Square Enix Just Dropped a Surprise HD-2D Action RPG... and You Can Play a Demo Right Now!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Square Enix is releasing a new HD-2D action RPG called *The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales*, and it's got a co-op mode! Plus, there's a demo out now, so go give it a whirl and see if this JRPG giant is onto the next big thing.
Right, so Square Enix, those wizards of JRPGs and pixelated prettiness, just pulled a rabbit out of their hat – or maybe a Chocobo out of a moogle's… well, you get the idea. They've announced *The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales*, a brand-new action RPG slathered in that gorgeous HD-2D art style they've been perfecting. And the best bit? There's a demo available *right now*.
According to Game Rant, this isn't just another turn-based affair. *The Adventures of Elliot* is diving headfirst into action RPG territory, which is a pretty big departure for the HD-2D engine. Think *Octopath Traveler* meets… well, something a bit more 'whack-a-mole-with-swords'.
The game itself follows Elliot, a young adventurer sent from the Kingdom of Huther (sounds cozy!) to investigate the mysterious ruins of Philabieldia. But here's the twist – you won't be alone! You can team up with a mate (or a particularly helpful sibling) who controls Elliot's fairy companion, Faie. Co-op HD-2D action? Fair dinkum, that sounds like a recipe for some chaotic fun.
Elliot's also packing some serious heat, apparently rocking seven different weapon styles that can be upgraded with Magicite crystals. Seven weapon styles! That's almost enough to make me forget about my crippling addiction to crafting potions in every RPG I play. *Almost*.
Now, I'm cautiously optimistic about this one. Square Enix has been on a bit of a HD-2D remake binge lately, which, don't get me wrong, is lovely and nostalgic. But sometimes you need a bit of fresh blood, you know? Something that isn't just a prettier version of something you played back when dial-up was still a thing. An action RPG with co-op is certainly something new for the studio, and that alone is enough to pique my interest.
Of course, there's always the question of how well the HD-2D style will translate to action gameplay. Will it feel smooth and responsive, or will it be like trying to control a particularly stubborn Roomba with a joystick? Only time (and the demo!) will tell.
The game is slated for a 2026 release, presumably on the Nintendo Switch 2, but hey, at least we can get our hands on a demo to satiate our HD-2D action RPG cravings right now. I'll be giving it a whirl and will report back with my findings. In the meantime, if you see me frantically mashing buttons while surrounded by pixelated sprites, you'll know why.
Who knows, maybe this is the start of a whole new era for HD-2D games. Or maybe it'll be a glorious, chaotic mess that we'll laugh about for years to come. Either way, I'm ready to find out. Are you?
Tags: HD-2D, Square Enix, Action RPG, Nintendo Switch, Co-op
Original article: Game Rant