Pepper Grinder

83%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,022 reviews
  • gameplay
  • music
  • graphics
Pepper Grinder Game Cover
Pepper Grinder is simply one of the greatest 2D platformers I've ever played, thanks to movement that is absolute perfection and endless creativity that allows for constant reinvention in every single new level you enter.
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"Pepper Grinder" is an action-packed pirate adventure featuring Pepper and her drilling device, Grinder. After being shipwrecked and robbed, Pepper must retrieve her stolen treasure by burrowing through terrain, controlling machines, and defeating enemies. With thrilling drilling mechanics, precise movements, and the ability to conquer and collect riches, Pepper will face mysterious beings and uncover new paths on her journey.

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,022 reviews
gameplay214 positive mentions
grinding50 negative mentions
  • The drilling mechanic is fun and satisfying, allowing for fluid movement and exploration.
  • The game features creative level design with unique gimmicks introduced in each stage.
  • The art style and soundtrack are excellent, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The game is very short, typically taking only 3-5 hours to complete.
  • Boss fights are frustrating and poorly designed, often feeling out of place compared to the rest of the game.
  • Some mechanics, like the grappling hook and shooting segments, detract from the core drilling gameplay.
  • gameplay566 mentions

    The gameplay of *Pepper Grinder* is characterized by its innovative drilling mechanic, which provides a satisfying and fluid platforming experience. While the core mechanic is engaging and well-executed, many players feel that the game introduces too many gimmicks that detract from the drilling focus, leading to a lack of cohesion and frustrating boss encounters. Overall, the game is praised for its vibrant visuals and level design, but its short length and inconsistent mechanics leave some players wanting more depth and variety.

    • “This is a delightful platformer with tight, energetic controls and mechanics, fun engaging and well-paced level design, lots of treasure to satisfyingly collect and some tricky bosses.”
    • “Ultimately, the core gameplay of Pepper Grinder is what makes it addictive and engaging; trying to maintain continuous movement as you make your way through this wacky world is just so satisfying and really a testament to the core mechanics here.”
    • “Pepper Grinder is a platforming treat, with the unique drilling mechanic and brilliant level design making it stand out as a must-play release of the genre.”
    • “The drill mechanic gets old quickly and compared to the dozens of other side-scrolling indie games that I've played, this one is extremely dull and unmemorable.”
    • “This game doesn't feel cohesive; the mechanics and boss fights feel like they've been thrown together, making for a very frustrating experience.”
    • “The game is way too short, frustrating, and unpolished in terms of mechanics and movement.”
  • music228 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its variety and quality, with many reviewers highlighting the dynamic and engaging soundtrack that complements the gameplay perfectly. While some tracks are described as memorable and energetic, others are noted as less impactful or even forgettable. Overall, the soundtrack enhances the game's atmosphere, making it a standout feature that many players appreciate.

    • “The music is a particular standout; many stages are scored perfectly with their settings and, from the moment you hear what plays at the main menu, you'll know right away the 'high-octane' vibe the game is going for!”
    • “The soundtrack complements the action perfectly, providing a peppy and upbeat backdrop to your drilling adventures.”
    • “Incredible movement, awesome soundtrack, and creative level designs.”
    • “I gotta admit I wasn't expecting the soundtrack to be so... laid back?”
    • “The music is unfortunately forgettable.”
    • “I only have a few gripes, that being that the music will restart from the checkpoint in game.”
  • graphics88 mentions

    The graphics of the game have received a mixed reception, with many praising the charming pixel art and vibrant, distinct art style that enhances the overall aesthetic. While some players noted technical issues like glitches and freezing, the visuals are often described as beautiful and well-animated, contributing positively to the gameplay experience. Overall, the graphics are considered a highlight, showcasing a blend of creativity and engaging design, despite some criticisms of inconsistency and mediocrity in certain aspects.

    • “The art style is bursting with color and personality, bringing each level to life with meticulous detail.”
    • “Gorgeous hand-drawn visuals and a catchy soundtrack.”
    • “The pixel graphic style fits this game perfectly and is extremely well done.”
    • “The visuals freeze up when I fullscreen it, which doesn't happen for any other game with me. I don't know where that originates, but it happened in the demo too, so I think it's a Pepper Grinder-specific issue.”
    • “Pepper Grinder nails its mechanics, but its humdrum visuals and world-building stop it from being the modern indie classic that it could’ve been.”
    • “The pixel graphics are not the best I have ever seen, but they have their own charming style.”
  • grinding50 mentions

    The grinding mechanics in the game are a mixed bag; while some players find the fast-paced grinding through beautifully designed levels enjoyable, others describe it as tedious and repetitive, particularly during combat and boss battles. Issues such as imprecise controls and the need for constant health management contribute to the frustration, making long play sessions feel monotonous. Overall, the game is best enjoyed in short bursts, where the variety and creativity can shine without the grind becoming overwhelming.

