Square Enix has unveiled a brand-new HD-2D action role-playing game titled “The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales” during the recent Nintendo Direct presentation. This highly anticipated title is set to launch in 2026, but an exclusive demo will be made available today for Nintendo Switch 2 players, followed by a survey to gather valuable feedback.
Developed by Team Asano, the acclaimed studio behind popular series such as *Octopath Traveler* and *Bravely Default*, the game introduces players to the protagonist Elliot and his loyal fairy companion, Faie. Their adventure unfolds across Philabeldia, a vast continent overrun by diverse tribes of beasts. Amidst this, the Kingdom of Huther remains secure thanks to a protective spell cast by Princess Heuria. The duo`s perilous journey begins when a mysterious set of ruins is discovered just beyond the castle walls, prompting them to investigate.
Elliot and Faie will face numerous challenging battles, utilizing a diverse arsenal that includes swords, bows, chains, and sickles. In total, players will have access to seven distinct weapon types. These weapons can be significantly strengthened by equipping various combinations of Magicite—unique collections of skills and buffs that fundamentally alter combat strategies. For example, the “Linked Arrows Magicite” grants an additional hit to enemies surrounding your target when a bow is used, adding a layer of tactical depth to encounters.
Faie is far more than a simple sidekick; she is an exceptionally versatile companion. Her abilities include engaging in combat, collecting valuable items, rapidly traversing the map through warping, and sprinting across expansive environments. In single-player mode, players have the freedom to seamlessly switch control between Faie and Elliot at any moment, offering dynamic gameplay possibilities. Additionally, the game supports a multiplayer mode, allowing two players to each control one character.
Producer Tomoya Asano shared his excitement about the announcement, stating, “I`m very pleased to announce `The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales,` the first action-RPG in the HD-2D series. It features simple and easy to understand gameplay yet offers a deeply satisfying and challenging experience!” Asano further elaborated on the HD-2D series` evolution, noting their gradual shift in genres: “We started with a classic RPG with *Octopath Traveler* and went on to do a strategy game with *Triangle Strategy*. When we thought about where to go next, we felt that challenging ourselves to an action-RPG would be a good direction.” He expressed his hope that the game would not only resonate with existing fans but also attract a new audience of gamers.
“The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales” is scheduled for release in 2026, launching across multiple platforms: Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (available via Steam and the Microsoft Store).