Square Enix Producer Responds to Zelda Comparisons for New HD-2D RPG
Square Enix has confirmed that the HD-2D action RPG The Adventurer Eliot’s Millennial Story (冒险家艾略特的千年物语) will launch on June 18, 2026 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC platforms. Since the first gameplay footage was revealed, the game’s top-down pixel art style, real-time combat, and puzzle-solving exploration have drawn frequent comparisons to The Legend of Zelda series. Producer Naofumi Matsushita has now addressed these comparisons directly for the first time in a recent interview, clarifying the team’s design inspirations and creative direction for the project.
Producer Naofumi Matsushita explained that the team’s primary inspiration for the game’s controls and feel comes from the Mana series, specifically the Game Boy title Final Fantasy Adventure. He stated that the development team was not trying to recreate any specific Nintendo title. Rather, the goal was to build upon traditional action RPG foundations to create a unique gameplay experience that stands on its own. Matsushita emphasized that he hopes players will recognize the distinct approach the team has taken.
Matsushita expressed an open and balanced perspective on players comparing the game to other franchises. He noted that while players are free to draw their own associations, developers view such comments as neither praise nor criticism. The team’s approach is to receive all feedback with a neutral and open mindset. Most importantly, the producer encouraged as many players as possible to try the game firsthand before forming their own judgments about what it offers.
The interview also highlighted how the team tackled the challenge of combining HD-2D visuals with 2D real-time action gameplay. HD-2D’s appeal lies in the depth created by 2D sprites against 3D backgrounds, but the team had to prevent the top-down perspective from feeling flat due to excessive ground visibility. Special map presentation techniques were used to enhance depth by making distant areas more visible. Matsushita confirmed that the team drew from Square Enix’s deep action RPG legacy, particularly the Mana series, while adding HD-2D art, controllable fairy companions, and a time-travel narrative structure. A prologue demo is currently available across all platforms, and this one is certainly worth checking out for fans of classic Japanese action RPGs.
