The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales Review - A Charming, Safe Time-Travel RPG

If you have been looking for a new action RPG that feels like a comfortable throwback, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales might just scratch that itch. While the game struggles slightly to establish a unique identity of its own, its blend of classic inspiration and modern convenience makes for a genuinely charming experience. We found it to be a solid, if safe, addition to the Square Enix library.

A Narrative That Grows on You

Initially, The Adventures of Elliot feels a bit heavy on tropes, with a cast of characters that seem pulled from a standard fantasy playbook. However, the story evolves into something much more compelling as you progress. The narrative takes some unexpected twists that add real spice to the main quest, and by the time the credits roll, the core cast manages to leave a lasting impression.

You step into the shoes of Elliot, a seasoned adventurer exploring a world on the brink of collapse. Humanity is huddled behind a magical barrier to avoid violent, beast-like tribes, leaving explorers like you to act as the primary means of discovery. The premise is simple, but the introduction of time travel early on shifts the scope of the adventure significantly.

Time-Traveling Through the Map

The game’s central hook is the ability to navigate a single map across four different time periods. Mechanically, this works well: a set of ruins in the present might be a high-tech facility in the past. Using a fast-travel system that spans these eras, you can jump between time periods to access new locations or solve environmental puzzles.

While the pacing is generally fantastic, the reliance on backtracking can feel tedious toward the end of the game. Because the world is split across four distinct timelines, managing what you need to do and where you need to be can become a chore, even with helpful map markers.

Combat and Progression

When you aren't managing timelines, you’ll be engaging in the game's fast-paced, responsive combat. Elliot’s attacks carry a satisfying weight, and the game constantly keeps the action fresh by introducing a wide variety of enemies and a steady stream of new weapons and accessories. The boss fights are a particular highlight, providing a creative challenge for most of the experience.

Despite being a bit derivative in its overall design, The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a polished, well-paced adventure that respects the classics while utilizing modern hardware to keep the action feeling snappy and responsive.