Summary:
The Adventures of Elliot marks Square Enix’s latest foray into the acclaimed HD-2D visual style, now arriving on the powerful Nintendo Switch 2. Players step into the shoes of Elliot, a hero with access to a wide range of weapon types, each upgradeable to suit evolving playstyles. Alongside him is a magical fairy companion, adding both charm and strategic depth to the adventure. Uniquely, both Elliot and the fairy are playable, each bringing distinct abilities to overcome challenges. A playable demo, available starting today, invites players to explore the world and offer feedback, shaping the final release. From lush landscapes to intense combat scenarios, The Adventures of Elliot promises to blend retro-inspired visuals with modern RPG mechanics for an unforgettable experience.
The Adventures of Elliot
Square Enix has officially unveiled The Adventures of Elliot, a new HD-2D RPG designed to take full advantage of the Nintendo Switch 2’s capabilities. Combining classic role-playing charm with innovative features, the game follows Elliot, a hero destined for a grand journey across vibrant landscapes and dangerous dungeons. What sets this title apart is not only its stunning visual presentation but also its unique dual-protagonist system, allowing players to experience the adventure from two perspectives. With a playable demo launching today, the anticipation among fans is higher than ever.
The visual style: HD-2D artistry
The HD-2D style has become a hallmark of Square Enix’s modern RPGs, merging pixel-inspired characters with richly detailed environments and dynamic lighting. In The Adventures of Elliot, this approach is taken to new heights. Each town, forest, and cavern feels alive, with intricate details that evoke nostalgia while delivering a fresh aesthetic. Shadows dance with the flicker of torches, waterfalls shimmer in the distance, and every scene feels like a storybook come to life. This careful blend of retro and contemporary visuals ensures that both long-time RPG enthusiasts and newcomers will be captivated.
Meet Elliot: The main protagonist
Elliot is more than just the player’s avatar; he’s a fully realized character with his own motivations, personality, and growth arc. Armed with an arsenal of weapons that can be customized and upgraded, Elliot adapts to the player’s style—whether that’s swift, agile strikes or heavy, devastating blows. His journey is one of courage and resilience, facing enemies that test both skill and strategy. Through exploration and combat, players will see Elliot evolve, not just in strength, but in depth as a character.
The fairy companion: A unique playable ally
Alongside Elliot is a mysterious fairy companion, who brings her own abilities and charm to the adventure. Unlike typical supporting characters, the fairy is fully playable, offering a completely different style of gameplay. Where Elliot might excel in direct combat, the fairy uses agility, magic, and environmental interactions to turn the tide. Switching between the two characters adds layers of strategy, encouraging players to experiment with different tactics for each encounter.
Dual gameplay mechanics and character switching
One of the standout features of The Adventures of Elliot is the seamless character-switching mechanic. At any point, players can toggle between Elliot and the fairy, leveraging their individual strengths to overcome challenges. This opens the door to creative problem-solving—imagine Elliot breaking through a wall with a heavy weapon, then switching to the fairy to slip through a narrow gap. This mechanic keeps gameplay fresh and rewards experimentation.
Weapon variety and upgrade systems
Weapons play a central role in Elliot’s journey. From swords and bows to unconventional tools, each weapon can be enhanced through upgrades that boost power, speed, or special effects. Players can tailor Elliot’s arsenal to match their preferred style, whether they enjoy ranged precision or close-quarters combat. The upgrade system also encourages replayability, as experimenting with different builds can reveal new approaches to familiar challenges.
The world setting and story atmosphere
The Adventures of Elliot takes place in a richly crafted world filled with bustling towns, mysterious ruins, and dangerous wilderness. The tone balances lighthearted exploration with moments of high-stakes drama, ensuring a dynamic pacing throughout the game. Dialogue is sharp and character-driven, giving each NPC a unique voice and personality. Whether wandering through a peaceful market or navigating a tense boss battle, the atmosphere pulls players deeper into the story.
Nintendo Switch 2 enhancements and features
Thanks to the Nintendo Switch 2’s upgraded hardware, The Adventures of Elliot delivers smoother performance, faster loading times, and more detailed environments than ever before. Dynamic lighting effects, higher-resolution textures, and enhanced particle systems elevate the visual experience. Additionally, the improved hardware allows for more complex AI, making enemies and allies behave in more realistic and challenging ways.
Playable demo release and feedback process
The playable demo available today gives fans an early taste of Elliot’s journey. Covering the opening hours of the game, the demo allows players to test combat systems, explore environments, and experiment with both protagonists’ abilities. Square Enix has opened a feedback channel, encouraging players to share their thoughts and help refine the final release. This collaborative approach not only builds excitement but also ensures that the game resonates with its audience.
Anticipated release and future updates
While a full release date has yet to be announced, the positive reception to the demo could influence the timeline. Square Enix has hinted at ongoing updates, including additional playable areas, side quests, and possibly new weapon types. As more information emerges, fans can look forward to a steady stream of updates leading to the launch.
Conclusion
The Adventures of Elliot has all the makings of a standout RPG on the Nintendo Switch 2—stunning visuals, engaging dual-protagonist gameplay, and deep customization options. With a demo already in players’ hands, the journey has truly begun, and the anticipation for the full release will only continue to grow.
FAQs
- Can you play as both Elliot and the fairy?
- Yes, both characters are fully playable, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
- Is the demo available worldwide?
- Yes, the demo is available globally starting today.
- Will the game be exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2?
- At launch, it will be available on Nintendo Switch 2, with no other platforms confirmed.
- Can weapons be upgraded?
- Absolutely. The game features a robust weapon upgrade system allowing for various custom builds.
- Does the demo feedback impact the final game?
- Yes, Square Enix has confirmed that player feedback will help shape the final release.
Sources
- The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales – Demo Available Today, Square Enix, August 1 2025
- The Adventures of Elliot demo shows a promising new HD-2D RPG, Polygon, August 1 2025
- Square Enix team is embracing Zelda-like action with The Adventures of Elliot, GamesRadar, August 6 2025
- Square Enix announces new HD-2D action-JRPG, Polygon, July 31 2025
- Two Square Enix RPGs announced for Nintendo Switch 2 including The Adventures of Elliot, TechRadar, July 31 2025
