Pepper Grinder is a game about drilling, but it isn’t a mining game or a sim; it’s 2D Side-Scrolling Platforming at its best. I had the chance to revisit the island after my previous outing in August 2023 of the upcoming title from Ahr Ech and publisher Devolver Digital, which has added even more to look forward to on release.

Washing up on the shores of an unknown island, blue-haired pixellated adventurer Pepper happens upon a good stash of loot. Within moments, though, strange creatures and their head honcho swiftly steal the treasures away. During an unfortunate fall, Pepper grabs a conveniently placed drill, which she will need to traverse the hostile environments she’s set to face.

Grinder, the faithful piece of hardware that joins Pepper on her adventure, is an all-around master tool for getting ahead. It can dig through rock, propel through water and, most importantly, whizz through various terrains. Platforming is all momentum-driven by the drill, and it’s oh-so enjoyable.

It doesn’t take long to get a feel for how to get around – it feels very satisfying. I was speeding through sand and leaping from surface to surface in no time.

Grinder can be weaponised to cut through enemies, including the narwhal-like crew, the “Narlings, ” ladybugs (surprisingly annoying), and whatever else crosses the drill’s path. Mowing them down and hearing the buzz of the drill as it smashes through all in its path is an experience I didn’t know I needed until now. Lastly, the tool is ideal for unearthing loot and activating mechanisms to get ahead. It is crucial for solving tricky environmental obstacles.

Pepper Grinder is cute, colourful and in a modernised pixellated art style that’s fresh, fun, and funky. The three stages of the preview felt distinct from the last, from underground mines, tropical ruins, and a rocky outcrop during a rainstorm. Each level brings new obstacles to overcome, keeping the pace lively throughout. Chuck in some lo-fi pop tracks that slap hard alongside the super addictive gameplay.

The preview delves into World 1, Levels 1-3; while it’s a short hike along the beaten path, it’s insanely enjoyable. I had the privilege of being a part of the first preview back in August and have been craving more ever since, so it was with great joy I could dive back in with some extra goodies added.

There’s a shop where Pepper can chuck all the loot found in the field into a Gatcha Machine. The vending machines shoot out extra health to aid Pepper’s journey and stickers to add to the new sticker book that players can decorate as they see fit. I’m a sucker for collectables, add in a Gatcha machine and some mystery, and I’m sold.

The addition of Time Attack Mode really pushes platforming skills. As with any attack, the goal is to get through stages as fast as possible, hopefully unscathed. For the swift, if victorious, there’s the chance of some lovely prizes, including stickers and possibly upgrades.

Pepper Grinder is doing 2D platforming right. I already know the drill for playing and I’m so keen to experience everything the game offers when it comes to PC and Switch sometime in 2024.

Written by: Yasmin Noble