There are a few games out there that have managed to become so common, you’d probably be bluffing if you claimed never to have tried them. We’ve all had a go at matching three, snapping, or flipping cards on a grid hoping for a match. While these mechanics are well-loved, they’re also a bit risky for developers to rely on when crafting something new. Remember the Match Three frenzy? One standout from that era in my memory is Jewel Quest, a game that did well enough to spawn multiple sequels, each enjoyable in its own right. Before its time, I’m sure there were others, but Jewel Quest captured my attention completely. Yet soon, every mobile developer seemed keen on duplicating that formula, leading to a classic case of why we can’t have nice things—oversaturation. It’s a surefire way to stifle new game variations soon after they’re born. So how does this relate to today’s pick? It slots right into this narrative. Thankfully, the developers have cleverly taken the ‘Pairs’ concept and spun something fresh; I sincerely hope it gets a fair chance. Today’s focus is on a unique gem called Pairs and Perils, and it certainly deserves a closer look.
Pairs and Perils is a roguelike from the creative minds at Little Horror Studios, brought to life with the help of Rogue Duck Interactive. It’s out now on Steam for PC and demands more from your memory than your reflexes, setting it apart from usual roguelikes right out of the gate. Generally, games in this genre don’t push our brain power quite like this one does, instantly making it intriguing.
The foundation of Pairs and Perils is refreshingly simple. You’re tasked with remembering the locations of heroes and weapons to combine their abilities. Yet, like most memorable games, expect a trail of surprises that’ll keep things lively.
Embark on an adventure filled with heroes and traps, where a lapse in memory by matching wrong cards can nudge you closer to peril. The enemies have their own attack timetables, adding greater risk with each misstep. And watch out—the adversaries aren’t just for show. They come equipped with their own abilities, from pinching your gold and items to unleashing skeleton hordes. They’re set on pushing your strategic thinking to the limit.
In Pairs and Perils, smarts will only get you so far. To unveil the most potent card combinations, you’ll need to strategically upgrade your deck at the shop. Safeguarding these prized cards from sneaky monsters will be equally crucial.
As with any roguelike, no two journeys in Pairs and Perils are the same. Every playthrough begins with randomly generated characters, adversaries, and gear. This means each run feels novel, offering lots more surprise encounters. True to its genre, expect escalating challenges with every victory you notch. Battles get trickier, with formidable bosses lurking in the depths, waiting to put an abrupt stop to your adventure.
Pairs and Perils seems perfectly tailored for someone like me, who enjoys seeing classic mechanics morphed into fresh experiences. Plus, my love for roguelikes has me buzzing about diving into this game. You can grab Pairs and Perils on Steam now, and I suspect you’ll be hearing more of my thoughts on it soon.
