Top 8 Games to Dive Into After Elliot’s Journey
If you picked up *The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales* around its launch, you’re likely nearing the end of your journey. Whether you loved it or found it lacking in certain areas, it’s the kind of game that sparks a desire for more adventures. You might be on the lookout for something else to dive into once you finish.
Good news: the gaming world is packed with diverse titles, and there are plenty of games that capture the spirit of *The Adventures of Elliot*—some even do it better. Here are eight solid recommendations to consider:
If you enjoyed *The Adventures of Elliot*, you’ll likely appreciate the works from the same developers. Both *Octopath Traveler* games are fantastic, featuring stunning HD-2D graphics and sweeping orchestral soundtracks reminiscent of *Elliot*. Like *Elliot*, *Octopath Traveler* is rich in story, and many would argue the narratives in these games surpass that of *Elliot*. The main difference is that both *Octopath Traveler* titles are turn-based RPGs, which means the combat is a different beast altogether. It’s more strategic and slower-paced, requiring you to think about character abilities and tactics. If you’re open to a change in gameplay style, *Octopath Traveler* is a great choice based on its overall vibe. You can even jump straight into the more expansive *Octopath Traveler II*, as the two stories aren’t directly linked.
This is the last recommendation from Team Asano, but if you loved the atmosphere of *Elliot*, you might want to check out *Triangle Strategy*. This game also features HD-2D visuals and a strong narrative, but it’s a turn-based tactics RPG. You won’t be able to slash your way through; instead, you’ll maneuver characters with unique abilities on a grid, positioning them strategically to outsmart your opponents. *Triangle Strategy* offers more complexity than *Elliot*, with multiple endings and branching paths, ensuring that each playthrough feels fresh.
If you’re looking for something more action-oriented, consider *Bastion*. It’s hard to believe, but *Bastion* is now considered a classic, having debuted in 2011 as Supergiant Games’ first title. This top-down action RPG lets you control a character known as The Kid, navigating beautifully designed levels and engaging in combat with various weapons. The gameplay is much closer to *Elliot* than the RPGs mentioned earlier, maintaining a fantasy theme, though the overall vibe is distinct. Plus, *Bastion* boasts an incredible soundtrack and a memorable conclusion.
You could also dive into *Hades*, which layers a roguelike structure over its action combat, offering a more intricate experience than *Elliot*. If you’re up for a challenge, this might be the game for you!
Since *The Adventures of Elliot* has been frequently compared to *Zelda*, why not just play a *Zelda* game? There are many options, but I recommend the remake of *Link’s Awakening* on the Nintendo Switch. While it differs from *Elliot*, *Link’s Awakening* features a charming, toy-like aesthetic and is a top-down action-adventure where you slash enemies and solve puzzles with various tools. If you enjoyed *Elliot* but wished for more intricate dungeons, *Link’s Awakening* delivers with its engaging puzzles and excellent dungeon design.
If you’re looking for a game similar to *Elliot* that offers around 100 hours of gameplay, check out *CrossCode*. This top-down action RPG is set in an MMO world. Don’t be misled; it’s a single-player experience where the protagonist is trapped in the game, unable to speak and suffering from memory loss. *CrossCode* is significantly more challenging than *Elliot*, featuring a wide array of moves that double as puzzle-solving skills. It’s expansive, with a rich cast of characters, stunning environments, and a fantastic soundtrack. I love *CrossCode*, though I wish I had more time to fully complete it.
*Mina the Hollower* is another excellent *Zelda*-like adventure featuring an adorable mouse scientist on a quest to repair her creations. With a vast array of weapons, Mina’s arsenal puts Elliot’s equipment to shame. Everything about *Mina the Hollower* shines, from its music and retro-inspired art to its engaging story and combat. Playing *Mina the Hollower* before *Elliot* made the latter feel weaker in comparison, as *Mina* is a thoroughly enjoyable action-adventure without any frustrating elements.
For those seeking a top-down action RPG with a challenge, *Death’s Door* is a great pick. This *Souls-like* game has you dropping your currency upon death, requiring you to retrieve it from your corpse or risk losing it forever. It’s tough, with limited health and scarce healing items, and features punishing enemies. You play as a crow working as a grim reaper, collecting monster souls and trying to open Death’s Door to thwart someone attempting to cheat death. The game includes massive bosses, a charming protagonist, intricate dungeons, and a fascinating fantasy world filled with quirky characters.
Lastly, since *The Adventures of Elliot* involves time travel, it’s only fitting to mention *Chrono Trigger*. This classic RPG, originally released on the SNES in 1995, is now available on PC and mobile, though the Nintendo DS version is highly recommended if you can access it. While *Chrono Trigger* differs from *Elliot*—being a turn-based RPG with an active time battle system—it shares a nostalgic connection to the era that inspired *Elliot*. Plus, it handles time travel far more effectively. If you want to experience a masterclass in video game storytelling that explores the intricate connections across time, *Chrono Trigger* is the perfect choice.