Platform(s): PC (version reviewed), Nintendo Switch
Genre: 2D action platformer with a drill

There is nothing more masterful and beautiful than witnessing a perfect video game speedrun, much less performing it after much trial and error, and loads of practice. Pepper Grinder, the latest 2D pixel graphics action game from publisher Devolver Digital and developer Ahr Ech, will most likely be in the echelons of games where beating it as fast as possible is the true objective, not so much completing the game the first time around.

Drill Bits

And even if you’re not into the 2D game speedrunning business, you’ll still have a blast with Pepper Grinder. See, our titular heroine Pepper has access to a drill, which allows her to tunnel through dirt and the ground super-fast like a dolphin in water. She can even leap out of the dirt she tunneled through really high, and even can perform a simple boost while drilling. Whatever she drills through -dirt, gemstone craters, bad guys- will get bored and destroyed. Imagine Sonic The Hedgehog but instead of running, it’s tunneling and drilling. Every level in the game has a gimmick on how Pepper traverses, be it dirt and clops of the ground strategically placed as platforms to trapdoors that can only be opened from the side you’re drilling from. My favourite segments involve drilling through falling ice floes while avoiding the pitfall below and the enemies blocking my drilling path.

She can also latch onto grapple points to either swing or grab onto ledges, as well as activate spinning contraptions with her drill. These include cannons that launch her out to the sky to miniguns that shred enemies in her path. So not only does Pepper has to do 2D speed-based platforming, she also has to do Donkey Kong-esque barrel-blasting and Contra-like shooting enemies down. Pepper Grinder is a good mix of these action segments but is still fundamentally about drilling fast. Besides, these segments do not overstay their welcome and are a great change of pace. I am particularly fond of the bits where I use a snowmobile to careen through the ice floors, and pilot a mech to destroy buildings blocking my path.

Piercing The Heavens?

Long story short: all of it is a blast! Part of it is the adorable art style and some nice music, but it’s mostly due to the easy and spot-on controls. True, you have to get the hang of the turning speed and cornering of the drill as some levels have you making tight turns away from minefields and underground hazards, but that’s part of the lesson you need to learn to get good in Pepper Grinder. And I like I mentioned earlier: just because you finished the level doesn’t mean you mastered it. There are 5 skull tokens in each level you’re in, as well as bonus levels with tougher challenges and a set time to beat. It’s not really mandatory, but they are worth playing through if you want to get more out of what you paid for this indie title.

That’s because the main game is pretty short: you’ll most likely be done with Pepper Grind and its brand of drilling action after an afternoon of trial-and-error and playing. Still, that’s the only flaw I can find with this gem of a 2D title because everything about it screams charming and oozes personality and replayability. With great controls, a decent learning curve, and fun levels and lovely aesthetics, Pepper Grinder fills in the short-but-sweet arcade gaming niche that we love out of a twitch-based indie offering. Drill out!

Final Score: 90/100

Review copy provided by publisher.