In 1600s Japan, on the northern island of Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido), a wandering mercenary faces an undefeated duellist on a beach, in a makeshift arena.

Tiny crabs pop in and out of the mud, and crashing waves send towers of spray over glittering rock pools, as they prepare to draw their weapons. For one, the fight holds the key to a valuable secret technique that could help destroy her foes. For the other, the hope that he’s finally found an opponent worthy enough to end his life.

It’s one of my favourite early stories in Ghost of Yotei , Sony’s latest blockbuster PlayStation game. As with most the quests it’s entirely optional, and you can’t guess the scope of it when you start out — you only hear rumours that followers of a legendary swordsman are cutting people down to prove their

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