Square Enix’s New Retro Zelda-like Is Already 2026’s Best RPG

Developed through a collaboration between Square Enix’s Team Asano and Claytechworks, The Adventures of Elliot feels like uncovering a forgotten gem from the SNES or PS1 library. While it may not push the boundaries of modern gaming, it excels in execution: the pacing is sharp, boss encounters are imaginative, puzzles provide the ideal level of mental friction, and the presentation—both auditory and visual—evokes the charm of a classic storybook. Spanning four distinct time periods, the game’s concise map and roughly 25-hour duration make for an inviting experience that never feels overwhelming.

There is a Ghibli-esque sincerity to the narrative in The Adventures of Elliot. While it starts with a somewhat quaint premise—Elliot, a good-natured local hero, helping an elderly man find his late wife’s lost comb—it eventually hits its stride. Elliot isn’t the brooding, complex protagonist typical of Final Fantasy 7; he is a wholesome, boy-scout figure who balances his daring exploits with mentorship for local children. The plot kicks off when a royal decree sends him into ancient ruins, setting the stage for a conflict against a time-traveling antagonist intent on harvesting forbidden magical energy.

Our protagonist approaches every duty with unwavering optimism. “My family believes me to be the greatest adventurer in the world. I’d hate to disappoint them,” he declares—a sentiment that defines the game’s consistent, upbeat atmosphere. Even when faced with narrative turbulence, the game remains grounded and approachable, encouraging players to find resolution through discovery and community interaction rather than angst.

As Team Asano’s first venture into action-RPG territory, The Adventures of Elliot leans heavily into exploration. Much like the classic Zelda titles, players must utilize a growing arsenal of gear to access previously gated sections of the map. Whether using bombs to breach crumbling walls, wielding a hammer to drive stakes into the earth, or utilizing a boomerang to trigger distant switches, the gameplay emphasizes satisfying environmental problem-solving.

Elliot is accompanied by Faie, a fairy companion who provides various support skills. While her vocal nature has become a minor point of contention in the community, there is a handy setting to dial back her dialogue. Her abilities range from lighting fires to warping across wide chasms and generating a temporal double to assist in both navigation and combat scenarios.

Because the story traverses four distinct eras, you will frequently revisit familiar landscapes. While the overworld and dungeons remain largely static across time, the game avoids the pitfalls of tedious backtracking by incorporating a highly efficient fast-travel system. Returning to a known area in a different time period often yields secret upgrades or unique resources, such as Shards of Life. If a location offers no utility in a specific era, your companion, Faie, will provide a helpful prompt, preventing aimless wandering. Any minor frustration caused by retracing steps is consistently mitigated by the game’s brisk tempo.

While the time-hopping mechanic draws natural comparisons to Chrono Trigger, the game doesn’t quite capitalize on the butterfly effect regarding exploration. Actions in the past rarely fundamentally shift the topography of the future. The time travel is primarily a narrative vehicle rather than a mechanical pillar. While this fits the game’s lighthearted tone, there was certainly potential here for more complex, consequence-driven puzzles.

Nevertheless, the combat design is where the game truly shines. Eschewing a traditional experience-point system, the game prioritizes tactical ingenuity. Whether it’s deflecting projectiles with a shield or strategically timing bombs to exploit a boss’s armor, players are encouraged to experiment. In one memorable instance, I realized that using Faie’s light magic to deal chip damage while setting an explosive trap for a boss created a layered, rhythmic flow to the battle that felt deeply rewarding.

The magicite system further adds layers of customization, allowing you to tailor your gear to your preferred playstyle. From increasing the utility of your projectiles to modifying the elemental properties of your melee weapons, these upgrades offer enough depth to keep experimentation interesting throughout the mid-game, even if the progression plateaus slightly as you approach the finale.

Ultimately, The Adventures of Elliot is a rare, refreshing experience that respects your time. It’s a game you can easily enjoy in half-hour bursts, yet the stakes escalate beautifully to a satisfying conclusion. For those nostalgic for the charms of Secret of Mana or A Link to the Past—or anyone simply looking for a polished, manageable RPG—this title is an easy recommendation. It is a journey that is remarkably simple to begin, yet delightfully difficult to put down.

The Adventures of Elliot launches for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X on June 18. This review was conducted on the Nintendo Switch 2 using a prerelease code provided by Square Enix.

Source: Polygon