The Adventures of Elliot Review: A Perfect Game for Old School Zelda Fans

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As a huge gamer, I’ve always known that games – like any art really – build on what’s been done before. Developers are constantly playing each other’s creations and finding ways to put their own spin on things. Sometimes this leads to similar-feeling games, but when it works, you get something truly special: a game that both honors the classics and brings fresh ideas to the table. And honestly? That’s exactly what The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales does perfectly.

Square Enix has crafted a charming adventure game that feels like a nostalgic throwback to classic titles, particularly early Legend of Zelda games. It excels with its beautiful art style, immersive world, and responsive gameplay that rewards curiosity – whether you’re discovering hidden areas or experimenting with different weapons and spells. Though the story isn’t the strongest part, Adventures of Elliot is a successful game from Square Enix and stands out as one of the most fun adventures released this year.

Review Score: 4.5/5

Pros: Cons:
Terrific art design brings fun depth to the isometric 2.5D game design.  A trope-heavy story isn’t anything special. Basic combat can become repetitive over time.
Strong combat mechanics and solid weapon variety provide players with plenty of options. Basic combat can become repeitive over time.
Strong worldbuilding sets up a natural impulse for exploration that makes the game hard to put down.

A New Hero For A New Age

The Adventures of Elliot feels like a tribute to classic action-adventure games, but with updated gameplay. Players explore a large fantasy world with a fairy companion, and those who enjoy the Zelda series will find many familiar elements. It combines the top-down action of older Zelda titles like A Link to the Past with time travel inspired by Ocarina of Time. The game also features quick challenges in small ruins, similar to the Shrines in Breath of the Wild, and a vast world filled with interesting enemies. These similarities are all positive aspects of the experience.

Adventures of Elliot masterfully blends unique elements to create a game that feels fresh and inspired by classic titles, rather than simply copying them. Its distinctive features – including weapon choices, an isometric perspective, and the helpful abilities of Elliot’s fairy companion, Faie – give the game a lot of personality. Combat is fluid and exciting, and even simple fights remain interesting thanks to a combo system that rewards skillful play with increased rewards. Small details like this encourage players to fully engage in each battle, while a large world filled with secrets provides plenty of motivation for exploration. The ability to travel between different time periods adds even more depth and opens up new areas to discover. Overall, Adventures of Elliot is an ambitious and heartfelt attempt to redefine the top-down adventure genre, and it largely succeeds, delivering a genuine sense of wonder and excitement as you explore the world of Philabieldia.

Adventures Of Elliot Is A Tale As Old As Time

The gameplay in Adventures of Elliot builds nicely on existing games in the genre, but its story doesn’t offer much that feels new. The story and characters aren’t bad – the main cast has a certain appeal, particularly Faie after she joins Elliot as his main companion. However, Elliot himself is a bit predictable; he’s presented as an almost flawless character who goes on a time-traveling adventure, which is a familiar trope for fantasy fans. While there are some unexpected twists later on, many of the characters still feel like stereotypes rather than fully developed individuals.

The game looks and sounds fantastic, with charming pixel art and expressive character portraits during scenes. However, this is where it becomes clear how much Adventures of Elliot borrows from other games – it struggles to feel truly original. It’s not a bad game by any means; newcomers to the genre will likely enjoy it, and veteran players might appreciate its familiar style. But compared to the game’s excellent art and sound, the story feels somewhat ordinary. Elliot is a perfectly playable character, though he isn’t particularly memorable. The story itself is decent, but at times you might find yourself wanting to skip ahead.

An Adventure Well Worth Embarking Upon

Man, action-adventure games have really changed over the years, but it’s cool to see how much room there still is for those classic, top-down adventures. We’ve seen huge, sprawling games like Tears of the Kingdom and Elden Ring really push boundaries, but smaller indie titles like Under the Island and even rogue-likes like Hades II prove there’s still a huge appetite for that old-school style. Adventures of Elliot is what happens when a super experienced team like Square Enix tackles this type of game – the level of polish and detail is just amazing. Honestly, the combat is fantastic, the puzzles are clever, and the whole game just feels like a proper adventure. It’s easily one of the most fun games I’ve played this year.

Despite gentle guidance from the characters, you’ll be eager to explore every corner of Philabieldia. Though limitations on items and time travel prevent complete freedom, the game naturally encourages a fun sense of discovery. Once new areas open up, it’s hard to resist venturing out to uncover challenges and rewards. When the game allows you to roam freely, Adventures of Elliot is a truly enjoyable experience, perfect for both seasoned and new gamers. While many of its elements are familiar, it’s done with enough artistic flair and smart design to feel fresh and worthwhile.

ComicBoom received a PlayStation 5 copy of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales for review.

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2026-06-17 18:11