    • “Getting all the coins is tedious, and involves looking for a crack in a wall and drilling.”
    • “Since (most of the time) the only tool you have to fight them is your drill, combat very quickly turns into a tedious chore, especially when you die and all the enemies reset.”
    • “I quit at the final boss because it was so damn boring grinding it out.”
  • story46 mentions

    The story in "Pepper Grinder" is minimal and straightforward, centering on Pepper's quest for treasure and revenge against pirates, which some players find charming despite its lack of depth. The main narrative can be completed in about 3 to 4 hours, but the focus is primarily on gameplay, level design, and collectibles, with environmental storytelling adding some context. While the plot may not be groundbreaking, it is infused with humor and charm that keeps players engaged.

    • “The narrative is straightforward: Pepper is on a quest for treasure and revenge against the pirates who wronged her.”
    • “While the story won’t win any awards for originality, it’s peppered (pun intended) with enough humor and charm to keep you invested.”
    • “Short but fun, a little light on story but the story beats you get from the boss battles make up for it.”
    • “Pepper Grinder also doesn't have any kind of storytelling or an overarching narrative.”
    • “The story isn't much of note; it's pretty simple.”
    • “Unexplained shop items, incredibly unclear story, tonal whiplash.”
  • replayability31 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the inclusion of collectibles and time attack modes that offer opportunities for speedrunning and improving scores, others criticize the overall short playtime and lack of substantial upgrades, leading to a perception of limited replay value. Despite its brief main story, many find enjoyment in revisiting levels for challenges, though some feel it lacks depth for long-term engagement. Overall, it offers decent replayability for those who enjoy mastering levels, but may not satisfy players seeking extensive content.

    • “While the main story of the game is fairly short (being able to complete it in around 4 hours), there is replay value in terms of collectibles and time trials.”
    • “Game length is on the shorter side, but has plenty of replay value if you want to improve the times on your levels and do crazier and crazier strategies.”
    • “It may have a runtime that feels a little too short, but this is ultimately a deeply enjoyable, challenging, and highly replayable game with lots of personality.”
    • “I also found very little replayability.”
    • “This should have been a $5 mobile game; it's super short with no upgrades, giving it zero replay value.”
    • “- The sticker machine is like buying scratch-offs; the percentage drops of them are abysmal and there is no replay value to grinding and getting them.”
  • humor18 mentions

    The game is praised for its humor, featuring funny enemies, charming environments, and creative world-building that keeps players engaged. While the story may lack originality, it is filled with amusing moments and clever puns that enhance the overall experience. The combination of vibrant pixel art and humorous scenes contributes to a delightful and entertaining gameplay atmosphere.

    • “While the story won’t win any awards for originality, it’s peppered (pun intended) with enough humor and charm to keep you invested.”
    • “Those things aside, the game is very funny, and with a beautiful accessibility feature which allows you to decrease the game speed.”
    • “The environments and the characters are really cool, and some of the scenes are really funny; I really did not expect that.”
  • stability8 mentions

    The game's stability is frequently criticized due to numerous bugs and glitches, including problematic grapple points and inconsistent hitboxes, which detract from the overall experience. While some players appreciate the graphics and aesthetic, the pervasive jankiness and frustration caused by these issues make it difficult for many to enjoy the game fully.

    • “It's simply too janky and buggy to justify the difficulty, causing too much annoyance.”
    • “I frankly couldn't put up with all the issues this game throws at you such as buggy grapple points, weird hitboxes, and the fact that you basically have no invincibility frames.”
    • “Some other issues I thought were exaggerated were the glitches.”
  • optimization3 mentions

    Overall, the game's optimization is generally solid, with performance issues rarely interfering with gameplay, though some users noted occasional drops in high-traffic areas. The game is relatively short unless players pursue full completion.

    • “Performance never gets in the way of the challenging bits.”
    • “Only a few hours long if you're not chasing full completion, with a few performance drops at high-traffic points.”
    • “The game is only a few hours long if you're not chasing full completion, but there are a few performance drops at high-traffic points.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is characterized by a surprising blend of mellow and atmospheric music, contrasting with the expected frantic action themes. This creates a unique and immersive experience that enhances the overall mood.

    • “I was expecting a lot of frantic action music, but a good chunk of it is atmospheric and mellow.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

79% average critic score

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Play time

4hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
4-9hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 16 analyzed playthroughs

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