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Pepper Grinder

2024
GenresAdventure, Indie, Action, Platformer, Side View Perspective, Single Player
AvailableMar 28, 2024
PlatformPC, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch
DeveloperAhr Ech
Overview

"Pepper Grinder is an action platformer designed to be alot like oldschool Nintendo titles like Donkey Kong Country, Yoshi’s Island, and Super Mario World. Pepper uses her drill (Grinder, obviously) to plow through layers of soft dirt and launch herself into the air as she maneuvers herself across the landscape of each level."

Other Scores

Metacritic Score

79


Opencritic Score

80

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Critik


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72

Pepper Grinder's narrative has divided critics. Some praise its charming story of Pepper's treasure quest, while others criticize its lack of focus and depth. Overall, gameplay takes precedence over the story, with reviewers highlighting the fun experience despite varying opinions on the narrative quality.

The Story of Pepper Grinder has received a mix of opinions from critics regarding its narrative. Some reviewers, like GameSpot and Pure Nintendo, appreciated the charming and engaging story that follows Pepper on her quest to recover stolen treasure using the Grinder device. Hey Poor Player also highlighted the light-hearted nature of the story, which serves as a backdrop for the gameplay. Additionally, Gamer Escape noted that while the story is straightforward, it has hints of more backstory and world-building, adding charm to the overall experience. On the other hand, several critics expressed concerns about the narrative of Pepper Grinder. Digital Trends and Dot Esports criticized the lack of narrative focus and development, with Digital Trends specifically mentioning the flat pirate story and unengaging narrative hooks. New Game Network went as far as stating that the game lacks any kind of narrative, focusing solely on recovering stolen treasure without much depth. However, Finger Guns appreciated the minimal narrative approach, instead highlighting the vibrant world design and interesting characters as positives. Overall, the consensus among critics seems to lean towards the gameplay taking precedence over the story in Pepper Grinder. While some reviewers found the narrative charming and engaging, others felt that it lacked depth and development. Critics like COGconnected and COGconnected emphasized that the gameplay is the standout feature, with the story serving more as context for the player's actions. Despite the mixed opinions on the narrative, the general sentiment suggests that Pepper Grinder offers a fun and exciting gameplay experience, with the story playing a secondary role in the overall enjoyment of the game.


85

Critics laud Pepper Grinder for its innovative gameplay featuring a drill, creative level design, and fast-paced challenges, while some note issues with controls and boss battles. Overall, the game's unique mechanics and engaging platforming make it a refreshing addition to the genre, offering depth and replay value for players who enjoy inventive gameplay experiences.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Pepper Grinder for its innovative and unique mechanics, with many highlighting the use of the drill as a central element that adds depth and creativity to the platforming experience. Critics like Atomix, Eurogamer, and Pure Nintendo appreciated the game's introduction of new concepts at each level, creative level designs, and engaging traversal mechanics. The gameplay was described as fast-paced, challenging, and constantly reinventing itself, offering a fresh take on traditional platforming. IGN Benelux specifically mentioned the continuous sense of surprise and challenge provided by the new mechanics introduced in each level, keeping players engaged throughout the game. On the flip side, some critics pointed out potential drawbacks in the gameplay of Pepper Grinder. Digital Chumps highlighted that the physics and momentum could be challenging to master, leading to imprecision in gameplay, which might affect the overall experience for some players. GamesHub noted that controls on Xbox felt imprecise and unsatisfying, causing frustration and detracting from the enjoyment of the game. ZTGD mentioned that boss battles were less enjoyable due to restrictions on movement and a heavier focus on combat, which could potentially disrupt the flow of the gameplay experience for certain players. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Pepper Grinder. The game was praised for its unique mechanics, engaging platforming challenges, and innovative use of the drill as a central gameplay element. Critics appreciated the variety of gameplay elements such as combat encounters, puzzle-solving, and exploration, which added depth and replay value to the overall experience. Despite some minor criticisms regarding controls and precision, the majority of reviewers found Pepper Grinder's gameplay to be enjoyable, challenging, and a refreshing addition to the platforming genre. Fans of fast-paced, inventive gameplay with a focus on drilling mechanics are likely to find Pepper Grinder a compelling and rewarding experience based on the sentiments expressed by the critics.


83

Pepper Grinder wowed critics with its charming pixel art and vibrant visuals, drawing inspiration from retro consoles like the Game Boy Advance. While a few detractors found the graphics lacking, the majority praised the game's visually engaging levels, character designs, and unique world maps. Overall, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers lauding the stunning pixel art, colorful visuals, and attention to detail that enhanced the retro feel of the game.

