On November 9, 2022, Devolver Digital dropped an official reveal trailer for the indie game Pepper Grinder. Developed by Ahr Ech with music by XEECEE, the game centers around navigating environments using a drill mechanic that players may be familiar with thanks to games like Sonic Colors and the Ori series. However, Pepper Grinder has expanded the concept into a full-fledged action platformer that is sure to be one of Devolver Digital's big indie highlights of 2023.
While some players may have preconceptions about digging mechanics from indie games like Shovel Knight Dig, Pepper Grinder is quite different. Its drill gameplay involves navigating limited patches of drillable earth in order to avoid obstacles and obtain loot. What makes movement more complex is that the player can only stop moving once they've popped back out of the ground. The result is dynamic movement reminiscent of an endless runner game that rewards careful planning and quick adjustments.
What Sets Pepper Grinder Apart
In games like Ori and Sonic Colors, drill mechanics have served more as a temporary diversion from the primary gameplay. Pepper Grinder's trailer makes it clear that drill gameplay has far more fun to offer players than previous titles have explored. In addition to drilling around the world, players will be able to control various machines, stock up on loot to upgrade their abilities, and switch between drill bits to solve puzzles and unlock new areas.
Pepper Grinder's environmental art and boss designs are reminiscent of 2018's Iconoclasts, another indie action platformer by Joakim Sandberg. Iconoclasts was a highly story-driven experience, but it is currently unclear how important narrative will be in Pepper Grinder.
Analyzing Pepper Grinder's Trailer
The game's reveal trailer was entirely focused around gameplay mechanics, but there is some information about the game's story on Devolver Digital's website. Pepper Grinder's "action-packed pirate adventure" follows its titular protagonist Pepper and her high-powered drill named Grinder on a quest to reclaim a stolen pirate treasure. The limited glimpse of boss encounters from the trailer also shows how players will need to carefully maneuver in confined spaces to dodge attacks and strike at enemy weak points.
Pepper Grinder will not just have players weaving past underground obstacles, but mastering momentum-based, high-speed platforming that is somewhat similar to another indie darling, Celeste. Players will be asked to maximize their speed by leaping between patches of drillable earth while searching for the optimal route through areas. The fluid movement mechanics are sure to make for an excellent experience for speedrunners and casual players alike.
As drilling appears to be the primary way players will traverse the game world, it will be exciting to see just how complex the drill mechanic can become. Switching between various machines and drill bits will add notable variations for combat and movement. It is not entirely clear how these multiple drill bits will play a role in gameplay (the trailer briefly shows a grappling hook-style movement option), but there will likely be dynamic options for players to explore.
Complementing the fast-paced gameplay will be a score from composer XEECEE (developer of the upcoming visual novel Misericorde), whose head-banging drum and bass track in the trailer indicates Pepper Grinder's soundtrack may be one to watch out for. Given the pirate themes of Pepper Grinder, it could be interesting to see a fusion of old-fashioned sea shanties with the driving beat of the trailer's music. As a primarily solo-development project, Pepper Grinder's unique gameplay and beautiful art direction are more than enough reason to keep an eye out for its official release next year.
Pepper Grinder is set to release in 2023 on PC and Switch.