Episode 1 of Telltale Game’s second Walking Dead season is a nail-biter. Shocking, horrific, tragic, spellbinding ~ these are just a few of the words that justly define the universe of The Walking Dead, whether it’s the comic or television show. But who would have ever guessed they could define a video game?

Telltale Games’ 2012 game based on creator Robert Kirkman’s ever-growing zombie apocalypse was a massive success, both critically and commercially, capitalizing on the zeitgeist and fanfare of the show. Released episode by episode in what ultimately constituted as a full season ~ much like a television series ~ the continuous releases had gamers hooked. Since everyone from your dog to your grandmother has heard about The Walking Dead, I expected Telltale Games to mail it in for an easy payday, but the company didn’t, and it continues to push the envelope with Episode 1 of Season 2.

What made Season 1 such a unique and memorable experience is that, unlike most games, the player has the ability to choose how to respond and interact with the other characters, making choices and decisions that factor into how the story unfolds. Different decisions lead to different outcomes, so the story could vary dramatically each time you played, leading to hours of replay potential. Season 2 continues this approach and swiftly builds off of your Season 1 choices and consequences, automatically searching your saved information for a Season 1 file to help create a seamless story thread. Don’t worry, though, you don’t have to play Season 1 to enjoy season two; past choices will be randomly selected for you and carried over if you don’t have any saved.

In “All That Remains,” the premiere episode of the new season, we immediately pick up where Season 1 left off, with our hero, the little girl Clementine. Fighting to survive in a world running wild with walkers isn’t an easy task for anyone, let alone a child, but Clementine holds her own and forges on after her loss and pain in Season 1.

Much like in the television show and comic book, the undead serve as the catalyst for conflict amongst the living in the video game. Someone you believe you can trust one minute might turn his back on you the next if it will prevent him from becoming walker food. The characters will remember what you choose to say to them, too, so you need to tread lightly when interacting and making decisions. If you tell a lie, it might come back later to bite you ~ literally. In Episode 1, Clementine has to deal with both living and un-living monsters.

In true Walking Dead fashion, Episode 1 of Season 2 is a rollercoaster ride full of gut-wrenching gore and poignant reflection. It’s engaging in its subtlety, while throwing jaw-dropping surprises at you. In a game like this, the care that goes into the craft shines brightly and transcends the medium. If this first episode is any indication of the following four, then we’re in store for another memorable season.

To download Episode 1 of Season 2, visit telltalegames.com/walkingdead.