Square Enix Embraces HD-2D Action RPG Innovation With The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales

Square Enix is setting a new course for its renowned HD-2D visual style with the highly anticipated release of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, the company's first HD-2D action RPG.

Making its debut for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the title represents a major step forward in genre exploration for the publisher and its development partners, marking a departure from the turn-based gameplay that has defined its previous HD-2D successes such as Octopath Traveler and Triangle Strategy. The HD-2D series by Square Enix first captured audiences with Octopath Traveler, which launched at the dawn of the Nintendo Switch era.

The distinct art style, characterized by modern visual effects blended with pixel art, quickly became an industry favorite, and Square Enix continued its innovation through different genres, later releasing Triangle Strategy as a tactical RPG.

However, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales breaks new ground for Square Enix, venturing into the action RPG domain for the first time using HD-2D technology. In a recent interview, Tomoya Asano, responsible for concept and planning on the project, discussed the motivation behind this bold creative move.

Asano explained that as the HD-2D series matured, the team was eager to diversify their portfolio by embracing new genres.

"Our journey began with a classic RPG in Octopath Traveler, then expanded into strategy with Triangle Strategy," Asano shared.

"We considered the logical next step and identified the action RPG genre as an exciting new challenge for our team." Asano emphasized the team's dual ambitions: to captivate both longstanding fans of Square Enix's HD-2D games, such as Bravely Default, Octopath Traveler, and Triangle Strategy, and also to connect with a broader audience of action RPG enthusiasts.

"We hope to create an experience that not only pleases our existing fanbase but also draws in new players seeking something fresh in the action RPG space," he commented. The development of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is being led by Clay Tech Works, the studio previously known for its work on Bravely Default II.

Following the completion of that project, Clay Tech Works joined this new venture, and development has been ongoing for several years. A distinct aspect of the new title is its focus on a single protagonist, Elliot.

Square Enix has dedicated significant effort to crafting this character, ensuring depth and appeal that will resonate with players throughout the game’s narrative.

This approach contrasts with Octopath Traveler’s multi-protagonist format, further highlighting The Adventures of Elliot’s unique identity within the HD-2D lineup. The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is scheduled for release in 2026 on the Nintendo Switch 2, with a playable demo already available for eager fans on the eShop.

This marks another exciting chapter in Square Enix's HD-2D journey, as the company continues to push artistic and gameplay boundaries on Nintendo’s upcoming hardware.

For continued updates on the Nintendo Switch 2 and more about Square Enix’s next titles, stay tuned to our latest coverage.

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