The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Review
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a bold and visually stunning entry in the growing list of games utilizing Square Enix’s signature HD-2D art style. Fans of pixel art will find much to appreciate in this action-adventure title, which brings the charm of classic 16-bit design into a modern context. With its engaging story and deep customization systems, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales feels like a fresh take on the beloved A Link to the Past aesthetic, but with its own unique flavor.
Elliot, the game’s protagonist, is a charming and determined adventurer who takes on any challenge that comes his way. After being summoned by the king, his mission quickly escalates into a time-traveling quest to save the princess and the kingdom from an unknown fate. Elliot’s personality is easy to root for — he’s confident without being arrogant, and his journey is filled with moments that make you feel invested in his success. Alongside him is Faie, a small and somewhat forgetful fairy who provides both assistance and comic relief. While her tendency to offer puzzle solutions early on can be a bit frustrating, her presence adds a lighthearted touch to the adventure. The supporting cast also grows on you, though the emotional beats are often delayed until the post-game, which might leave some players wanting more depth earlier on.
Time Travel, But Not Much Else
One of the main selling points of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is its time-traveling mechanics. The idea of exploring different ages and seeing how the world evolves is intriguing, but the execution falls short of its potential. While some locations do change depending on the time period you're in, the differences are minimal. For example, walking through the ruins of a once-great structure during the Age of Reconstruction is a nice touch, but stepping just outside the city walls reveals the same landscape, regardless of the era. This lack of meaningful change makes the time-travel aspect feel more like a gimmick than an integral part of the experience.
The same goes for the enemies you encounter. Whether you're in the Age of Magic or the Age of Budding, the foes remain the same — slugs, rat people, and flying creatures. While the game allows for some quick navigation around these enemies, the lack of variety becomes apparent after the first few hours. The only real difference between eras is the appearance of the robotic automata, which are given a weathered look in later periods. These small touches are appreciated but not enough to elevate the combat experience.
A Beautiful World, But Familiar Systems
Despite the shortcomings in the time-travel mechanics, the world of The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a visual feast. The HD-2D art style shines in every corner, from the drooping indigo leaves of Grandree to the glistening structures of Weyzn. The character and enemy designs are also noteworthy, with creative boss sprites like the laser-shooting lava lizard Salathmadra and my personal favorite — a frog don that rides a turtle. The game looks just as impressive on the Nintendo Switch 2 as it does on PC, with only minor performance hiccups in the form of slight slowdown and longer load times.
While the gameplay systems feel familiar, they are executed with a level of polish that makes them enjoyable. The Magicite system, for instance, is a standout feature. Rather than leveling up in the traditional RPG sense, your growth is tied to these crystals, which you slot into your weapons to grant various effects and enhancements. These can be found in chests or crafted using enemy shards at a special shop. With 15 unique Magicite options for each of the seven weapons, the customization possibilities are vast. You can switch them out on the fly, even during combat, giving you the flexibility to adapt to any situation.
Conclusion
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a visually appealing and engaging action-adventure game that showcases the HD-2D style in a new light. While the time-travel element doesn’t live up to its full potential, the world, characters, and customization systems make for a rewarding experience. It may not revolutionize the genre, but it's a solid entry that fans of pixel art and action RPGs will enjoy.
