Boukenka Elliot no Sennen Monogatari (The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales)

 
" The game and score have numerous issues regarding the safe approach, which is, foremost, the thing that prevents the label of a musical masterpiece, but still is hugely detailed on all aspects and above all very enjoyable music. "

Written by Joep de Bruijn - Review of the regular release

Boukenka Elliot no Sennen Monogatari (The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales) is a 2026 video game developed by Claytechworks and published by Square Enix. It is a role-playing game in the vein of Square Enix/Acquire's Octopath Traveler and Nintendo's Zelda: Link to the Past, using a hybrid of HD-2D images. It follows a quest in which protagonist Elliot and his fairy undertake an adventure into the outside world. The game is now available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC (Steam).
In the limited gameplay of Boukenka Elliot no Sennen Monogatari, the graphical and gameplay aesthetics, from an older and more modern time, atmosphere and music are superb, while the storytelling and characters are uninteresting.

The original score by Tomohiro Nakamachi and Yuto Moritan, both quite young, not even thirty, is best described as a fully orchestral adventurous work, typically similar to a huge series of excellent scores in the genre of RPGs with a limited number of electronic devices.

The composers came aboard early in the process with a plot outline and some visual art, saw the game take shape, and stayed on it until completion. There is a clear distinction in how the composers worked and delegated material; one writes a theme, the other arranges it for their own composition. They delegated based on what each of the composers felt they could excel in, meaning one would write menu music and the other battle music. The same practice occurs in thematic material and all eras featured in the game – the Age of Reconstruction, Safekeeping, Magic and Buddin - both writing for two of each, equally divided. On limited compositions they are both credited for having composed them, such as the excellent The Hidden Portal of Truth cue.






The overview theme is a memorable full orchestral and melodic composition, overlaid by a woodwind and counterpointed by the undercurrents of strings. In its recurrences, similar things happen, but they are differently orchestrated, using different colours' alas instruments, accommodating its use in a different era. They are astonishing in terms of intervals throughout all renditions in the score. The value of these intervals, based on a variation of the principle of the perfect fifth, alongside earlier-mentioned qualities, make every rendition a delight.



Elliot's theme is first heard in the cue Unwavering Determination, with low register solo violin as a trademark for the isolated adventure of the character, while crafting his determination in what unfolds, ranging from intimate to sweeping renditions. Faie, the aid of Elliot, receives a twirling bird-woodwind motif, which is a cliché in numerous scores for similar projects, but here it at least is a theme and not a cliché colouring tool to signify and 'strengthen' adventure and fantasy elements. Faie is obnoxious in communication, but valuable in the gameplay - it recalls the same level of frustration, without musical identity, to the aid of Link in Ocarina of Time- and is therefore, unlike the usually tiresome tremolo woodwind, extra layer, not very deep, that here is much more enjoyable and thematic. All the different eras each have excellent distinctive qualities, as do the dungeons, which unfortunately propel into too overpowering musical proportions.


Then there is a collection of (rural) serenity and more introverted emotional compositions, often quite playful and endearing, using live instruments, some fully electronic quirkiness, or deeply engaging atmospheric, but also a wonderful live-electronic hybrid in a cue such as Endless Emnity. Luckily, in the veins of diversity, the cue Sky of Flickering Fantasies offers a spaced-out star, drowned electronic cue, atmospheric and hallucinate, in minimal hybrid with drowned strings and piano, but above all electronic. In the live instruments, especially the fiddle and tin whistle represent the rural Celtic approach, which is both tiresome and captivating throughout the entire score. A cue such as Welling Emotion, includes intimate piano and traditional swelling, sensitive strings.
In a variety of action-based cues, the rhythm, fast-paced freneticities, even though varied in all aspects of writing these, falls back on a variety of similar basic musical commodities. But one of the worthy additional colours in some of them is the use of rock-metal ingredients, which, together with cliché chorus, chanting and the basic drum kits, gives them an extra edge.
Few cues, especially mini-games and other quirky moments in the game, in terms of its sound palette, are sometimes presented with semi-hideous musical music, in perfect writing, but in colour semi-outdated, but an often welcome and often very engaging novelty, a guilty pleasure even.

Another motif deserving mention is heard wonderfully in Forest of Umbrage, which undergoes, sometimes, on paper, debatable and deterring variation, but it is absolutely stunning, coinciding with complaints regarding the action material. It adds to the remodelling and wild variations of a random Japanese score, which is a thing to simply accept: how it sounds is unimportant, but still often joyous and very adept in context.

The game features a side quest called In Search of the Right Sound. In it, you aid a musician in completing his composition, often through interaction with other musical people and seeking hidden instruments. It is uncomplicated but quite original and fits within the slightly innovative interactivity video games can offer using this theme of music. The cues written for the side quest, The Huther Quartet, are not the best part of the original score, but in context deserve special mentioning.
A small series of unused cues is unnecessary. Even though there are just a few, both final and rejected and unused variations, withhold the integrity of the composition, but are different in the instruments being used, creating a small difference in tone, often more distilled against roughed around the edges.

There is no curation to the 4CD and digital release, which on its own is both exhausting and exciting. Still, with so much memorable music, it is possible to compile a varied one-hour worth of material, but it would feel semi representative of the entire score. There is a digital EP release prior to the 4CD release, but it summarises the score in about 15 minutes. As the 4CD first release is so long, hopefully more releases, from character-based short releases and all others offering a different view - cliché Japanese urge to do so much - will follow.

