Square Enix’s HD-2D catalogue continues to evolve, and The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales marks a bold new direction. Revealed with a playable demo at Tokyo Game Show 2025, this action RPG from Claytechworks – the studio behind Bravely Default and Octopath Traveler – blends pixel-art aesthetics with real-time combat and sweeping fantasy storytelling. Cubed3’s Adam Riley was over in Tokyo, Japan to try out this latest build, and impressions from the show floor were so impressive, it’s already proving to be one of those adventures that just can’t be put down.
Set on the continent of Philabieldia, the game follows Elliot, a young adventurer, and his fairy companion Faie as they explore a world sealed off by a magical barrier. The Kingdom of Huther stands as humanity’s last bastion, surrounded by beast tribes and ancient ruins. After the discovery of mysterious relics, Elliot and Faie venture beyond the barrier, uncovering secrets that span a thousand years of history. The narrative promises a journey through time, with legacy and memory woven into the fabric of exploration. The Tokyo Game Show demo, exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, showcased early gameplay focused on dungeon traversal and combat. Elliot wields seven weapon types, including swords, chains, and sickles, each customisable with magicite – a system that allows players to tailor their fighting style. Faie supports Elliot with “Fairy Actions,” strategic abilities that assist in battle and exploration. These include retrieving distant items, striking enemies, and opening new paths, as well as helping the hero to dash. The combat is without a doubt thoroughly intuitive and rewarding, with a balance between action and tactical support.
As soon as control is gained, and gameplay commences, Elliot is just like a hybrid experience that draws from classic SNES-era RPGs. The real-time combat evokes Secret of Mana, with fluid movement and responsive attacks. The weapon-switching and elemental customisation recall Final Fantasy V, while the layered storytelling and time-spanning mystery echo Chrono Trigger. The game does not rely on turn-based systems, but its pacing and structure feel rooted in the traditions of 16-bit adventure design, such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
Visual presentation is a standout feature. The game uses Square Enix’s signature HD-2D style, combining pixel characters with dynamic lighting and layered environments. The result is a world that feels both nostalgic and cinematic. Landscapes shift from sun-drenched plains to shadowy ruins, and character animations are fluid despite the retro aesthetic. The tone leans into high fantasy, with emotional storytelling and a central bond between Elliot and Faie driving the narrative forward.
It’s not just a feast for the eyes, though, as the magical soundtrack, composed by Masashi Hamauzu (Final Fantasy XIII, SaGa Frontier 2), reinforces the game’s emotional depth. Early tracks featured blend orchestral swells with ambient textures, creating a sense of wonder and melancholy. The music adapts dynamically to exploration and combat, with distinct themes for each region and character playing through the headphones provided during the playtest. Hamauzu’s involvement signals a commitment to musical storytelling, and the score is likely to be a defining element of the game’s atmosphere.
The Adventures of Elliot will launch in 2026 across Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series XS, and PC via Steam and Windows. The demo is currently only available on Switch 2, and includes online functionality for analytics purposes. Save data will not carry over to the retail version, and no online features are planned for the final release. A feedback survey had been open until 1st October, allowing players to share impressions directly with the developers, but the feedback provided right there and then at TGS was so glowing that it’s hard to think what else could be polished further.
Whilst only around half an hour was given for the demo slot, there is indeed great excitement surrounding this one. The setting of Philabieldia is described as untamed and mysterious, with ruins that hint at forgotten civilisations. The magic barrier surrounding Huther has kept humanity isolated for generations, and Elliot’s journey represents a break from tradition, with a leap into the unknown. Faie’s role is more than mechanical, as well, since she is a narrative anchor, offering insight and emotional resonance as the duo confront the continent’s secrets. The game’s structure appears to blend open exploration with scripted story arcs. Players will uncover the world’s history through environmental storytelling, character interactions, and combat encounters. The thousand-year timeline suggests that time travel or ancestral memory may play a role, though Square Enix has not confirmed specific mechanics. The emphasis on legacy and rediscovery positions the game as a spiritual successor to titles like Terranigma and Chrono Cross, while retaining the visual identity of modern HD-2D releases.