The majority of the critics praised the graphics and visual design of Pepper Grinder, highlighting its charming pixel art style, vibrant colors, and attention to detail. Critics such as Atomix, Eurogamer, and Nintendo Life appreciated the high-bit art inspired by retro consoles like the Game Boy Advance, with detailed animations and top-notch visuals. The game was commended for its visually engaging levels, charming character designs, and unique world maps that added to the overall appeal. Additionally, the smooth animations and distinctive pixel art style were noted to complement the gameplay well, enhancing the retro feel of the game. On the other hand, a few critics expressed some reservations about the graphics and visual design of Pepper Grinder. Cultured Vultures found the visuals lackluster, mentioning unmemorable enemies and levels that lacked personality or imagination. However, these criticisms were in the minority, with most reviewers focusing on the positive aspects of the game's graphics rather than dwelling on any perceived shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Pepper Grinder. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its stunning pixel art, colorful visuals, and charming art style that captured the imagination and created an engaging world for players to explore. The attention to detail, vibrant environments, and well-crafted character designs were highlighted as key strengths of the game's visual presentation. With only a few critics offering more critical perspectives, it is evident that Pepper Grinder's graphics and visual design were widely acclaimed and contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment of the gaming experience.


83

Critics raved about Pepper Grinder's Sound Design and Music, praising its diverse soundtrack that energized gameplay. While some critics found the music to be lacking, overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers applauding the seamless integration of music with visuals and gameplay. The game's variety of genres and impactful sound design were standout features that enhanced the immersive gaming experience for many players.

The majority of the critics unanimously praised the Sound Design and Music of Pepper Grinder, highlighting various positive aspects. Critics such as Atomix, Cubed3, and Nintendo Life appreciated the energetic and diverse soundtrack that enhanced the gameplay experience. They specifically mentioned how the music complemented the visuals and gameplay, creating a cohesive and engaging atmosphere. Additionally, reviewers like Pure Nintendo and Vooks commended the impressive assortment of tunes that varied between levels, contributing to an immersive auditory experience. The use of different music genres like breakbeat, ambient, house, shoegaze, metal, and hardstyle was also noted positively by Vooks, adding depth to the overall sound design. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, a few critics expressed some reservations regarding the Sound Design and Music of Pepper Grinder. Cultured Vultures mentioned that the music was "nothing special," failing to add much to the overall experience. This contrasting opinion highlights a subjective aspect of music appreciation, where individual preferences and tastes can influence how the soundtrack is perceived. While the majority of critics found the music to be a standout feature, it's essential to acknowledge that not all reviewers resonated with the same level of enthusiasm for the sound design and music of the game. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards the Sound Design and Music of Pepper Grinder. The majority of reviewers praised the game for its exceptional soundtrack that elevated the gameplay experience, with many highlighting the seamless integration of music with visuals and gameplay mechanics. Critics like GAMINGbible and Hey Poor Player emphasized the delightful and energetic tunes that enhanced the overall atmosphere of the game. The positive mentions of impactful sound design, exciting background music, and a variety of music genres across different platforms indicate a well-crafted audio experience that resonated with players. Despite a few dissenting voices, the general sentiment is that the Sound Design and Music of Pepper Grinder significantly contributed to the game's charm and immersive qualities, making it a standout aspect of the overall gaming experience.


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72

Pepper Grinder impresses on Nintendo Switch and Xbox Series X with few glitches, while facing minor technical concerns on PC. Critics note proactive patching on Switch, smooth Xbox Series X performance, and minor hiccups on PC. Overall, the game offers solid technical performance and promising updates for a satisfying gameplay experience across platforms.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Pepper Grinder seems to have fared well overall. On the Nintendo Switch, while Hey Poor Player and NintendoWorldReport mentioned some glitches affecting the final boss battle, both Nintendo Life and NintendoWorldReport acknowledged that patches were in the works to address these issues, indicating proactive developer support. Additionally, XboxEra reported a smooth experience on the Xbox Series X, running at 60fps without any bugs or crashes, with the Quick Resume feature enhancing the gaming experience. This suggests that the game performs admirably on consoles like the Switch and Xbox Series X. However, there were some technical concerns raised by critics on the PC platform. But Why Tho? highlighted a discrepancy in gameplay experience between using a controller and a keyboard setup, potentially impacting player immersion. Gaming Age encountered a bug during the final boss battle where the audio cut out, which could disrupt the overall experience. Despite these issues, Noisy Pixel and Shacknews noted only minor control and pacing issues, respectively, with overall stable performance. This indicates that while there may be some technical hiccups on PC, they do not seem to be widespread or game-breaking. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Pepper Grinder delivers a solid technical performance across multiple platforms. While there were reports of minor glitches and bugs on the Nintendo Switch and PC platforms, the developers' commitment to addressing these issues through patches is commendable. The game's smooth performance on the Xbox Series X, as noted by XboxEra, further reinforces its technical capabilities. With intuitive controls, stable movements, and accessibility features to enhance the gameplay experience, Pepper Grinder appears to offer an enjoyable technical experience for players, with the potential for even smoother gameplay through ongoing updates and support.


