurking in the dungeon’s depths, eager to end your adventure.
For those like me, who have a soft spot for roguelikes, Pairs and Perils seems like it’ll be a perfect fit. By reimagining familiar mechanics with a twist, the game builds something inventive and intriguing. As a roguelike aficionado, I can’t wait to dive into this adventure and see what it’s all about. Pairs and Perils is ready for you to explore on Steam, and I’m sure I’ll have more to share about it soon.
