Pepper Grinder is an action-platform video game developed by indie developer Ahr Ech and published by Devolver Digital. The game was released on March 28, 2024 for Windows and Nintendo Switch.[1] It was also released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on August 6, 2024.[2]
| Pepper Grinder | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Ahr Ech |
| Publisher(s) | Devolver Digital |
| Composer(s) | Xeecee |
| Engine | Construct 2 |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release |
|
| Genre(s) | Action, Platform |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Gameplay
editPepper Grinder is a side-scrolling platform game revolving around the titular character's versatile drilling device, which is used to traverse various obstacles, puzzles, and defeat enemies in a multitude of levels. "Grinder" functions as a multi-purpose tool which allows players to drill through terrain, revealing hidden areas and shortcuts.[3] Pepper has the ability to propel herself in the air using Grinder, creating unique aerial maneuvers. Solving puzzles, navigating terrain, and fighting various enemies requires Pepper to change Grinders drill bits to effectively take on the different challenges they are faced with.[4] The game features a combination of platforming, combat, and puzzle solving, with an emphasis on exploration and discovery. The game encourages players to experiment with Grinder's abilities in order to uncover secrets and progress through the game.
Plot
editPepper is a peppy and adventurous girl who wields "Grinder", her super-powered drilling device. Shipwrecked and robbed of her treasure, Pepper must use her trusty sidearm to reclaim what the mischievous Narlings stole from her.[5] Armed with Grinder, Pepper is able to navigate the game's intricate environments by burrowing through terrain and water, controlling machines to solve puzzles, and eliminating any enemies that stand between her and her missing fortune.[6] Pepper's journey to reclaim her treasure will not be simple, as mysterious beings begin to emerge from the shadows to face Pepper.
Development
editPepper Grinder is developed by Ahr Ech, an independent video game developer based in Oregon.[7] The game draws inspiration from Namco's Dig Dug combined with the character movement of Sega's Ecco the Dolphin. The game uses the Construct 2 engine.[7] The first trailer for Pepper Grinder was released on June 11, 2017, on Ahr Ech's YouTube channel.[8] The game announced their collaboration with publisher Devolver Digital at the November 2022 Nintendo Indie World Showcase, initially set for a 2023 release.[9] However, in August 2023, Devolver announced that the game has been delayed to an unknown date in 2024.[10] In February 2024, it was announced that the game would launch on March 28, 2024.[11]
Reception
editCritical reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | PC: 78/100[12] NS: 80/100[13] |
| OpenCritic | 84%[14] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Game Informer | 8/10[18] |
| GameSpot | 8/10[19] |
| IGN | 7/10[16] |
| Nintendo World Report | 8/10[15] |
| PC Gamer (US) | 80/100[17] |
| Shacknews | 8/10[20] |
Pepper Grinder received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.[12]
Accolades
editPepper Grinder won the award for "Best Platformer Game" at Intel Level Up 2017.[21]
References
edit- ^ Franco, Carlos (November 10, 2023). "Pepper Grinder Set to Land on PC and Consoles in 2023". Indie Game Fans. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
- ^ Romano, Sal (June 20, 2024). "Pepper Grinder coming to PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, and Xbox One on August 6". Gematsu. Retrieved June 20, 2024.
- ^ Addin (November 12, 2022). "Pepper Grinder is a classic platformer with a twist". Gaming Ideology. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Haugh, Olive (November 29, 2022). "Pepper Grinder is a Beautiful Evolution of Drill Mechanics from Games like Sonic Colors, Ori". Game Rant. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Romano, Sal (November 9, 2022). "Devolver Digital and Ahr Ech announce side-scrolling action platformer Pepper Grinder for Switch, PC". Gematsu. Archived from the original on November 12, 2022. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Farrelly, Steve (November 9, 2022). "If Punk Rock Made a Platformer it Would be Pepper Grinder from Devolver Digital". AusGamers. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ a b Reilly, Stephan N. (June 25, 2019). "Interview with Pepper Grinder Designer Riv Hester". Stephan's Universe. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ PepperGrinder trailer 0. Arh Ech. June 17, 2017. Archived from the original on March 23, 2023. Retrieved March 23, 2023 – via YouTube.
- ^ Friscia, John (November 9, 2022). "Indie World Showcase November 2022: A List of All Switch Games Revealed". The Escapist. Retrieved March 23, 2023.
- ^ Romano, Sal (August 7, 2023). "Anger Foot, Pepper Grinder, The Plucky Squire, Stick it to the Stickman, and Skate Story delayed to 2024". Gematsu. Archived from the original on August 8, 2023. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Romano, Sal (February 21, 2024). "Pepper Grinder launches March 28". Gematsu. Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ a b "Pepper Grinder for PC Reviews". Metacritic.
- ^ "Pepper Grinder for Nintendo Switch Reviews". Metacritic.
- ^ "Pepper Grinder Reviews". OpenCritic. March 28, 2024. Archived from the original on April 20, 2024. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
- ^ Ronaghan, Neal (March 28, 2024). "Pepper Grinder Review - Review". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on May 8, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ Ogilvie, Tristan (March 28, 2024). "Pepper Grinder Review". IGN. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ Stone, Abbie (March 28, 2024). "Pepper Grinder review". PC Gamer. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ Harte, Charles (March 28, 2024). "Pepper Grinder Review - Short And Spicy". Game Informer. Archived from the original on March 28, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ Watts, Steve (March 28, 2024). "Pepper Grinder Review - Short And Spicy". GameSpot. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ Bell, Larryn (March 28, 2024). "Pepper Grinder review: You know the drill". Shacknews. Archived from the original on May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 6, 2024.
- ^ "Intel Developer Zone - With its unique gameplay, Riv Hester's Pepper Grinder wins the Intel Level Up Contest for Best Platformer Game!". Facebook. Retrieved March 23, 2023.