There is no denying that Square Enix has given us some brilliant HD-2D games over the years. Octopath Traveller and Triangle Strategy, for example, have both followed the publisher’s traditional turn-based formula. Developer Claytechworks, however, has decided to ditch that approach in The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, replacing it with real-time combat akin to the classic 2D Legend of Zelda games.

Taking place in the fantasy world of Philabieldia, an adventurer named Elliot earns a living helping the people of the kingdom in order to give back to the orphanage that raised him. Before long, his good deeds earn him an audience with the king, who tasks him with investigating a set of ancient ruins deemed too dangerous for anyone else. Accompanying Elliot through what is essentially a magical Zoom call is Princess Heuria, who eagerly guides him from afar while dreaming of one day seeing the world for herself.

After defeating the dangers lurking within the ruins, Elliot discovers the mysterious Doorway of Time. These ruins transport him to different eras throughout Philabieldia’s history, each filled with its own characters and lore. During the first of these journeys, Elliot runs into some trouble but meets a fairy named Faie, and together the pair embark on a quest to save Philabieldia from a familiar threat.

The story is your classic heroes tale, yet it’s still charming thanks to its likeable cast of characters and strong voice acting, including cats, which I’m sure are voiced by people and not real cats, which made me lose it with laughter the first time I heard it. Elliot, for example, is an easy protagonist to root for, exuding enough charisma to keep you invested in his journey from beginning to end. Princess Heuria is imaginative and eager to learn. Heurich is a happy-go-lucky, confident adventurer whose upbeat personality makes every interaction enjoyable, while Faie proves to be a great fairy companion, offering guidance every step of the way.

I mentioned it briefly at the beginning of the review, but the combat reminded me of the classic 2D Legend of Zelda games. Elliot begins his adventure with a sword and shield, using them to dispatch the various enemies that stand in his way.

Progression plays a major role, as exploring the world rewards you with new weapons and tools that are not only fun to use in combat but also unlock previously blocked areas. Bombs can be used to blow open blocked pathways or hidden caves, while the hammer is capable of smashing through obstacles like large nails that would otherwise block your progress.

Despite some impressively intimidating enemy designs, most foes don’t pose much of a challenge. The various beast tribes, many of which are inspired by different animals, look fantastic in the HD-2D art style, but they’re rarely threatening enough to push your abilities. With the growing arsenal of weapons at Elliot’s disposal, most encounters are over fairly quickly.

Faie also plays an active role in combat and exploration. Controlled independently with the right thumbstick, or in co-op by a second player, she can be flown into enemies to deal damage or use a variety of magical abilities. Her fire spell, for example, can ignite both enemies and lanterns, making her just as useful for solving environmental puzzles as she is in battle.

Dungeon exploration is also reminiscent of classic Zelda games, with puzzles that must be solved to progress deeper into each area, eventually leading to keys for coloured locked doors and, ultimately, a boss fight. It’s a simple structure, but it works well. While exploring these dungeons, you’ll also come across hidden chests and other secrets, though it’s worth noting that some can only be accessed in different eras. Because of this, don’t be too quick to assume you’ve missed something if you can’t reach a particular chest right away.

Boss fights are where the combat really shines, requiring you to make full use of your arsenal depending on the encounter. One particular fight had the boss frequently using ice-based attacks, forcing quick movement and careful timing to create openings. Bombs also proved useful when the enemy remained stationary, allowing for big chunks of damage when timed correctly. Other bosses take things further by making Faie a crucial part of the encounter, such as needing to send her through shields to break defences and deal damage.

Upon defeat, enemies or bosses typically drop items such as currency and magicite. Magicite can be equipped to your weapons to grant additional effects, such as dealing 30% more damage when you fall below 30% HP. While the system adds a welcome layer of customisation and build variety, the process of crafting and managing new magicite can feel more complicated than it needs to be at times.

The world of Philabieldia is divided into four different ages, each accessible through the Doorway of Time, allowing you to travel between eras and explore how the world changes across time. Each age has at least one major city or village, serving as a good hub where you can speak with NPCs, begin side quests, stock up on supplies from merchants, or uncover pieces of lore scattered throughout the world. All beautifully crafted in this HD-2D style, which plays well with perspective.

Beyond these settlements lies a vast landscape filled with secrets to discover. Caves hide hidden treasures, while challenge trials, which I found fun, particularly the parkour ones, offer rewards such as increased health or enhanced magical abilities.

Health shards can also be found throughout the world, gradually increasing your maximum HP as you progress. My one complaint is that I wish the changes between ages were more drastic; big changes to the landscape, for example, could’ve done a lot to enhance the immersion.

The soundtrack is orchestrated and accompanies the game well. Whether that’s catchy jingles in towns or large pieces in tense moments or combat, there is always a piece for it.

Overall, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a great action RPG with satisfying boss fights and a world to explore. Some confusing systems hold it back from being the perfect experience, but it shouldn’t be passed up. If you like the classic Zelda games, this one should be right up your alley.