Square Enix’s Next HD-2D RPG Is a Must-Play for Zelda Fans

When it comes to action games, The Legend of Zelda is among the best and most well-known. Exploring mysterious ruins, solving puzzles, discovering hidden secrets, and slowly uncovering the history of a world that never gets old to me. Even now, after decades of playing RPGs and action games, I still consider Nintendo’s flagship series at the pinnacle, but with its releases few and far between, I’ve looked elsewhere over the years. Many developers have tried their hand at it, but it is Square Enix’s upcoming brand new HD-2D IP that I am most excited for.

The demo for The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales instantly hooked me. It combines gorgeous visuals from the team behind Octopath Traveler with action-focused combat, puzzle solving, exploration, and time-traveling storytelling. Even better, Square Enix has already shown it is listening to feedback from the demo, which gives me confidence that this could become one of the best action RPGs the publisher has released in years and the perfect title for Zelda fans like me when it launches on June 18th.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Is An HD-2D Zelda Delight

The first thing that grabbed me about The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales was its presentation. Square Enix’s HD-2D style has quickly become one of my favorites thanks to Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy, and Dragon Quest. Seeing it in a full action adventure RPG feels fresh and like the next step. The environments are layered with detail, lighting effects are stunning, and every location has a handcrafted feel that immediately pulls me in.

What surprised me most was how much the game reminded me of classic Zelda exploration. The structure feels built around discovery rather than simply moving from one objective marker to another. I found myself checking corners of maps, experimenting with mechanics, and trying to figure out how different abilities interacted with the world around me.

The fairy companion Faie plays a huge role in this. Her support magic is not just useful in combat. It also helps solve environmental puzzles and navigate obstacles throughout the world. That dynamic instantly brought to mind companion systems seen throughout Zelda history, especially games where tools and abilities gradually expand how you interact with the environment. Square Enix couldn’t have picked a companion more like Navi if they tried.

Combat also feels satisfying in a way I was not expecting. Elliot can equip two weapons at once, allowing you to switch between different styles during battles. The variety already feels promising in the demo alone. I especially liked experimenting with weapon combinations while using Faie’s abilities to control crowds and create openings, and I cannot wait to see how this is expanded in the full release.

The Time Traveling Story Has Huge Potential

One of the most interesting aspects of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is its focus on traveling across four different ages of history. That premise immediately creates opportunities for strong storytelling and worldbuilding, especially because every era seems drastically different from the others. It immediately reminded me of Chrono Trigger, one of the best JRPGs ever made, which also featured a focus on time traveling to different eras.

The setup revolves around Elliot and Faie trying to lift a curse placed on Princess Heuria by traveling through the Doorway of Time. The journey takes players through multiple ages, from humanity’s prosperous magical era to periods where civilization is struggling to survive. I love stories built around seeing how the same world changes over time, and this game appears to lean heavily into that concept.

I also appreciate that the narrative feels more personal than many modern fantasy games. Rather than focusing entirely on massive world-ending stakes, the story seems centered on Elliot’s journey and relationships. That smaller-scale emotional focus often works best in adventure games because it makes the world feel more grounded and memorable. That said, Elliot and Faie’s journey ties into the larger picture, satisfying both angles.

Square Enix Is Taking Player Feedback To Heart

One of the biggest reasons I am optimistic about The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is how Square Enix has handled player feedback. After the demo was launched, many players discussed issues related to pacing, controls, and combat responsiveness. Instead of ignoring those concerns, the development team openly acknowledged them and confirmed adjustments were being made. This communication matters and has me hopeful for launch day.

The response to the demo itself has also been largely positive. Many players praised the visuals, music, exploration, and overall atmosphere. The comparisons to Zelda are impossible to ignore, but the game still feels like it has its own identity thanks to the HD-2D presentation and Square Enix-style storytelling. My own time with the demo left me eagerly awaiting The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales and already looking to the future.

Square Enix has spent years refining the HD-2D formula, but most of those games have been turn-based RPGs. Combining action-adventure gameplay with HD-2D visuals opens the door for entirely new kinds of experiences. I genuinely think this could become one of the standout RPGs of the year if the full release delivers on what the demo promises. It already has the atmosphere, gameplay systems, and narrative setup needed to stand out in a crowded genre, especially when we haven’t seen a traditional 2D Zelda in ages.

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