The Rehnland Sledgeworm is so called due to a propensity to slam its huge head into the ground to flatten would-be hunters or prey. The particular specimen we’ve elected to fight probably sees us as both. If the hard crown of this behemoth is of grave concern, though, we also need to beware its telekinetic powers – it can create and detonate spheres of energy around its body, or uproot trees and boulders and send them hurtling in our direction. We hold our distance and seek sturdy cover, as the contest circles around an expanse of wetland and ruins, bringing us into the orbit of smaller monsters that take exception to the intrusion. We puncture the creature’s softer parts with flaming arrows, bind its legs with ice, then run in to hack away at the feet. Finally, we mount its back and slash and stab as it bucks and stomps. Its health bar empties. The rubbery beast lies dead.

In such sequences, Eternal Strands is Shadow Of The Colossus, Monster Hunter and Breath Of The Wild in one – an all the more remarkable thing to write given the relative modesty of its production values. Yellow Brick has made it easy to do a lot of things here. Sure, you can beat opponents with a sword and shield, but it’s usually more fun and efficient to get creative with magic and an environment that will freeze or burn or explode with the mildest provocation. In exploring, too, it’s worth remembering that all but the strongest structures have their breaking point: doors that bar your way can be obliterated, rocks smashed, wooden walkways splintered. Right down to bushes, everything spews out little RPG damage numbers when attacked.