Pepper Grinder isn’t a recreation about seasoning, however being a seasoned platforming professional couldn’t damage with this difficult title! Created by indie developer Ahr Ech, and printed by Devolver Digital (writer of Hotline Miami and Fall Guys), that is the story of a treasure hunter, her drill and all of the loot she stands to regain after being shipwrecked and robbed by pirate monsters.

On this distinctive platformer, Pepper grabs on to her newly acquired drill for expensive life and cuts by phases like butter. As you traverse a stage you’ll discover patches of terrain throughout you could dig by, enabling Pepper to stylishly manoeuvre in the direction of the aim publish, all of the whereas grinding up baddies, gathering loot and fixing some puzzles. Each few phases there’s an thrilling new gimmick launched too, just like the grappling hook or machine gun drill attachment. And ensure to seize all 5 Cranium Cash when you can, however keep in your toes. These are normally well-hidden or contain a death-defying stunt.

There are 4 worlds with 4 essential phases, plus a store, an unlockable bonus stage and a giant boss battle on the finish of every. Beat a stage and also you’ll have the ability to try the time assault mode for some neat unlocks. After nabbing sufficient Cranium Cash and visiting the Curiosity Store, you’ll additionally have the ability to unlock that aforementioned bonus stage, strive some good new hair ‘n’ garments combos, or buy stickers and backgrounds in your very personal sticker guide.

Pepper Grinder shares rather a lot in widespread with a few of our favorite plaformers and oldies. It’s been acknowledged that Ahr Ech was influenced by Dig Dug and Ecco the Dolphin, which is defintely obvious within the fluid digging premise and mechanics. But it surely additionally provides me a bit of little bit of the drill energy up from Sonic Colors, the barrels from Donkey Kong Nation, and even some Mario World. And naturally there’s the ever-present old-fashioned issue spike. The sport actually picks up within the final world, particularly when back-tracking for collectables turns into trickier. To not point out that closing boss – jeez Louise.

There’s a wonderful soundtrack too, put collectively by indie artist xeecee. I heard some breakbeat, ambient, home and even a contact shoegaze, metallic and hardstyle. I like me some selection!
Pepper Grinder is a good little title. I actually loved my time churning my approach by the sand and sea as this drill duo. And I normally favor salt!
Score: 4.5/5