Pepper Grinder
{{About|the video game|the kitchen tool|Burr mill}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}
{{Short description|2024 action-platform video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Pepper Grinder
| developer = Ahr Ech
| publisher = Devolver Digital
| platforms = {{ubl|Microsoft Windows|Nintendo Switch|PlayStation 4|PlayStation 5|Xbox One|Xbox Series X/S}}
| modes = Single-player
| composer = Xeecee
| released = {{ubl|Windows, Switch|March 28, 2024|PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S|August 6, 2024}}
| image = Pepper_Grinder_Cover_Art.webp
| engine = Construct 2
}}
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.{{Cite web |last=Franco |first=Carlos |date=November 10, 2023 |title=Pepper Grinder Set to Land on PC and Consoles in 2023 |url=https://indiegamefans.com/pepper-grinder-set-to-land-on-pc-and-consoles-in-2023/ |access-date=2023-03-22 |website=Indie Game Fans |language=en-GB}} It was also released for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on August 6, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2024-06-20 |title=Pepper Grinder coming to PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, and Xbox One on August 6 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/06/pepper-grinder-coming-to-ps5-xbox-series-ps4-and-xbox-one-on-august-6 |access-date=2024-06-20 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US}}
Gameplay
Pepper 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.{{Cite web |author=Addin |date=2022-11-12 |title=Pepper Grinder is a classic platformer with a twist |url=https://gamingideology.com/2022/11/12/pepper-grinder-is-a-classic-platformer-with-a-twist/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Gaming Ideology |language=en-US |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323175622/https://gamingideology.com/2022/11/12/pepper-grinder-is-a-classic-platformer-with-a-twist/ |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |last=Haugh |first=Olive |date=2022-11-29 |title=Pepper Grinder is a Beautiful Evolution of Drill Mechanics from Games like Sonic Colors, Ori |url=https://gamerant.com/pepper-grinder-nintendo-direct-drill-mechanics-sonic-colors-ori-will-wisp-devolver-digital/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Game Rant |language=en |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323175622/https://gamerant.com/pepper-grinder-nintendo-direct-drill-mechanics-sonic-colors-ori-will-wisp-devolver-digital/ |url-status=live }} 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
Pepper 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.{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2022-11-09 |title=Devolver Digital and Ahr Ech announce side-scrolling action platformer Pepper Grinder for Switch, PC |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2022/11/devolver-digital-and-ahr-ech-announce-side-scrolling-action-platformer-pepper-grinder-for-switch-pc |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112013541/https://www.gematsu.com/2022/11/devolver-digital-and-ahr-ech-announce-side-scrolling-action-platformer-pepper-grinder-for-switch-pc |url-status=live }} 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.{{Cite web |last=Farrelly |first=Steve |date=2022-11-09 |title=If Punk Rock Made a Platformer it Would be Pepper Grinder from Devolver Digital |url=https://www.ausgamers.com/news/read/3643107/pepper-grinder-platformer-game-details |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=AusGamers}} Pepper's journey to reclaim her treasure will not be simple, as mysterious beings begin to emerge from the shadows to face Pepper.
