Square-Enix's latest HD-2D title is The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, and the launch could not have been better timed. While some may have had their fill of this art style, the veteran developer has pushed it a little further each time, and this gorgeous game channels one of the most beloved series ever. During the June 2026 Nintendo Direct, the company officially revealed the long-rumored The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, which will be coming to Switch 2 sometime in 2026. The return of this iconic title could be a nice Christmas present for Nintendo, and may even divert some attention from the upcoming juggernaut Grand Theft Auto 6but we don't have a set date yet.
What is certain is that it will take a few months to come. How can eager Zelda do the fans fill it? serendipitously, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an action RPG that can be considered an HD-2D Zelda in all but name (right down to the hero's boomerang). It even improves some parts of classical Zelda game. Step forward, our new flamboyant red-caped hero.
After Ocarina of Time and Star Fox, Switch 2's next N64 remake feels obvious
After Ocarina of Time and Star Fox, Switch 2 already has the perfect opening to give another classic N64 title the remake it deserves.
Elliot's adventure embraces Zelda's inspiration
There are few adventure series as high-profile as The Legend of Zeldaand it's no wonder its influence can be seen across the genre. The formula of traveling a world map from a top-down perspective, conquering puzzle-filled dungeons and finding an arsenal of new gear along the way was essentially perfected by 2D Zelda classic as A link to the past (an extremely influential series entry that remains a personal favorite of mine Zelda game ever). Some of the most acclaimed indie titles of recent years, which Acid Nerves crow-loaded here from 2021 Death's doorembraced some of those elements, and now here 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 charm, and it's a completely different beast than excellent HD-2D JRPGs that Octopath Traveler. It's an action RPG where our hero, Elliot, takes on enemies in the overworld as he traverses the dangerous land where he lives. An adventurer in the Indiana Jones vein, Elliot is sent on orders by the King of Huther to explore a set of mysterious ruins. He must leave the mighty walls of the city to do so, and this means that he tangles with the Beastmen who have taken over much of the realm. There's a long history to delve into here, and if you're looking to collect absolutely everything, you'll have your hands full for many hours.
The title opens up quite gradually. Elliot starts with a sword with a simple slash attack and a charge attack (activated by holding down the button), plus a shield for blocking. As you progress, he will find different types of weapons and equipment, as well as all sorts of variations of Magicite for each weapon, an item that allows for many interesting customizations. One of the very first extras available in the prologue demo is the Spin Back, the first boomerang. It is at this point that it will occur to the players how extreme Zelda-like Square-Enix's new game is.
Philabieldia gradually opens up to the player, just like Hyrule
With Final Fantasy Resonancethat series takes its first bold steps into the world of HD-2D. If Zelda comics were to be reimagined in this style, it would be very much like Elliott. The inspiration from Link's adventures is so easy to see. When I first set out through the city gates with my boomerang, shield and sword, Elliot felt like a Link cosplayer in the best possible way. As the overworld starts to open up to you and you find the main dungeons like the desert caves and less optional ones (which offer some suspicious collectibles and other Heart Piece-like items), this feeling only grows.
The formula of traveling a world map from a top-down perspective, conquering puzzle-filled dungeons and finding an arsenal of new gear along the way was essentially perfected by 2D Zelda classic as A link to the past.
It's deeper than that too. It's about the very way Elliot interacts with the world around him. Gear and weapons also act as traverse tools, some in fairly predictable ways. For example, just moments after leaving the city walls, Elliot passed a wall with a very prominent crack. If you have ever played one Zelda game, you've immediately guessed that bombs will be unlocked at some point and made a mental note to return to this location with them as soon as possible. It's a time-honored way to destroy rocks and cracked walls.
It's my favorite kind of game design: not frustratingly difficult, but requiring resourceful 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'll test you in all sorts of clever ways. All of this, for me personally, is the pinnacle of Zelda-similar fun, but more importantly, it has the same charm. The enemies are oddly adorable, the cities are quaint and atmospheric, and the various 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 closely
Despite all this, it would be unfair and untrue to say so Elliot's Adventures has simply “worn away” Zelda. While it shares very similar vibes, it's very much its own beast in some ways as well. Elliot's title, as an action RPG, is very combat oriented. That combat, with dashes and other evasive moves as well as all the customization options offered by the Magicite system, feels much more immersive to me. It might not be when you first start the game, but the steady acquisition of new weapons and options means it's a constantly evolving system. It resembles something like Diablo series, in that you can find your favorite weapons and customizations and develop a formidable build around them. Faie's upgrades and powers also provide additional variety.
When I first set out through the city gates with my boomerang, shield and sword, Elliot felt like a Link cosplayer in the best possible way.
The story itself takes some twists and turns that Nintendo's franchise hasn't quite explored in the same way. I won't delve into it too much as that is for players to explore on their own, but I will say that some fascinating things are happening with the kingdom. When they do, one thing I've really enjoyed is the voice acting. There is a personality to these characters and even their portrayal that has really pushed to a new level here. You can also, and I cannot stress this enough, befriend cats. Lots of cats.
Ultimately, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales isn't it The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It doesn't claim to be, nor will its launch have the same kind of impact as this new remake of perhaps the most beloved video game of all time (although fans are split down the middle when it comes to any changes made to this classic). What Elliott is an incredibly timely arrival though: if you're desperate to play Ocarina of time remake, we unfortunately do not yet know exactly what we will have the chance to play. But in the meantime, Elliott is a great appetizer for that main course; most Zelda-as non-Zelda I think I have ever played.
- Released
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18 June 2026
- ESRB
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Teen violence/fantasy, mild language, use of alcohol
