One of this console generation’s toughest and most hardcore gothic RPG is getting a sequel and a makeover that would make Guilty Gear Xrd proud.

Developer Red Hook Studios’ Darkest Dungeon 2 will be out in 2021 in Early Access form on the -wait for it- Epic Games Store. Check out the 2D/3D art style tease below.

Here is the company’s official statement regarding the art change (via PC Gamer):

“Our familiar companions band together for another journey into oblivion—this time in stylized 3D. “In fact, this teaser was captured straight out of Unity, and uses the in-game character models and rendering techniques from the game itself. With a refined combat system and a whole new metagame, Darkest Dungeon 2 is packed with fresh monsters, bosses, and challenges.

[The new game will show] a glimpse of the supernatural apocalypse twisting and distorting the world beyond the estate. Our combat system is making a return, but we’re giving it a significant tune-up—mechanically, and in terms of presentation. Most significantly, however, we are working with a completely different metagame structure. Darkest Dungeon 2 is a game about enduring a gruelling journey, not cleaning up your backyard.”

I’m so glad they’re still keeping true to their word in f***ing over players with their brand of randomized dungeon crawling action. If you haven’t played the first Darkest Dungeon, now’s the time to do so and experience what it means to go through turn-based hell ala X-COM.