Nintendo Switch 2 Critic Reviews

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales delivers a charming adventure that combines a solid narrative, rewarding exploration, and a fast-paced, versatile combat system. Its HD-2D world stands out thanks to its exceptional artistic direction, while Elliot and Faie’s journey maintains player engagement through strong pacing, varied environments, and a classic approach to action and discovery. Although it draws clear inspiration from other franchises within the genre, it succeeds in establishing its own identity through charm, personality, and many hours of entertainment.

The Adventures of Elliot: Millennium Tales is perhaps the answer to a potential scenario of "What if Square Enix took charge and created a top-down Zelda experience"? I don't mean that in a negative way - quite the contrary in fact! This is a game that holds its own unique charm that I feel only Team Asano could do, and it re-kindled a sense of nostalgia that I probably haven't felt in more than a decade. If this means we will see more of HD-2D in other genres, or if this opens the door for new remakes, then I'm all in for it.

Expansive without being intimidating, varied without being overwhelming, familiar without being tired; Elliot's adventures are wonderfully designed, consistently enjoyable, and utterly compelling. While The Adventures of Elliot: The MilleNnium Tales' writing may be more Mid than Middle-earth, the rest of the game compensates by being powerfully strong.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millenium Tales is not just an attempt to recreate the classic feel of Super Nintendo’s best action-adventure titles, it is a confident attempt to modernise and reinterpret it. A memorable world, flexible combat system, rewarding exploration and an endearing cast, it stands as one of the best, most engaging HD-2D classic by Square Enix to date. Some minor issues with depth perception and an overstuffed combat system stop it from being an all-time classic, but they do little to diminish what is otherwise an incredibly enjoyable adventure.

Team Asano has done it again: their blend of 2D HD graphics and retro gameplay creates an irresistible treasure trove that you won’t be able to put down until you’ve played through every last bit. Any minor quirks are easily overlooked.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is Team Asano’s take on the action RPG genre. Their signature 2.5D art style brings this vibrant world to life. This is especially clear in the attention to detail in both the art and the vocal performances. Although the combat is button-mashy, it feels responsive and fun. This is especially true after augmenting your weapons with Magicite. Dungeons are quick and snappy, offering loot without becoming stale, and exploring off the beaten track is highly rewarding. However, the talkative companions and the reuse of enemies for long parts of the game sometimes hinder immersion. The story may lack depth, but the gameplay always keeps me coming back for more. Is there a better feeling than the satisfaction you get from finding a new artefact in the depths of an ancient cave?

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is charismatic. It may not be the best game in the HD-2D scene, but it's certainly not a bad experience. It's not only another step in the constant evolution that Square Enix began after the release of Octopath Traveler, but it's also an adventure worth experiencing, even if some parts aren't quite as good as many of us would have liked.

This is an adventure for those seeking exactly this: a charming game that evokes the feelings many of us experienced when the genre was thriving on the SNES and Mega Drive. Those looking for more complex gameplay won't find it here. However, anyone who enjoys *Zelda*-style games blended with touches of *Secret of Mana* will have a blast—especially if nostalgia plays a part.

Influenced by the Zelda series and great JRPGs like Chrono Trigger, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales proves that classic adventures are alive and well. While it has areas for improvement, its ability to transport us back in time to the golden age of RPGs is priceless.

The Adventures of Elliot: The Millenium Tales is the closest thing to a modern take on classic Zelda games I’ve played during the past two generations of consoles. It scratches that itch of bite-sized dungeon crawling and puzzle-solving that Nintendo has effortlessly refined over the past few decades. Best yet, it showcases the beauty of 2.5D pixel art that Square Enix has successfully implemented across its other turn-based JRPGs over the past few years. If nothing else, Elliot is a romp worthy of your time.