Grindstone

 Switch
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 4 out of 22

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  1. bl1rt
    May 22, 2021
    6
    The game is pretty addictive, and the visual presentation is really nice. However, if you can get it on mobile, you probably are better off playing it there.

    At its core, the game is a mini-game without much depth, similar to candy crush or minesweeper. A lot of effort has been put into making it seem like it is more, but most of it does not work. There is a ton of gear, and almost all    The game is pretty addictive, and the visual presentation is really nice. However, if you can get it on mobile, you probably are better off playing it there.

    At its core, the game is a mini-game without much depth, similar to candy crush or minesweeper. A lot of effort has been put into making it seem like it is more, but most of it does not work. There is a ton of gear, and almost all of it is flat-out useless. There is a world map, but no branching, so it is only a glorified "next" button. There is an inn, and it becomes tedious pretty much right away, when you have to go back there every time between stages to refill your hearts and repair gear, .
    At some point, the levels increase in difficulty by making it harder to build chains. But it does not feel challenging, just tedious, when you flop around the board without ever really getting things going.

    Seems like a lot of effort was put into all the wrong places. Ironically, I would probably rate the game higher if it was the same game, just without all the dysfunctional fluff. The core mechanics are fun and addictive, and I got a lot of playtime out of it. And it could be a really great game, if the RPG elements worked.

    As of May 2021, the game has a bug, where it does not recognize when you complete a certain type of challenge.

    All in all, buy it on sale if you are really into casual games or look for something to waste time on the train. It's perfect for that.    … Expand
  2. drlowdon
    Oct 10, 2022
    7
    Although Grindstone may at first glance appear to be another match 3 puzzle game, it does actually have a slightly more original premise. Essentially, the player is required to trace a path through monsters of the same colour in order to kill them, once you’ve killed enough enemies the exit to the next level will open. Staying on a level for longer does offer more rewards, but also greaterAlthough Grindstone may at first glance appear to be another match 3 puzzle game, it does actually have a slightly more original premise. Essentially, the player is required to trace a path through monsters of the same colour in order to kill them, once you’ve killed enough enemies the exit to the next level will open. Staying on a level for longer does offer more rewards, but also greater risks as increasing numbers of enemies attack, and this adds a nice risk/reward element to proceedings.

    As you progress through the levels further complications are added, such as more powerful enemies and boulders that block your path, but since the core gameplay remains relatively simplistic, this can’t prevent the game becoming a bit repetitive after a few hours and as such it’s probably best suited to short bursts every now and then.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

8
#8 Best Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Starbit
    Jan 11, 2021
    90
    Grindstone on the Nintendo Switch is a puzzle game with origins in the mobile market, but don't let that deceive you: this is a real gem that will grab players' attention from the very beginning for hours on end, and where everything is delightfully addicting and marvelously executed. Anyone who thinks a game with origins on mobile devices cannot deliver a good experience on the Nintendo Switch should take a good look at Grindstone as soon as possible.
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  2. Nintenderos
    Jan 10, 2021
    90
    In Grindstone, each movement must be planned, taking into account not only the game itself, but the resources that we will obtain for the future, under a constant risk / reward system and all involved in a wonderful and colorful puzzle game. It's a masterpiece of the genre.
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  3. Nintendo Insider
    Jan 5, 2021
    90
    Grindstone is a fantastic puzzler that has well and truly gotten its hooks in me. What usually starts out as plans for a quick five-minute session soon unravels into hours. The wait from Apple Arcade to Nintendo Switch has been worth it, and Grindstone ends 2020 with a bang.
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