The Adventures of Elliot: A New HD-2D Action RPG from the Creators of Bravely Default
From the creators of Bravely Default comes a fresh and enchanting action-adventure. Claytechworks and Square Enix have transformed their signature HD-2D art style into a dynamic exploration experience with The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, revealed during a recent Nintendo Direct. The familiar charm, rich lore, and fantasy worldbuilding that fans love remains beautifully intact.
At Tokyo Game Show 2025, we had the chance to try the demo at Square Enix’s booth, and the experience was nothing short of delightful. The game’s captivating soundtrack, polished presentation, and special booth rewards — including a limited-edition sticker designed by Yukihiro Kajimoto — left a strong impression. Here’s a first look at what to expect.
The demo offers a short story scenario introducing a world where beast tribes have risen against humanity, leaving only a few surviving groups protected within the magical barrier of Princess Huther’s kingdom. Players take on the role of Elliot, a wandering adventurer chosen by the king to explore and reclaim new lands. The demo lasts about 20 minutes but gives a clear taste of the adventure to come.
Once the opening cutscene ends, players can freely explore the city or follow the main mission into a dungeon beyond the castle walls. The gameplay is a real-time action RPG with various weapons to use. In the demo, a sword and bombs are available. The sword is your primary tool for combat, while bombs can not only damage enemies but also break stone walls, acting as puzzle elements that hint at future gameplay variety.
Movement and controls feel smooth and responsive. Players can walk, run, jump, and dash with the help of a fairy companion, although dashing has a cooldown and collisions with walls will stun you. The fairy can also be controlled separately or by a second player and serves multiple roles such as offering hints, creating distractions, or warning of danger, making the journey feel less lonely.
Outside the main city, the map opens into linear paths with secret caves to discover. These hidden areas may contain new weapons, special skills, or upgrades, like extending your sword’s attack range. Combat isn’t mandatory, but the main objective leads to a boss fight at the end of the demo. After the 20-minute timer ends, the session concludes, but players will be able to download and continue exploring from home when the full game launches.
The vibrant visuals, seamless controls, and creative mechanics demonstrate Claytechworks’ ability to evolve beyond traditional turn-based RPGs. Fans of their previous titles can rest assured that The Adventures of Elliot maintains the same level of quality. And thanks to Square Enix for letting us experience it firsthand. We’ll continue to share updates as the launch approaches.
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About The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales
From the team behind Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default, this new action RPG blends classic HD-2D visuals with fast-paced real-time combat and an epic tale of exploration. Players join Elliot and his fairy companion on a mission to pioneer new lands. A free demo is now available on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop, with additional platforms planned for the future.
