It’s been a decade, but Volgarr the Viking II is finally here. The good news is that it’s just as brutal as the original indie action game hit. A sequel to 2013’s Viking game, it retains all the hallmarks of the series while pushing it further. It even plays a lot like my fond memories of the original, as I was surprised by the graphical and gameplay upgrades after going back to the first game.

If you’ve never played Volgarr the Viking before, the gameplay is pretty straightforward. You use a shield and sword to slice through enemies while methodically moving through trap-filled levels. It’s reminiscent of classic action games like Ghosts ‘n Goblins and ActRaiser. There are a few advanced maneuvers, like being able to throw spears (perfect for creating the extra platforms you need), but it’s really a game about mastering the basics and staying disciplined throughout your playthrough.

That’s because Volgarr the Viking II is absolutely brutal. Death comes extremely fast. You’re often dealing with multiple enemies at once, and movement is rigid, meaning you’ll need to plan ahead if you want to be successful. However, this is a completely fair game. If you die, it’s because you made a mistake in your approach and execution. It’s ultimately super satisfying to finally finish a level because you put your (virtual) blood, sweat, and tears into it.

If you played the original, you know how punishing the game can be, and the sequel lives up to that high level of challenge. However, the levels are even longer in the sequel, so checkpoints in the form of runestones have been added. These are entirely optional, however, as you can destroy them to earn extra points. That’s not the only way to help players experience the game, though, as using enough continues will unlock an undead version of Volgarr that takes no damage and only dies in pits. You’ll get the worst ending, but it’s a good way to see the game through so you can legitimately finish it.