Square Enix unveiled an entirely new HD-2D action-RPG during the recent Nintendo Direct presentation. Titled `The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales,` this game is slated for release in 2026. A demo, exclusively for Switch 2 players, is available starting today, accompanied by a post-play survey to gather valuable feedback.
Developed by Team Asano, the studio behind the renowned *Octopath Traveler* and *Bravely Default* series, the game centers on Elliot and his fairy companion, Faie. Their journey takes them across Philabeldia, a continent teeming with various beast tribes. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Huther remains secure under a protective spell cast by Princess Heuria. Their adventure truly begins when newly discovered ruins beyond the castle walls prompt Elliot and Faie to set out and investigate.
Elliot and Faie will engage in numerous challenging battles, utilizing a diverse arsenal including swords, bows, chains, and sickles. The game features seven distinct weapon types, which can be enhanced by equipping various combinations of `Magicite` – powerful collections of skills and buffs that significantly alter combat dynamics. For instance, the `Linked Arrows` Magicite grants an additional hit to enemies surrounding your primary target when using a bow.
Faie is far more than a mere companion; her utility is extensive. She can participate in combat, gather items, instantly warp across the map, and traverse the world at high speed. In single-player mode, players have the flexibility to switch control between Faie and Elliot at any time, while multiplayer mode allows two players to each control one character.
Commenting on the announcement, producer Tomoya Asano expressed his profound satisfaction in revealing `The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales,` marking the HD-2D series` debut as an action-RPG. He stated, “It boasts straightforward and accessible gameplay while simultaneously providing a profoundly satisfying and challenging experience!” Asano elaborated on the evolution of the HD-2D series, noting its gradual shift in genres: “We began with a classic RPG in *Octopath Traveler*, then moved to a strategy game with *Triangle Strategy*. When considering our next step, we felt that venturing into the action-RPG genre would be a fitting challenge.” He concluded by emphasizing his desire for the game to resonate not only with existing fans of their previous works but also to attract an entirely new audience of gamers.
`The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales` is scheduled for its full release in 2026, becoming available on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms via Steam and the Microsoft Store.