The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Review (Switch 2)

If you are wondering whether to drop $59.99 on The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales for the Nintendo Switch 2, the short answer is yes—provided you appreciate active, top-down combat and are willing to overlook some narrative hitches. Coming from the developers behind Octopath Traveler and Bravely Default, this title pivots away from their usual turn-based roots to deliver an action-heavy adventure that feels reminiscent of classic top-down Zelda titles.

A Time-Hopping Adventure

You step into the boots of Elliot, an adventurer tasked with a "thousand-year mission" that spans multiple dominions through the Doorway of Time. The central conflict between humans and beast tribes provides the backdrop for a story that, while sometimes melodramatic and occasionally incoherent, keeps you moving forward through a diverse set of environments. The game is packed with content, including over 30 side quests that are well worth your time—not just for the plot, but for vital rewards like essential health vials.

Combat and Co-op Gameplay

The combat loop is the game’s strongest asset. Elliot has access to a wide array of weapons, including bows, bombs, and boomerangs, which you can upgrade using magicite. Whether you are facing down overworld enemies or challenging boss battles, the systems are deep enough to reward experimentation.

The addition of local co-op is a highlight, allowing a second player to take control of Faie, Elliot’s fairy companion. While the feature is fun and practical, it currently comes with a minor annoyance: if you want to keep playing in co-op, you have to reestablish the connection periodically, which feels like an unnecessary oversight.

The Faie Factor and Presentation

While the gameplay shines, the presentation of Faie as a character is a mixed bag. Her voice acting, particularly during combat, can become grating, and her tendency to state the obvious often evokes unwanted memories of classic "Hey, listen!" interruptions. Despite this, her utility is undeniable; she possesses several abilities like Ignite, Sprint, and Vacuum that are essential for traversal and puzzle-solving.

Visually, the game is stunning. The HD-2D style is implemented beautifully, making every cutscene and overworld area a treat to look at. The soundtrack is equally impressive, with a variety of tracks that are easy to whistle along to, though the inconsistency of the plot—where disaster often unfolds while the characters stand idly by—prevents the story from reaching the heights of the game’s aesthetic design.