Pepper Grinder Reviews

Pepper Grinder is ranked in the 75th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
10 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024

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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10 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024

Pepper Grinder undoubtedly shines as another gem in Devolver Digital’s diverse portfolio, reaffirming their reputation for delivering standout indie games that captivate and entertain. Pepper Grinder is sure to delight platformers with its unique mechanics and treasure-collecting glory.

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9.5 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024

Pepper Grinder is one of the most entertaining 2D platformers I've played in ages, with fantastic motion and seriously creative and varied stages.

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9.5 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024

There’s more to Pepper Grinder than just digging. Ahr Ech successfully managed to cram fluid platforming and free-flowing traversal in ways that make its hallmark digging mechanics joyous while innovating in using the drill for other utilitarian purposes. Its 2D platforming is refreshing and rewarding when you settle into the groove of being able to move in every direction. I truly dug Pepper Grinder, and I sincerely hope that Ahr Ech continues to make fantastic retro platformers while also expanding the current universe of narwhal pirates. Hopefully those games come sooner rather than later.

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9 / 10
Mar 28, 2024

Pepper Grinder is a wonderfully inventive and fun platformer that no fan of the genre will want to miss out on. 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. If you think you'd be interested, we'd suggest you pick up Pepper Grinder at the next opportunity (and there's a even downloadable demo if you're on the fence).

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Apr 4, 2024

Pepper Grinder boldly defines a short and sweet, pixelated adventure with a whole lot of punch in its short runtime. This dynamo of chaos, tight platforming, satisfying movement, tight-level design, and dazzling art style is one of the best platformers I've played in a long time.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024

Pepper Grinder is a great platformer with smooth gameplay and a nostalgic, pixelated art style. It’s a fantastic game to play and has the potential to go down as one of the best indie games of this year. If you’re searching for a new platformer game to play, this is the one.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024

Pepper Grinder is a treasure trove of excitement and charm, beckoning players to sail into its captivating world and embark on a thrilling adventure unlike any other.

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90 / 100
Mar 29, 2024

With great controls, a decent learning curve, and fun levels and lovely aesthetics, Pepper Grinder fills in the short-but-sweet arcade gaming niche that we love out of a twitch-based indie offering. Drill out!

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9 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024

Pepper Grinder is a platforming gem, a masterclass in taking one simple mechanic and stretching it as far as you possibly can in one tight package. Ahr Ech built this game to be as satisfying as possible. It appeals to platforming fans of all types equally (speedrunners and completionists together), and it stands as a testament to the value of not overcomplicating things. By evoking the simplicity and no frills approach of platforming greats, Pepper Grinder keeps the focus on its best bits and will undoubtedly drill down into your heart the minute you hop in.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024

If you like Super Mario World, or precision platformers such as Celeste, then boy, have I got an absolute treat for you. Pepper Grinder is the kind of game you’ll instantly start to scream about from the rooftops. It’s got fast-paced action, its worlds are vibrant and diverse, and it’s got a banging soundtrack to top it off. Not to mention the fact I’ll always have a soft spot for anything that includes narwhals. Pepper Grinder is already one of my top contenders for my favourite game of the year, especially being a replayable-as-hell Switch banger I can pick and play for ten to fifteen minutes at a time while I’m sat on a bus or train.

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9 / 10.0
Mar 29, 2024

Pepper Grinder proves there’s little more thrilling than drilling for a 2-D platforming adventure. Ahr Ech and Devolver Digital have a real treasure in this one. I recommend it to players who enjoy casual chaos with a charming twist.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 8, 2024

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. It has plenty of clever ideas in play that build upon the simple nature of the drilling perfectly, whilst the charming visuals and collectibles are the cherry on top. It is a little disappointing that the game wasn’t a bit longer, but given the quality of what you get, it’s hard to complain too much. It’s just a really finely crafted experience that plays into its strengths perfectly, and believe me, platforming fans won’t want to miss out on Pepper Grinder.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 2, 2024

Pepper Grinder is one of the most fun action platformers I’ve played in recent memory.

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9 / 10.0
Apr 2, 2024

Pepper Grinder bet all its chips on its main mechanic, and the bet was more than successful. Don't expect an absurdly complex platform adventure, with dozens of hours to get the 100% that the game offers, as it's not about that. The proposal to base all game design elements on a single object works because its developers knew how to work with it in a way that matches everything around it, without straying from the foundations of the genre. So, start the powerful Grinder and keep digging without fear of what lies ahead!

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

8.8 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024
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8.7 / 10.0
Apr 2, 2024

Pepper Grinder may be a bit on the short side. However, just like Mega Man Purely to perfect every level. It's a short and powerful platformer with a lot of spice and a focus on quality instead of quantity. In a time where games are getting longer and longer, we can welcome this.

Review in Dutch | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Mar 28, 2024

Pepper Grinder is a unique and challenging title that has you drilling through everything to recover your stolen treasure. With great visuals and jazzy music, this is a title to check out!

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8.5 / 10.0
Apr 1, 2024

Pepper Grinder has a very good core idea and builds fun platforming levels and puzzles around its big drill. The four worlds introduce new ideas and challenges, as well as boss fights. The pixel art makes the world come alive more than the narrative.

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PC Gamer
Top Critic
80 / 100
Mar 28, 2024

Five hours of fun, frantic platforming that's unwieldy and all the better for it.

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