Development
Pepper Grinder is developed by Ahr Ech, an independent video game developer based in Oregon. 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.{{Cite web |last=Reilly |first=Stephan N. |date=2019-06-25 |title=Interview with Pepper Grinder Designer Riv Hester |url=https://stephansuniverse.wordpress.com/2019/06/25/interview-with-pepper-grinder-designer-riv-hester/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Stephan's Universe |language=en}} The first trailer for Pepper Grinder was released on June 11, 2017, on Ahr Ech's YouTube channel.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8k2ocRWGZs |title=PepperGrinder trailer 0 |date=June 17, 2017 |language=en |publisher=Arh Ech |access-date=2023-03-23 |via=YouTube |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323210938/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8k2ocRWGZs |url-status=live }} The game announced their collaboration with publisher Devolver Digital at the November 2022 Nintendo Indie World Showcase, initially set for a 2023 release.{{Cite web |last=Friscia |first=John |date=2022-11-09 |title=Indie World Showcase November 2022: A List of All Switch Games Revealed |url=https://www.escapistmagazine.com/indie-world-showcase-november-2022-a-list-of-all-switch-games-revealed/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=The Escapist |language=en-US}} However, in August 2023, Devolver announced that the game has been delayed to an unknown date in 2024.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2023/08/anger-foot-pepper-grinder-the-plucky-squire-stick-it-to-the-stickman-and-skate-story-delayed-to-2024|title=Anger Foot, Pepper Grinder, The Plucky Squire, Stick it to the Stickman, and Skate Story delayed to 2024|last=Romano|first=Sal|website=Gematsu|date=2023-08-07|access-date=2023-08-07|archive-date=August 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230808022121/https://www.gematsu.com/2023/08/anger-foot-pepper-grinder-the-plucky-squire-stick-it-to-the-stickman-and-skate-story-delayed-to-2024|url-status=live}} In February 2024, it was announced that the game would launch on March 28, 2024.{{Cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=2024-02-21 |title=Pepper Grinder launches March 28 |url=https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/pepper-grinder-launches-march-28 |access-date=2024-03-01 |website=Gematsu |language=en-US |archive-date=February 23, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223165116/https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/pepper-grinder-launches-march-28 |url-status=live }}
Reception
= Critical reception =
{{Video game reviews
| MC = PC: 78/100{{cite web |url= https://www.metacritic.com/game/pepper-grinder/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Pepper Grinder for PC Reviews |website=Metacritic }}
NS: 79/100{{cite web |url= https://www.metacritic.com/game/pepper-grinder/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Pepper Grinder for Nintendo Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic }}
| OC = 84%{{cite web |url=https://opencritic.com/game/16499/pepper-grinder |title=Pepper Grinder Reviews |website=OpenCritic |date=March 28, 2024 |access-date=April 20, 2024 |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420101741/https://opencritic.com/game/16499/pepper-grinder |url-status=live }}
| PCGUS = 80/100{{Cite web |last=Stone |first=Abbie |date=2024-03-28 |title=Pepper Grinder review |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/pepper-grinder-review/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=PC Gamer |language=en |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506235124/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/action/pepper-grinder-review/ |url-status=live }}
| GI = 8/10{{Cite magazine |last=Harte |first=Charles |date=2024-03-28 |title=Pepper Grinder Review - Short And Spicy |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/review/pepper-grinder/short-and-spicy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328172943/https://www.gameinformer.com/review/pepper-grinder/short-and-spicy |url-status=live |archive-date=March 28, 2024 |access-date=2024-05-06 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en}}
| GSpot = 8/10{{Cite web |last=Watts |first=Steve |date=2024-03-28 |title=Pepper Grinder Review - Short And Spicy |url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/pepper-grinder-review-short-and-spicy/1900-6418205/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}}
| SN = 8/10{{Cite web |last=Bell |first=Larryn |date=2024-03-28 |title=Pepper Grinder review: You know the drill |url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/139303/pepper-grinder-review-score |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Shacknews |language=en |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506235125/https://www.shacknews.com/article/139303/pepper-grinder-review-score |url-status=live }}
}}
Pepper Grinder received "generally favorable" reviews from critics, according to review aggregator website Metacritic.
= Accolades =
Pepper Grinder won the award for "Best Platformer Game" at Intel Level Up 2017.{{Cite web |title=Intel Developer Zone - With its unique gameplay, Riv Hester's Pepper Grinder wins the Intel Level Up Contest for Best Platformer Game! |url=https://www.facebook.com/IntelDeveloperZone/photos/a.95748602337/10154953201697338/ |access-date=2023-03-23 |website=Facebook |language=en}}
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References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|https://www.devolverdigital.com/games/pepper-grinder}}
Category:Devolver Digital games
Category:Nintendo Switch games
Category:Side-scrolling platformers
Category:Single-player video games
Category:Video games developed in the United States