There are some games out there that have become so popular and widespread that claiming you’ve never played them might sound like a tall tale. We’ve all had our share of matching three pieces, snapping cards, and flipping tiles, hoping for a perfect match. Now, while these mechanics are favorites, developers do tread a risky path when they try to repurpose them into new games. Take the Match Three phenomenon, for example. I distinctly remember a gem called Jewel Quest, which not only had a few sequels but played really well. Though I’m sure there were predecessors, Jewel Quest left quite an impression on me. I played through all its versions and thoroughly enjoyed them. Then, as if on cue, every mobile developer decided to jump on that bandwagon, flooding the market with clones. As a result, the market got oversaturated, essentially choking out any innovative iterations before they had a chance to flourish. Now, you might wonder why I’m bringing all this up. It’s because today’s game fits into this narrative but offers a refreshing twist. The developers of Pairs and Perils cleverly revisit the classic Pairs game but have added a unique spin. My hope is that people give it the opportunity it truly deserves. It’s definitely a title that’s worth taking a closer look at.
Pairs and Perils, a new release from the creative folks at Little Horror Studios and Rogue Duck Interactive, is available for PC via Steam. What sets this game apart is its reliance on memory rather than fast reflexes, which is quite unusual for the roguelike genre. This twist immediately grabs attention, as most roguelikes rarely put our cognitive skills to the test, choosing instead to focus on quick maneuvers.
In Pairs and Perils, you’ll be tasked with remembering where specific heroes and weapons are located, then matching them strategically to unlock their combined powers. While the premise starts off simple, expect some unexpected elements to keep things engaging and ensure it doesn’t become just another memory game.
As you dive into Pairs and Perils, prepare for a journey brimming with heroic feats and lurking dangers. Slip-ups in memory can lead you straight into peril, and enemies come with their own set of challenges. Each wrong match edges you closer to danger, as enemies have timed attacks ready to complicate your quest. They’re clever, too, with abilities ranging from stealing your treasures to conjuring up skeleton armies. They’re not just nuisances; they demand you to sharpen your strategic thinking for any chance of coming out on top.
And remember, brainpower alone won’t get you through to the end. Although knowing what cards to combine is crucial, upgrading your deck with smart buys from the in-game shop is equally important. On top of that, devising strategies to safeguard your precious cards from mischievous monsters will have a serious impact on your journey.
Let’s not forget, as I hinted before, Pairs and Perils is a roguelike. This means that no two games will feel quite the same. You start each run fresh, with random heroes, enemies, and items, ensuring that each playthrough offers new experiences and surprises. Naturally, a hallmark of the roguelike genre is a steep difficulty curve. The more successful you become, the more dangerous your encounters, culminating in formidable bosses deep within dungeons, eagerly waiting to halt your progress.
Pairs and Perils is exactly my kind of game. It transforms familiar mechanics into an inventive experience. As a huge fan of roguelikes myself, I can’t wait to immerse myself in it and see what adventures unfold. If you’re intrigued, you can check it out right now on Steam. I suspect you’ll be hearing more from me about it soon!
