The Adventures of Elliot Brings HD-2D to a Gorgeous New Action RPG

Square Enix Tries Something New — and It's a Looker

Gather round, adventurers, because one of gaming's most distinctive art styles just got a brand-new playground. On June 18, 2026, Square Enix released The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales — and here's the headline that made me sit up — it's the studio's very first action RPG built in the beloved HD-2D engine. Yes, the same gorgeous pixels-meet-modern-lighting look that powered Octopath Traveler, Triangle Strategy, and those stunning Dragon Quest remakes is finally swinging a sword in real time.

It launched across PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2, so just about everyone can dive in. And if you've ever wanted a love letter to top-down Zelda and Mana-style adventures wrapped in Square Enix's signature shine, this one's been calling your name.

HD-2D Meets Real-Time Adventure

For the uninitiated: HD-2D is that magical visual trick where lovingly crafted 2D sprites are dropped into richly lit 3D environments, giving everything a diorama-come-to-life quality. Up to now, the style has lived almost entirely in turn-based games. The Adventures of Elliot changes that, emulating the feel of a classic top-down action-adventure while keeping the HD-2D sparkle.

And by all accounts, the presentation is the star. Reviewers have singled out the lush environments and foliage — there's far more emphasis on greenery, vistas, and atmosphere than past HD-2D games — resulting in screen after screen of "stop and stare" moments. Pair that with what's being called a phenomenal orchestral soundtrack, and you've got an adventure that's a genuine feast for the senses.

Combat With Some Crunch

Pretty is nice, but how does it play? Happily, the combat is being praised as snappy and fun, with a satisfying amount of depth under the hood. There's loads of build customization and ability tailoring, so you can shape Elliot's kit to match your style — whether you like to wade in swinging or play the clever tactician. The dungeon designs, meanwhile, are described as well-crafted homages to the classics, leaving room for creative problem-solving rather than just following the corridor.

A Confident First Swing at a New Genre

What I love about this release is the ambition. Here's a studio famous for turn-based RPGs reaching into action-adventure territory for the first time in this engine — and landing a surprisingly strong first attempt. Some reviewers see untapped potential and room to grow the formula in future entries, which honestly just makes me excited about where this could go. A new sub-series with this much visual confidence and combat polish out of the gate? Sign me up.

Why It's Worth Your Wishlist

If you're a JRPG fan, an HD-2D admirer, or just someone who appreciates a beautiful world to lose an afternoon in, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is an easy recommendation. It's the kind of release that celebrates everything fans love about the style while bravely pushing it somewhere new.

The Bottom Line

A studio taking a creative swing, a feast of HD-2D scenery, an orchestral score to swoon over, and combat that respects your time — that's a launch worth cheering. So grab your sword, soak in those vistas, and let Elliot's adventure remind you why we fell in love with top-down quests in the first place.

Sources: GamesRadar — "The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales review" — June 2026; GameSpot — "The Adventures Of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Review" — June 2026; RPG Site — review — June 2026.