Some games are so iconic, it’s hard to believe someone hasn’t played them. We’ve all indulged in matching three gems, snapping in card games, or flipping cards in a grid, hoping for a match. But here’s the thing: these mechanics, while popular, can be risky for developers when creating something new. Take the Match Three craze, for instance. Jewel Quest springs to mind—a game that spawned a few sequels and all of them played beautifully. That said, it seems like every mobile developer started churning out clones, proving how saturation can stifle innovation before it even gets off the ground. So, what’s the connection here? Enter today’s spotlight game, Pairs and Perils. It uses the classic Pairs mechanic, but with a fresh twist, making it deserving of a closer look.
Pairs and Perils steps into the roguelike genre, crafted by the ingenious team at Little Horror Studios and published by Rogue Duck Interactive. Already available on Steam for PC players, this game challenges us by relying on our memory rather than quick reflexes, which is quite an intriguing twist for a roguelike. This genre doesn’t typically demand such mental agility, so that immediately caught my attention.
In Pairs and Perils, the core concept is elegantly straightforward. You’re tasked with remembering the locations of heroes and weapons and then matching them to outsmart your foes. But don’t be fooled—there are sure to be some surprises that add layers of interest to this seemingly simple premise.
Prepare for a journey where each hero you control could bring triumph or trouble, as the game is rife with potential pitfalls. Make a careless match and you edge closer to danger, thanks to enemies with their unique attack timings. They won’t just lie down and take it—they’ll swipe your gold, summon waves of skeletons, and push your strategy to its limits.
In roguelikes like Pairs and Perils, brains aren’t enough on their own. To progress, you’ve got to be savvy with the upgrades you buy to enhance your deck. Keeping your precious cards safe from thieving monsters is a constant concern and part of your strategy.
As a roguelike, Pairs and Perils ensures no two games ever feel identical. Every new playthrough throws random heroes, enemies, and items your way, keeping the experience fresh. With a steep difficulty curve that escalates the longer you survive, be ready to face formidable bosses lurking in the deep, eager to thwart your adventure.
For a game that taps into well-loved mechanics and crafts them into a new experience, Pairs and Perils seems right up my street. My fondness for roguelikes makes me particularly excited to dive in. You can jump into Pairs and Perils on Steam now, and you might hear more from me about it soon—stay tuned!