71

Critics praise Pepper Grinder for its strong replay value, citing incentives like mastering mechanics, hidden treasures, and extra levels. Eurogamer and Hey Poor Player highlight hidden coins, unlockable items, and diverse gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged. However, some critics like Cultured Vultures and Digital Chumps point out limitations such as short duration and lackluster rewards, hindering extensive replayability. Despite mixed feedback, the game offers a satisfactory level of replay value with additional challenges and diverse gameplay mechanics that enhance the overall gaming experience.

The opinions of several critics highlight the positive aspects of the Replay Value of Pepper Grinder. Critics like Cubed3, Eurogamer, and Hey Poor Player emphasize the incentives provided by the game to master mechanics, explore hidden treasures, and unlock extra levels, making it rewarding for replaying. Eurogamer specifically mentions hidden coins to hunt for, unlockable items, and diverse gameplay mechanics that keep players engaged, enhancing the lasting enthusiasm and replay value. Hey Poor Player also notes the Time Trial mode, hidden collectibles, unlockable content, and multiple playthroughs as factors that extend playtime and offer replay value. Additionally, Nintendo Life mentions collectibles, additional challenges, time attack modes, and a gacha system that enhance the overall longevity of the game, providing players with various reasons to revisit levels and extend their gameplay experience. On the other hand, some critics express concerns about the limitations and drawbacks affecting the Replay Value of Pepper Grinder. Critics like Cultured Vultures and Digital Chumps highlight the game's short duration and lack of compelling aspects beyond core gameplay, leading to limited replay value. Cultured Vultures specifically mentions the game's short length as a factor that hinders extensive replayability, while Digital Chumps notes the lackluster rewards and suggests that a level editor could have significantly increased the replay value. Checkpoint Gaming also points out the limited replay value due to the short completion time and optional collectibles, which may not provide enough incentives for players to revisit the game multiple times. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards Pepper Grinder offering moderate to good replay value, with a mix of positive and negative feedback. While some critics acknowledge the various incentives like time trials, collectibles, bonus stages, and customization options that enhance replayability, others raise concerns about the game's short length, lack of substantial rewards, and potential for repetitiveness in later levels. However, the majority of critics appreciate the additional challenges, hidden secrets, and diverse gameplay mechanics that contribute to the overall enjoyment and replay value of Pepper Grinder. Critics like IGN Benelux and Gamer Escape express interest in engaging with the time attack mode, hidden collectibles, and challenges, indicating that despite its shortcomings, Pepper Grinder manages to provide a satisfactory level of replay value for players seeking to extend their gaming experience.


Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

Pepper Grinder earns praise for its captivating visuals, engaging gameplay, and lasting appeal, with critics highlighting its creativity and fun factor. While some note control problems and short length, the majority recommend it for fans of indie platformers seeking a unique and enjoyable experience.

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Reviews

99 reviews found

100

Tryhardguides.com

Mar 28, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

Pepper Grinder is a standout indie game with unique mechanics and captivating gameplay that is sure to delight platformer fans.

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95

Digitalchumps.com

Aug 6, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

Pepper Grinder offers a unique platforming experience with its drilling mechanic and variety of levels, but its length, lackluster rewards, and challenging physics may deter some players from replaying. A level editor could have enhanced the game's replay value.

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90

Nintendolife.com

Mar 28, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

Pepper Grinder is a wonderfully inventive and fun platformer with lots of personality, despite its short runtime, making it a highly enjoyable and replayable experience.

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90

Butwhytho.net

Mar 28, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

Pepper Grinder is described as a treasure trove of excitement and charm, offering a captivating world and a thrilling adventure. Despite some control issues, the game's short yet dynamic gameplay and impactful art design make it a highly enjoyable experience.

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90

Heypoorplayer.com

Mar 28, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

Pepper Grinder is a quirky, creative, and enjoyable platformer with unique gameplay mechanics and lots of character. Despite some minor issues like mechanical and technical problems, it stands out as a must-play for platformer fans.

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90

Gaming-age.com

Apr 2, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

Pepper Grinder is praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning visuals, and captivating soundtrack. Despite some frustrating moments and technical issues, the game offers a rewarding experience that is worth playing, especially for fans of action platformers.

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90

Vooks.net

Mar 29, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

A great little title with fun gameplay, old school platformer vibe, and a fantastic soundtrack. Some difficulty spikes towards the end and minor issues with the sticker book.

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85

Nl.ign.com

Mar 28, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

Pepper Grinder is praised for its charming platformer gameplay, smooth controls, and satisfying challenges. The short length and sudden difficulty spike towards the end are noted as drawbacks, but the game is still recommended for its unique mechanics and enjoyable experience.

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85

Noisypixel.net

Mar 28, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

Pepper Grinder is a genre-defining masterpiece with innovative gameplay mechanics that breathe new life into familiar genres, offering a gratifying and enjoyable arcade platforming experience.

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84

Hookedgamers.com

Apr 5, 2024

This is an AI summary of the review and not a direct quote.

Pepper Grinder is a very enjoyable and short retro platformer that creatively stands out with its drill mechanic, fun level design, and challenging boss fights. Despite occasional wonky movement, the game offers solutions and opportunities for improvement.

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