It's definitely a game I shouldn't have been playing at a young age. As it is violent, the death animations on the human enemies are impressive. If a little excessive.
Is it as hard as I remember? Probably not! But it can be unfair! Whilst the game was generous with the extra lives, dying carried a potentially run ending penalty, as you can lose the weapon you are currently using and it reverts back to the pistol which, against bosses, is next to useless.
I have a hastily taken photo of a situation I was in against the final boss, where all I had was the pistol in either weapon slot. This turned that fight into an hour long slog where I was farming lives at a fast pace.
Definitely a fun little game that is worth a play, but be prepared for a fair amount of nonsense after the first few levels!