Pepper Grinder Review (PlayStation 5)

Rating: 8
Author: Jim Smale

by Jim Smale · August 23, 2024

Pepper Grinder Review, is an action-packed pirate adventure starring the titular Pepper, a seafaring soul with a passion for prospecting, and Grinder, her super-powered drilling device. Shipwrecked and robbed of her treasure, Pepper must spin up her trusty sidearm to reclaim what the mischievous Narlings stole. Armed with Grinder, Pepper burrows through terrain & water, controls machines, and pulverizes all enemies blocking the way towards recovering her missing fortune – with interest! Pepper’s progress will not be that simple, however, as mysterious beings begin to emerge from the shadows…

Pepper Grinder Review Pros:

Decent pixel art graphics.
313.9MB download size.
Platinum trophy.
You get the PlayStation 4 and the PlayStation 5 versions of the game.
3 save slots.
Action platformer gameplay.
Tutorial pop-ups as you play.
2D game World with 3D backdrops.
Beautiful in-game cutscenes and character interactions.
You can skip the cutscenes and interactions.
Armed with a drill, you can break objects, take out enemies, and dig into parts of the level.
Momentum-based traversal so do a loop or semi-circle whilst digging so when you leave the dirt you fly up higher allowing you to then go into more dirt and get a real rhythm going.
Take out enemies head-on or dig underneath them and pop up!
Collect gems within the levels.
Simple easy-to-learn controls make it very accessible to new players.
Game speed slider.
Repeated inputs can be set to hold, automatic, or manual.
Different enemy types require different approaches so there is some that can only be hit underneath for example.
Puzzle elements throughout.
Every level has a set of optional coins to collect.
Time attack mode is available for each level with bonus rewards.
It’s got some very clever level design.
World map level select.
Can replay levels.
It’s a marmite game for sure, you’re either going to love it or hate it.
The game gets very reflex-heavy.
Satisfying game loop.
Big boss battles.
A lot of replay value.
The drill can be rotated 360 degrees.

Pepper Grinder Review Cons:

You cannot remap the controls.
The game gets very reflex-heavy.
Doesn’t offer a lot in terms of accessibility.
Movement in dirt takes time to perfect and can be frustrating.

Related Post: In Woods Review (Steam)

Pepper Grinder:

Official website.

Developer: Ahr Ech, MP2 Games

Publisher: Devolver Digital

Store Links –

PlayStation

8/10

Graphics - 8/10
8/10

Sound - 8/10
7/10

Accessibility - 7/10
8/10

Length - 8/10
9/10

Fun Factor - 9/10

8/10

Summary

Pepper Grinder boasts decent pixel art graphics and a manageable download size of 313.9MB. The game offers a platinum trophy and includes both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions, providing three save slots for players. As an action platformer, it features tutorial pop-ups to guide players through its 2D game world with 3D backdrops. The in-game cutscenes and character interactions are beautifully crafted, though they can be skipped if desired. Armed with a drill, players can break objects, defeat enemies, and dig into parts of the level, utilizing momentum-based traversal to achieve higher jumps and maintain a rhythm. The game allows players to take out enemies head-on or by digging underneath them and popping up while collecting gems within the levels.

The controls are simple and easy to learn, making the game accessible to new players. A game speed slider and options for repeated inputs (hold, automatic, or manual) add to the customization. Different enemy types require varied approaches, adding a layer of strategy, and puzzle elements are scattered throughout the game. Each level includes optional coins to collect, and a time attack mode offers bonus rewards. The level design is clever, and players can select levels from a world map. However, the inability to remap controls and the game’s reflex-heavy nature may pose challenges. Movement in dirt takes time to perfect and can be frustrating, but the game offers replayability with the option to replay levels.

Pepper Grinder is a marmite game—players will either love it or hate it. The game features satisfying gameplay loops, big boss battles, and a lot of replay value. The drill can be rotated 360 degrees, adding to the gameplay dynamics. Despite its shortcomings in accessibility and the steep learning curve for dirt movement, the game provides a unique and engaging experience for those who enjoy action platformers.