Since “Octopath Traveller” came out in 2018, publisher Square Enix has made a name for itself with the numerous “HD-2D” games. These are the games that have the retro pixel artwork that was a feature of the games of the Super Nintendo/Sega Genesis era. Most of the recent Square Enix games in the “HD-2D” style are designed to be RPGs (like Octopath Traveler, crafted in the style of Final Fantasy or Dragon Quest), while some are tactical RPGs (like Triangle Strategy, which was done in the style of Final Fantasy Tactics or Tactics Ogre). Now with their latest game, Square Enix has set it’s sights on attempting a HD-2D action-adventure game, in the style of top-down “Legend of Zelda” games!
Titled The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, the new game from Square Enix’s “Team Asano” was first revealed at last July’s Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase, but it was clear from the first trailer this game was a tribute to Nintendo’s Legend of Zelda franchise. Now a new trailer has been revealed, and with it, Team Asano isn’t attempting to hide the Zelda influences – instead, they seem to be reveling in them! Not only does the game have the top-down action mechanics of many Zelda games, the plot also has a time travel mechanic (ala “Ocarina of Time”), and Elliot himself seems to have a fairy sidekick! As long as the fairy doesn’t shout “Hey!” and “Listen!” every 2 minutes, it should work.
The new trailer also revealed the game is out as soon as next month! Here’s the trailer:
Alongside the new trailer, Square Enix shared the following game description:
“A brand-new action RPG from the creators of OCTOPATH TRAVELER and BRAVELY DEFAULT – The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales combines stunning HD-2D visuals and exciting action-adventure gameplay for the first time! In a corner of a continent overrun with beast tribes, the Kingdom of Huther is humanity’s sole bastion, kept safe by a magic barrier.
After the discovery of heretofore unknown ruins, the adventurer Elliot and his fairy sidekick Faie brave the dangers outside the kingdom on a journey across four ages to fulfill a thousand-year mission. Open new paths as you explore this untamed continent and reveal the world’s mysterious history. Enjoy intuitive and rewarding action-based battle with a healthy dose of strategic support abilities from a fairy. Herein are intertwined the fates of one adventurer and one fairy. It is time to unravel the threads of history.”
Are you looking forward to Square Enix’s tribute to Zelda? “The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales” launches on June 18th, 2026, and is coming to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
