If you grew up during the NES era, you likely have a love-hate relationship with “Nintendo Hard” games. You remember the stiff jumps of Castlevania, the frantic pace of Ninja Gaiden, and the rewarding (if brutal) feeling of finally conquering a level after fifty tries.

Lillymo Games’ latest title, Saint Slayer: Spear of Sacrilege, is a blood-soaked love letter to those exact feelings. After spending some time with it on Xbox, I can safely say it’s one of the most authentic—and challenging—retro throwbacks in recent years.