The HD-2D visuals seen in Octopath Traveler and the Dragon Quest remakes have so far been reserved for turn-based RPGs featuring party systems. However, this is about to change with The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales.
This classic action-adventure game features the familiar mix of real-time combat, exploration and puzzle-solving, much like the classic 2D gameplay formula of The Legend of Zelda, Secret of Mana or Mystic Quest. It is set in the fantastical world of Philabieldia, a savage land overrun by fierce beasts. After a mysterious set of ruins is discovered just beyond the protective walls of the Kingdom of Huther — humanity's last refuge — a young adventurer named Elliot and his fairy companion Faie embark on a journey that will unfold across four different eras, depicting the land through various ages. These four ages are the Age of Safekeeping (the present), the Age of Reconstruction (the Dark Ages), the Age of Magic (a golden age) and the Age of Budding (the birth of civilisation); although the differences between the maps could have been even greater.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales © Square Enix
Elliot and Faie journey through a world teeming with enemies, hidden caves and ancient ruins. He can wield seven types of weapon, ranging from close-quarters swords to versatile chains and sickles that can reel in enemies. Each weapon can be customised using magicite, enabling players to adapt their combat style. Faie's fairy actions are useful in and out of battle: she can attack enemies, retrieve hard-to-reach items, and assist with exploration and platforming. Faie's abilities can also be highly synergistic with Elliot's attacks. In co-op mode, a second player can control Faie.
Generally speaking, it is worth exploring the different eras of the environment. There are side quests to complete, cats to collect, and stronger versions of the same type of weapon to find. These weapons not only have greater attack power, but stronger special attacks as well. In addition, there are 'Shrines of Life', short challenges which reward players with a Shard of Life upon completion. Collecting four of these shards will give players an extra health point.
There are four difficulty settings: Easy, Normal, Hard and Very Hard. These can be adjusted by visiting a Save Point. Having previously released a demo, Square Enix gathered feedback and incorporated it into the game, including making Elliot's movement speed faster, refining the weapon shortcut menu and adding additional difficulty options.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales © Square Enix
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, developed by Team Asano at Square Enix and Claytechworks, is being published by Square Enix. It is set to launch on 18 June 2026 for the Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam and the Xbox Store. The PC version costs €59.99, while the console editions start at €69.99. For an extra €10, customers can purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition, which includes the Digital Deluxe Edition Pack containing the Fairy Bangle, Cherry Blossom Anklet and Roselle Ring accessories. A Collector's Edition is also available directly from the Square Enix store for €239.99.
It's about time! For the first time, the stunning HD-2D pixel art style is combined with real-time combat and action-adventure elements. It doesn't reinvent the wheel — nor does it need to. Instead, it draws on well-established action-adventure elements and combines them with a surprisingly strong narrative and stunning visuals.
