Square Enix and Claytechworks' The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales applies the publisher’s HD-2D visual style to a top-down action-adventure framework on Nintendo hardware.
Previously, Square Enix used HD-2D primarily for turn-based RPGs; this release adapts the aesthetic to a Zelda-style exploration game with dungeons, overworld secrets, and an emphasis on item-driven progression.
Gameplay and narrative
The Adventures of Elliot places players in the role of Elliot, an adventurer from the kingdom of Huther on the continent of Philabieldia.
Tasked by the king to investigate ruins, Elliot discovers a portal that allows travel across four key ages.
The campaign blends a lengthy prologue of cutscenes and tutorials with open exploration moments that echo classic 2D top-down action-adventure design: a branching map, hidden chests, and dungeon-based upgrades to health and gear.
Journalistic restatement of notable claims
Reporters note that Square Enix’s HD-2D approach is being used in an action title for the first time, shifting from its prior focus on turn-based RPGs to a live-action, top-down adventure format.
Review coverage highlights the game’s clear inspirations from classic Zelda entries while acknowledging the developer’s effort to build its own identity through distinct mechanics and modern touches.
Combat, companions, and progression
Elliot’s kit includes seven upgradable weapons—sword, bow, hammer, boomerang, bombs, spear, and chain-and-sickle—and a shortcut wheel for quick inventory access.
The companion Faei, controlled via the right thumbstick or a co-op partner, provides abilities such as Ignite, Sprint, Warp, Vacuum, and Copy; many abilities scale through shrine upgrades.
The game implements a revive system that costs in-game currency (tul), doubling the cost after each death until a checkpoint is reached.
The Magicite system provides passive gear modifiers; abilities are obtained through a randomized shop mechanic that can be upgraded by spending fragments earned from bosses and chests.
Review coverage flags this gacha-like element as mechanically divisive, particularly when duplicate Magicite drops convert to low-value fragments.
Design, pacing, and technical performance
Reviewers praise the HD-2D presentation—color, particle effects, and the blend of 2D/3D elements—especially on Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
The Switch 2 build targets 60 frames per second but does not always maintain that target in crowded overworld areas; occasional traversal stutter was reported even after lowering graphical presets.
Dungeon design, boss encounters, and platforming puzzles earned consistent praise, while map reuse across multiple eras and recurring enemy types drew criticism for diminishing late-game exploration rewards.
Final assessment
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is regarded as a heartfelt, competent first attempt to translate HD-2D into action-adventure design.
Strengths include polished combat weight, strong dungeon and boss design, and a compelling companion system.
Weaknesses center on map and enemy reuse and a Magicite acquisition model that can blunt discovery-driven rewards.
The reviewer’s playthrough totaled approximately 27 hours, and the game received a 7/10 overall score.
Version tested: Nintendo Switch 2.
Review copy provided by Square Enix.
Previously, Square Enix used HD-2D primarily for turn-based RPGs; this release adapts the aesthetic to a Zelda-style exploration game with dungeons, overworld secrets, and an emphasis on item-driven progression.
Gameplay and narrative
The Adventures of Elliot places players in the role of Elliot, an adventurer from the kingdom of Huther on the continent of Philabieldia.
Tasked by the king to investigate ruins, Elliot discovers a portal that allows travel across four key ages.
The campaign blends a lengthy prologue of cutscenes and tutorials with open exploration moments that echo classic 2D top-down action-adventure design: a branching map, hidden chests, and dungeon-based upgrades to health and gear.
Journalistic restatement of notable claims
Reporters note that Square Enix’s HD-2D approach is being used in an action title for the first time, shifting from its prior focus on turn-based RPGs to a live-action, top-down adventure format.
Review coverage highlights the game’s clear inspirations from classic Zelda entries while acknowledging the developer’s effort to build its own identity through distinct mechanics and modern touches.
Combat, companions, and progression
Elliot’s kit includes seven upgradable weapons—sword, bow, hammer, boomerang, bombs, spear, and chain-and-sickle—and a shortcut wheel for quick inventory access.
The companion Faei, controlled via the right thumbstick or a co-op partner, provides abilities such as Ignite, Sprint, Warp, Vacuum, and Copy; many abilities scale through shrine upgrades.
The game implements a revive system that costs in-game currency (tul), doubling the cost after each death until a checkpoint is reached.
The Magicite system provides passive gear modifiers; abilities are obtained through a randomized shop mechanic that can be upgraded by spending fragments earned from bosses and chests.
Review coverage flags this gacha-like element as mechanically divisive, particularly when duplicate Magicite drops convert to low-value fragments.
Design, pacing, and technical performance
Reviewers praise the HD-2D presentation—color, particle effects, and the blend of 2D/3D elements—especially on Nintendo Switch 2 hardware.
The Switch 2 build targets 60 frames per second but does not always maintain that target in crowded overworld areas; occasional traversal stutter was reported even after lowering graphical presets.
Dungeon design, boss encounters, and platforming puzzles earned consistent praise, while map reuse across multiple eras and recurring enemy types drew criticism for diminishing late-game exploration rewards.
Final assessment
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is regarded as a heartfelt, competent first attempt to translate HD-2D into action-adventure design.
Strengths include polished combat weight, strong dungeon and boss design, and a compelling companion system.
Weaknesses center on map and enemy reuse and a Magicite acquisition model that can blunt discovery-driven rewards.
The reviewer’s playthrough totaled approximately 27 hours, and the game received a 7/10 overall score.
Version tested: Nintendo Switch 2.
Review copy provided by Square Enix.