Pepper Grinder

A short but sweet slice of propulsive platforming action, Pepper Grinder is all driller and no filler.

Pepper Grinder is a brief but frenzied platformer that finds myriad ways to build around its inventive central hook.

Chug through the earth and navigate ingenious levels in this terrific platformer.

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

Pepper Grinder is an innovative indie experience, packed with tense battles, fluid platforming, and eye-catching visual design. While its short runtime left me wanting more, I'm happy with what it is: a bright action platformer that's anything but a grind.

Stuffed with great ideas and visual pizazz, Pepper Grinder is a sparky little platformer that's over all too soon.

Coming in at an immensely satisfying runtime of about four hours, Pepper Grinder is ultimately a wonderful little platformer to spend an evening or afternoon on. Even now, I (who almost never revisits a game, let alone one I’m reviewing) have booted it back up to dive into one of its bite-sized levels because of how great it feels to just move in it. To dig. To drill. I’m not likely to tackle one of Pepper Grinder’s action-focused levels again, save for the grand finale maybe, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot it doesn’t get right. I just wish there was more of what worked to go around.

Pepper Grinder's look is also really sprightly (pun intended): its pixel art is simple and well-executed, with occasionally characterful animations, and the whole thing's backed by a funky soundtrack. This might not be the most substantial of platformers, but it's a spirited entry.

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).

Pepper Grinder is a digestible adventure that can be completed in about six hours. While there is some replay value to be had, the short runtime helps ensure the game does not overstay its welcome, making it perfect for those looking to play a satisfying platformer in manageable doses. Despite its brevity, the fluid mobility provided by the drilling mechanic and overall frenetic gameplay make for an engaging retro romp that will likely tunnel its way straight to your heart.