Recently, Ahr Ech and MP2 games developed a game called Pepper Grinder. It was released on PC and Nintendo Switch on March 28th 2024. This is a unique vibrant platforming game with some immersive drilling combat mechanics. The game has a pirate theme that revolves around a pirate captain known as Pepper.
The story revolves around a shipwreck where Pepper’s precious tressures are stolen. Pepper needs to embark on the journey to reclaim her tressure. Moreover, Pepper’s main advantage is she is armed with a grinder.
“Pepper burrows through terrain & water, controls machines, and pulverizes all enemies blocking the way towards recovering her missing fortune”
A Pirate’s Quest for Plunder
Pepper is a swashbuckling pirate with a passion and thirst for adventures. She is obsessed with treasures and will go on various adventures to get her precious loots. However, a shipwreck changes the course of her life as she gets separated from her hard-earned treasure. She is fueled by the determination of getting back what she earned. So, you will follow Pepper on a thrilling journey.
Grinder: More Than Just a Kitchen Tool
As mentioned before Pepper’s most reliable companion throughout the game is a grinder. The marvel of engineering allows Pepper to burrow through the earth. It helps her to create a path for her through dirt and soft rocks.
Of course, the grinder’s ability goes way beyond than building tunnels for her. Pepper can use the grinder to manipulate the environment around her. She can use the grinder to activate the hidden switch. Moreover, she can also grinder to grind all the enemies on her way. The grinder can also be used as a key in may scenarios.
A World of Exploration and Challenge
The world of Pepper Grind gives a refreshing view of pirate theme. The lush forest enhances the beauty of various caverns. Each area is filled with various challenges and secrets to reveal. The platforming element of Pepper Grinder is quite tight and responsive. You need to master the precise jumps and maneuver through the platforms. Of course, you can use the grinder to elevate your jumping skills by grinding away!
Pepper can get access to hidden room, secret passages or loot boxes with her grinder. So, make sure you are fully utilizing this tool because as the name suggest the grinder will be a huge chunk of your gameplay.
Nargh! Those Pesky Narlings!
Of Pepper’s journey to reclaim her treasure won’t be an easy one. There will be some pesky annoying enemies to stop you from reaching your goals. The Narlings are the main culprit behind the rubbery of the treasure. These annoying fiends can come in various size and shapes. Of course, they will also have their own individual attack pattern. Some Narlings may charge at you like a bull and others may just maintain a distance to throw projectile at you.
Pepper can use her grinder to unleash some flawless grinding combos and flurries of drill. These precise attacks will make your journey easier and more exciting. However, don’t forget to master the skills of jumping, dodging and timely counter attacks. It is highly important to be aware of your surroundings so you can use it as an advantage.
A Test of Skill and Wit
Even though Pepper Grinder looks like a cute chill game but it has some immersive thrilling boss battles. These encounters with boss require you to hone the skills of combined use of drilling, platforming and precise timing. Each boss has their own combat mechanism and attack patterns.
The game also throws some puzzle on your way to catch you off-guard. The puzzle will allow you to utilize your grinder in various creative ways to solve the puzzle. The puzzles can range from rerouting water flows, manipulating the environment or activating pressure plates.
A Pixelated Paradise with Punch
The game has a very vibrant colorful pixel art style with detailed backgrounds. The animation perfectly brings the pirate theme alive. Everything feels buttery smooth and the movement feels fluid.
The soundtrack also perfectly complements the visuals. You will feel the adrenaline while fighting various boss due to the atmospheric soundtrack.
If you are in to platforming then you should definitely try Pepper Grinder. Within few days of release, it is already overwhelmed with pile of positive reviews. Pepper Grinder is on its way to become one of the indie gems.