Pepper Grinder: Nintendo Switch Review

Developed by Ahr Ech
Published by Devolver Digital
Platform: Nintendo Switch

A drill, a pirate, and some platforming shenanigans, Pepper Grinder offers a very simple mix to players looking for a bit of handheld gaming that's brief on duration and high on concentration.

Simply using a drilling device to take on various challenges and threats, Pepper's quest to recapture her treasure sees her taking to the air, drilling through soft sand and taking on threats in a 2D adventure.

Whilst it initially seems simple in terms of its mechanics, adding in the need to simply sit back and play, the game's desire to hide away some of its more ingenious elements soon comes to the fore, and hidden areas and treasures soon make up a large part of what transpires.

It's not always the easiest to navigate Pepper around, but the game is all about timing and the need to grind when necessary to reach higher echelons. Building momentum takes effort, but the result of seeing Pepper soaring through the air to her target and her treasure makes it worthwhile.

Pepper Grinder is the kind of game that does feel short even with its runtime, and packs in as many fun elements as it can before it runs out. It may not suit everyone thanks to a requirement for nimble quick-thinking, but it is a breezy light blast of a game that shows not every idea needs to be bigger than you'd imagine.