The latest HD-2D title from Square-Enix is The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, and its launch could not have been better timed. While some may have had enough of this art style, the skilled developer has pushed it a little further each time, and this gorgeous looking game is a channeling of one of the most beloved series of all time. During the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, the company officially revealed the long-awaited The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, which is slated to hit the Switch 2 sometime in 2026. The return of this iconic title could be a nice holiday cash spinner for Nintendo, and might even take some attention away from the upcoming juggernaut. Grand Theft Auto 6but we don't have a set date yet.
What is certain is that the wait is several months ahead. How eager he can be Zelda will the fans fill it? by chance, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an action RPG that could be considered HD-2D Zelda in all but name (right down to the hero's boomerang). It even improves some elements of the classic Zelda games. Step forward, our new flashy red hero.
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Elliot's adventure includes inspiration from Zelda
Few adventure series have such a high profile as The Legend of Zeldaand it's no wonder that his influence can be seen across the genre. The formula of traveling around the world map from a top-down perspective, conquering puzzle-filled dungeons and finding an arsenal of new equipment has essentially been perfected in 2D Zelda like a classic A link to the past (Extremely influential series entry, still a favorite of mine Zelda game at all). Some of the most acclaimed indie titles of recent years, such as the 2021 hit Acid Nerve Death's dooradopted some of these elements, and now comes a similar AAA effort from Square-Enix.
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Right from the title screen, the game's HD-2D art explodes with magic, and it's a very different beast to excellent HD-2D JRPGs like Octopath Traveler. It's an action RPG where our hero, Elliot, fights enemies right there in the world as he traverses the dangerous land he lives in. Adventurer in the spirit of Indiana Jones Elliot is sent on the orders of King Huther to explore a series of mysterious ruins. To do so, he must leave the mighty city walls, and that means entangling himself with the Beasts who have taken over much of the realm. There's a long story to dive into, and if you're eager to collect everything, you'll be busy for many hours.
The title opens quite gradually. Elliot starts with a sword with a simple slash and a charge attack (activated by holding a button), plus a shield to block. As you progress, you'll find different types of weapons and equipment, as well as all kinds of Magicite for each weapon, an item that allows for a lot of interesting customization. One of the very first pieces of accessory available in the prologue demo is the Spin Back, the first boomerang. It's around this point that players realize just how extreme Zelda– like a new Square-Enix game is.
Philabieldia gradually opens up to the player, as does Hyrule
WITH Final Fantasy Resonancethis series takes its first bold steps into the world of HD-2D. If Zelda the series should have been remade in this style, it would have been awfully similar Elliot. The inspiration from Link's adventures is plain to see. When I first burst out of the city gates with my boomerang, shield and sword, Elliot felt like a Link cosplayer in the best possible way. As the world starts to open up and you find the main dungeons like the Desert Caves and the smaller optional ones (which offer some suspiciously Heart Piece-style collectibles and other items), that feeling only grows.
The formula of traveling around the world map from a top-down perspective, conquering puzzle-filled dungeons and finding an arsenal of new equipment has essentially been perfected in 2D Zelda like a classic A link to the past.
It's also deeper. It's about the very way Elliot interacts with the world around him. Equipment and weapon pieces also act as tools for transition, some in quite predictable ways. For example, just moments after leaving the city walls, Elliot walked past a section of wall with a very noticeable crack. If you have ever played a Zelda game, you'll immediately assume that the bombs are unlocked at some point and make a mental note to return to that location with them as soon as possible. It's a proven way to destroy rocks and cracked walls.
It's my favorite kind of game design: not frustratingly difficult, but requiring inventive use of everything in your arsenal and a keen eye for detail. The rewards from some of the optional challenge areas are great, but they test you in all sorts of clever ways. All this is a highlight for me personally Zelda-esque fun, but more importantly, it has the same charm. The enemies are oddly adorable, the cities are picturesque and atmospheric, and the different dungeon designs are a joy to explore (as tricky as areas like the Water Ruins can be).
Elliot's adventure doesn't copy Link's homework too much
For all that, it would be unfair and untrue to say so The Adventures of Elliot just “took out” Zelda. Although it shares very similar vibes, it's very much its own beast in some ways. As an action RPG, Elliot's title is very combat oriented. This fight with dashes and other evasive moves, as well as all the customization options offered by the Magicite system, feels much deeper to me. Maybe not when you first start the game, but the constant acquisition of new weapons and options means it's a system that's constantly evolving. It is similar to something similar Diablo series where you can find your favorite weapons and mods and create an impressive build around them. Faia upgrades and abilities also add more variety.
When I first burst out of the city gates with my boomerang, shield and sword, Elliot felt like a Link cosplayer in the best possible way.
The story itself takes a few twists and turns that the Nintendo franchise hasn't really explored in the same way. I won't go into too much detail as it's for the players to explore on their own, but I will say that there are some fascinating things going on in the kingdom. One thing that really pleased me is the voice acting. These characters and even their cameos have their own personalities that are really taken to a new level here. You can also, and I cannot stress this enough, make friends with cats. Lots of cats.
Eventually, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales it isn't The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It doesn't claim to be, and its release won't have the same impact as this new remake of perhaps the most popular video game of all time (though fans are split down the middle on some of the changes made to this classic). What Elliot however, is an incredibly timely arrival: if you're desperate to play Ocarina of Time remake, unfortunately we don't know exactly what we will be able to play it yet. In the meantime though Elliot is a fantastic appetizer for this main course; the most Zelda-like no-Zelda I think I played sometime.
- Released
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June 18, 2026
- ESRB
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Teen violence/fantasy, mild language, alcohol use
