Square Enix Takes on ‘Zelda’ With ‘The Adventures of Elliot’

June 18, 2026 - 22:56

Square Enix is stepping into new territory with its upcoming title, The Adventures of Elliot, marking the studio's first attempt to merge fast-paced action combat with its signature HD-2D art style. The game, which draws clear inspiration from the Legend of Zelda series, aims to bring a fresh take on the classic top-down adventure formula.

Set in a hand-painted fantasy world, the game follows a young hero named Elliot as he explores ancient ruins, solves environmental puzzles, and battles monsters in real-time. Unlike Square Enix's recent HD-2D titles like Octopath Traveler or Triangle Strategy, which relied on turn-based or tactical battles, The Adventures of Elliot focuses on direct swordplay and dodging mechanics. Players will need to time their attacks and parries carefully, similar to modern Zelda games but with a distinctly pixel-art aesthetic.

The decision to blend action combat with the nostalgic visual style is a bold one for the publisher. Historically, Square Enix has reserved HD-2D for slower, story-driven RPGs. By shifting to real-time combat, the company is signaling a desire to compete directly with Nintendo's flagship franchise while still maintaining its own artistic identity. Early trailers show a vibrant world filled with lush forests, crumbling castles, and glowing dungeons, all rendered in the layered, diorama-like look that HD-2D is known for.

No release date has been announced yet, but the game is expected to launch on multiple platforms. For fans of classic action-adventure games, The Adventures of Elliot could be a welcome addition to the genre.