HD-2D, the retro-inspired art style pioneered by Square Enix, has long been synonymous with modernised RPGs. From the Octopath Traveler series to the Live A Live remake, the aesthetic was originally designed as a high-fidelity homage to the Super NES era. However, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales marks a significant evolution for this visual technique, proving that the style can transcend the RPG genre and thrive in a top-down action-adventure setting.
Breaking the Genre Mold with HD-2D
While most developers use the high-definition pixel art look for turn-based combat, The Adventures of Elliot applies it to fluid, real-time exploration. During a two-hour demo set roughly midway through the main story, the gameplay focuses on a quest to find a magical shield. Despite this central objective, the game provides significant freedom to roam an open world that spans two distinct time periods.
The transition from traditional RPGs to action-adventure feels seamless thanks to several quality-of-life improvements. Square Enix has clearly listened to player feedback following the public demo released last July, implementing key changes such as:
- Increased movement speed for better exploration.
- A dedicated weapon-shortcut menu.
- Multiple difficulty levels to cater to different playstyles.
While the demo defaulted to "Easy," switching the setting to "Normal" provided a balanced experience without becoming overwhelming.
Refining the Player Experience
Beyond combat and movement, the developers have also addressed character interactions within The Adventures of Elliot. A notable feature is the inclusion of a dedicated menu option for Faie, your fairy companion. Because Faie is exceptionally talkative—often utilizing an irritating "baby talk" affect—the ability to customize her personality is essential.
The game includes two primary settings for her dialogue:
- Chatty: The default setting, which results in frequent vocal interruptions.
- Reticent: A toned-down mode intended to reduce her presence.
Even when switching to the Reticent setting, Faie remains quite vocal. For players who find constant companion commentary off-putting, this toggle is a vital tool for maintaining immersion while navigating the world of The Adventures of Elliot.
