Pepper Grinder
| Pepper Grinder | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Ahr Ech |
| Publisher(s) | Devolver Digital |
| Composer(s) | Xeecee |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Nintendo Switch |
| Release | 28 March 2024 |
| Genre(s) | Action |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Pepper Grinder is an action-adventure video game developed by indie developer Ahr Ech and published by Devolver Digital. The game was released on 28 March 2024 for Steam and Nintendo Switch. The game follows Pepper, a seafaring soul with a passion of prospecting, and Grinder, her super-powered drilling device.[1]
Gameplay[edit]
Pepper Grinder's gameplay revolves around using the titular character's versatile drilling device to traverse various obstacles, puzzles, and defeat enemies. "Grinder" functions as a multi-purpose tool which allows players to drill through terrain, revealing hidden areas and shortcuts.[2] 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.[3] 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[edit]
Pepper Grinder is a side-scrolling action-adventure game that features the protagonist "Pepper", 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.[4] 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.[5] Pepper's journey to reclaim her treasure will not be simple, as mysterious beings begin to emerge from the shadows to face Pepper.[6]
Development[edit]
Pepper Grinder is developed by Ahr Ech, an independent indie video game developer based in Oregon.[7] The game draws inspiration from Namco's arcade platformer Dig Dug combined with the character movement of Sega's Ecco the Dolphin.[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[edit]
Critical reception[edit]
| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | PC: 78/100[12] NS: 80/100[13] |
| OpenCritic | 79/100[14] 83% Critics Recommend |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Computer Games Magazine | 4/5 |
| Game Informer | 8/10 |
| GameSpot | 8/10 |
| IGN | 7/10 |
| Nintendo World Report | 8/10 |
| PC Gamer (US) | 80/100 |
| Shacknews | 8/10 |
Pepper Grinder received “generally favorable” reviews from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.
Accolades[edit]
Pepper Grinder won the award for "Best Platformer Game" at Intel Level Up 2017.[15]
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.
- ^ Addin (November 12, 2022). "Pepper Grinder is a classic platformer with a twist". Gaming Ideology. 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. 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. 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.
- ^ Brian (November 9, 2022). "Pepper Grinder announced for Switch". Nintendo Everything. 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. 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. Retrieved August 7, 2023.
- ^ Romano, Sal (February 21, 2024). "Pepper Grinder launches March 28". Gematsu. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
- ^ "Pepper Grinder for PC Reviews". Metacritic.
- ^ "Pepper Grinder for Nintendo Switch Reviews". Metacritic.
- ^ "Pepper Grinder Reviews". OpenCritic.
- ^ "Intel Developer Zone - With its unique gameplay, Riv Hester's Pepper Grinder wins the Intel Level Up Contest for Best Platformer Game! Watch why. bit.ly/2vSd53a | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved March 23, 2023.