Since Square Enix introduced the HD-2D visual formula, the style has primarily been associated with turn-based RPGs. From Octopath Traveler to Triangle Strategy and various remakes, the presentation has consistently delivered nostalgic pixel aesthetics enhanced by modern lighting, depth, and cinematic flair.
But The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tale may finally represent the genre’s biggest leap forward yet.
Rather than relying on traditional turn-based systems, this new title pushes HD-2D into full real-time action territory, and the results feel surprisingly fresh.
A Classic Zelda Energy With Modern Square Enix Style
After hands-on time with the game, one thing becomes immediately clear: The Adventures of Elliot feels heavily inspired by classic Zelda adventures, particularly older dungeon-focused entries, while still maintaining Square Enix’s signature visual identity.
Players control Elliot as he explores mystical lands alongside his fairy companion Faie, traveling through time and navigating both puzzle-filled dungeons and expansive outdoor regions.
This structure creates an appealing blend of:
- Dungeon exploration
- Environmental puzzle-solving
- Weapon experimentation
- Boss battles
- World discovery
It’s a familiar formula, but one enhanced by the HD-2D framework in ways that make it feel distinctly modern.
Real-Time Combat Brings New Energy to HD-2D
Perhaps the game’s biggest surprise is how naturally HD-2D adapts to real-time combat.
Elliot’s arsenal includes multiple weapon types, each offering unique combat rhythms:
- Sword for balanced versatility
- Hammer for heavy impact
- Bow for ranged attacks
- Boomerang for utility
- Spear for range-focused offense
The tactile differences between weapons create meaningful combat variety rather than cosmetic swaps.
Additionally, Square Enix’s excellent particle effects and camera feedback, previously seen in Octopath Traveler, translate beautifully here. Powerful hits feel satisfying, weighty, and visually dynamic.
Faie Adds More Than Companion Flavor
Unlike many support companions that simply exist narratively, Faie plays an active gameplay role.
Players can directly control Faie for traversal and puzzle-solving, using her abilities for:
- Teleportation mechanics
- Combat support
- Elemental damage
- Environmental navigation
This creates an additional layer of mechanical complexity that keeps exploration engaging.
While managing both Elliot and Faie can initially feel awkward, the design shows clear ambition in integrating companion systems into active gameplay.
Dungeon Design Feels Comfortingly Familiar
The dungeon demo showcased traditional puzzle mechanics such as mirror-light reflection systems, which may not reinvent the wheel but still provide the satisfying sense of progression associated with classic action-adventure games.
Rather than chasing constant innovation, The Adventures of Elliot appears more focused on executing proven formulas exceptionally well.
That may ultimately work in its favor.
Boss Battles Show Strong Combat Potential
The Great Guardian boss encounter particularly stood out as a highlight.
Facing dual golems with different attack styles required movement, positioning, and weapon awareness, creating a challenge that felt fair while demanding player attention.
This suggests that future boss encounters may become one of the title’s strongest assets.
Open World Scope Looks Surprisingly Large
Once outside the initial dungeon, the world map hints at a much broader experience than expected.
Diverse environments including:
- Lush forests
- Tundras
- Volcanic regions
- Elevated landscapes
all suggest that The Adventures of Elliot may offer a more expansive adventure than its retro-inspired presentation initially implies.
Why This Could Be a Major Step for HD-2D
If Square Enix succeeds here, The Adventures of Elliot may prove that HD-2D is not limited to turn-based RPGs.
Instead, it could evolve into a broader design framework capable of supporting:
- Action-adventure titles
- Exploration-heavy RPGs
- Puzzle experiences
- New IP experimentation
That possibility alone makes this release particularly important for Square Enix’s future creative direction.
Early Outlook
Based on current impressions, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tale looks like one of the most promising reinventions of Square Enix’s HD-2D formula to date.
By blending nostalgic adventure design with polished real-time combat and gorgeous visual presentation, the game feels less like a simple stylistic experiment and more like a meaningful evolution.
If the final product maintains this level of quality across its full scope, The Adventures of Elliot could easily become one of 2026’s standout action-adventure surprises.
The full release launches June 18 for PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S.
