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

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The Legend of Zelda is one of the most popular and highly regarded action game series ever made. I love exploring its intriguing worlds, figuring out puzzles, finding hidden items, and learning about its rich history – even after playing countless RPGs and action games over the years, it remains my favorite. However, since new Zelda games don’t come out often, I’ve been searching for similar experiences. While many developers have tried to capture that magic, I’m most excited about the upcoming HD-2D game from Square Enix.

I was immediately captivated by the demo for The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales. It’s a fantastic blend of beautiful graphics – the same team that created Octopath Traveler is behind it – and exciting gameplay. You’ll find fast-paced combat, intriguing puzzles, exploration, and a story that involves time travel. What’s really promising is that Square Enix is already responding to player feedback, making me hopeful this will be one of their best action RPGs in a long time. If you’re a fan of The Legend of Zelda, this game, launching June 18th, looks like a must-play.

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

I was immediately struck by how beautiful The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales looks. I’ve become a huge fan of Square Enix’s HD-2D style ever since Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy, and the newer Dragon Quest games – it’s just gorgeous! Seeing it used in a fast-paced action RPG feels like a really exciting evolution. The environments are so detailed and rich, the lighting is incredible, and everything feels lovingly hand-made, which really draws you into the world.

I was really struck by how much this game felt like the classic Zelda games, especially when it came to exploring. It doesn’t just push you from point A to point B; it encourages you to really discover things. I spent a lot of time looking around every nook and cranny, trying out different ways to use the game’s features, and seeing how my abilities affected the world.

Faie, the fairy who accompanies you, is incredibly helpful. She doesn’t just assist in battles; her magic also lets you solve puzzles and overcome challenges in the world around you. This immediately reminded me of the companion characters in past Zelda games, particularly how those companions gradually unlock new ways to interact with the environment. Square Enix really captured the feel of Navi with this companion.

The combat system is surprisingly fun! You control Elliot, who can wield two weapons at the same time, letting you switch between fighting styles on the fly. Even in the demo, there’s a good amount of variety. I really enjoyed trying out different weapon pairings and using Faie’s powers to manage enemies and create opportunities – I’m excited to see how much deeper this gets in the finished game.

The Time Traveling Story Has Huge Potential

A really compelling part of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is its exploration of travel through four distinct historical periods. This setup allows for fantastic storytelling and detailed world-building, as each era feels uniquely different. It strongly evokes memories of Chrono Trigger, a classic JRPG also known for its time-traveling adventures across various eras.

I’m really excited about the story in this game! It follows Elliot and Faie as they try to break a curse on Princess Heuria by going through the Doorway of Time. What I love is that it’s not just a simple trip – they’re traveling to different periods in history, seeing the world when magic was thriving and also when people were just trying to survive. It seems like the game really focuses on how the world evolves, and that’s exactly the kind of story I enjoy.

What I especially liked was how personal the story felt, unlike many fantasy games today. It didn’t just focus on huge, world-threatening events; instead, it centered on Elliot’s personal journey and the connections he made. This smaller, more emotional focus really works well in adventure games, making the world feel more realistic and easier to remember. Luckily, Elliot and Faie’s story still connects to the bigger events, giving you the best of both worlds.

Square Enix Is Taking Player Feedback To Heart

I’m really excited about The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales because Square Enix has been great at listening to players. After the demo came out, people shared feedback about the game’s speed, how it felt to control, and how quickly it responded to actions. The developers didn’t dismiss these points – they said they understood and were making changes. That kind of open communication is a really good sign and makes me optimistic about the final game.

Honestly, the demo went down really well with most players! Everyone’s been raving about how the game looks and sounds, and how fun it is to explore. I keep seeing comparisons to Zelda, which is understandable, but it definitely has its own vibe too – that HD-2D style and the way Square Enix tells a story really make it stand out. I played the demo myself, and now I’m super hyped for The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales and can’t wait to see what comes next!

Square Enix has become known for its unique HD-2D style, but it’s mostly used in traditional turn-based role-playing games. By blending this visual style with fast-paced action-adventure gameplay, they’re creating something truly fresh. If the final game lives up to the promise of the demo, this could easily be one of the best RPGs of the year. It already feels special, with a great atmosphere, solid gameplay, and intriguing story – something we haven’t seen much of, particularly since it’s been a long time since a classic 2D Zelda game.

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2026-05-07 17:17