The game and score have numerous issues regarding the safe approach, which is, foremost, the thing that prevents the label of a musical masterpiece, but still is hugely detailed on all aspects and above all very enjoyable music, in and outside of context, leaving a lot of unmentioned details out of the equation. Besides the brilliant use of intervals, disregarding everything, there also the previously unmentioned use of castanets, that add an intense sense of joy, colour and vibrancy throughout the score.



Tracklist
Disc 1
1. The Adventures of Elliot-Main Theme Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:27
2. The Radiant City and the Melody of Protection Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:45
3. Waltz of the Royal Chambers Yuto Moritani 2:11
4. Hucarea Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:54
5. Neverwither Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:56
6. Eddartrayl Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:51
7. Whiterea Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:03
8. Westerea Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:58
9. Garretbelt Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:55
10. Outlands Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:57
11. Render of Darkness Yuto Moritani 2:14
12. The Intersection of Future and Past Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:09
13. An Echo of Light on the Water’s Surface Yuto Moritani 2:41
14. Forest of Umbrage Yuto Moritani 2:09
15. Dry Howling from a Sandy Prison Yuto Moritani 2:10
16. Mysteries Guarded by the Stillness of Ice Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:21
17. The Passage of Ever-Changing Falls Yuto Moritani 2:18
18. Red-Hot Ruins Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:25
19. Where the Mire Swallows Footsteps Tomohiro Nakamachi 4:07
20. Where the Frost Flits over Snow Yuto Moritani 4:29
21. Where the Verdure Casts Shadows Yuto Moritani 2:22
22. Where the Blazes Scorch Yuto Moritani 2:06
23. Where the Sands Weathered All Tomohiro Nakamachi 4:16
24. An Ancient Secret Standing Still Yuto Moritani 2:00
25. Beyond the Gloom Yuto Moritani 2:24
26. Evil Writhing in the Temple of Antiquity Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:28

Disc 2
27. The Grey Village and the Melody of Reminiscence Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:12
28. Hucarea Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:30
29. Neverwither Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:33
30. Eddartrayl Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:41
31. Whiterea Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:28
32. Westerea Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:39
33. Garretbelt Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:41
34. Outlands Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:03
35. Sentiments Reverberating in the Temple of Antiquity Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:20
36. Unwavering Determination Yuto Moritani 2:15
37. Defender of the People Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:06
38. The Strange Voice Guiding the Adventure Yuto Moritani 1:57
39. Bearer of Grief Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:54
40. A String of Seeds of Joy Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:38
41. Placid Days Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:48
42. Looming Shadows Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:48
43. Legends Spreading beyond Time Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:14
44. Preface to Disintegration Yuto Moritani 2:36
45. Heart-Crossed Yuto Moritani 2:37
46. With Recollection Yuto Moritani 1:50
47. Welling Emotion Yuto Moritani 2:08
48. A Drop of Warmth Yuto Moritani 2:00
49. Solemnly Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:49
50. Building Optimism Yuto Moritani 2:29
51. A Sharp Turn Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:49
52. Time of Tranquility Yuto Moritani & Tomohiro Nakamachi 4:09
53. Dreams Seen beyond Destiny Yuto Moritani & Tomohiro Nakamachi 5:27

Disc 3
54. The Magic Capital and the Melody of Wisdom Yuto Moritani 1:57
55. Hucarea Yuto Moritani 2:01
56. Neverwither Yuto Moritani 2:04
57. Eddartrayl Yuto Moritani 2:02
58. Whiterea Yuto Moritani 2:08
59. Westerea Yuto Moritani 2:04
60. Garretbelt Yuto Moritani 2:15
61. Outlands Yuto Moritani 2:08
62. Hour of Arrival Tomohiro Nakamachi 0:36
63. A Fleeting Flicker Tomohiro Nakamachi 0:52
64. A Hint of Hope Tomohiro Nakamachi 0:45
65. Dancing with Radiance Tomohiro Nakamachi 0:36
66. With Roaring Winds Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:59
67. Riddles Hiding in the Temple of Antiquity Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:16
68. Treasure Bugs Bringing Good Fortune Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:35
69. Spreading Terror Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:31
70. Those That Bar the Way Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:18
71. Ruler of the Unknown Yuto Moritani 2:55
72. Be Not a Prisoner of Power Yuto Moritani 2:50
73. Endless Enmity Yuto Moritani 2:33
74. A Shadow Remaining amidst Peace Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:39
75. The Hidden Portal of Truth Yuto Moritani & Tomohiro Nakamachi 6:12


Disc 4
76. The Nascent Settlement and the Melody of Dawn Yuto Moritani 1:50
77. Hucarea Yuto Moritani 2:15
78. Neverwither Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:18
79. Eddartrayl Yuto Moritani 2:11
80. Whiterea Yuto Moritani 2:24
81. Westerea Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:18
82. Garretbelt Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:15
83. Outlands Yuto Moritani 2:15
84. Sky of Flickering Fantasies Yuto Moritani 2:51
85. Hope Seen in the Temple of Antiquity Yuto Moritani 2:07
86. Where is Hope? Yuto Moritani 2:32
87. Myths Once on the Wing Yuto Moritani 2:45
88. All Hopes End in Death Yuto Moritani 2:44
89. To Claim a Better Future Tomohiro Nakamachi 4:39
90. The Start of New Days Tomohiro Nakamachi 1:59
91. Hope Is Always There Yuto Moritani & Tomohiro Nakamachi 8:17
92. The Adventures of Elliot-Main Theme, “Hymn to Hope” Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:42
93. The Huther Quartet Yuto Moritani 0:24
94. The Huther Quartet Yuto Moritani 0:55
95. The Huther Quartet Yuto Moritani 0:55
96. The Huther Quartet Yuto Moritani 0:56
97. The Huther Quartet Yuto Moritani 0:55
98. The Huther Quartet Yuto Moritani 1:12
99. The Huther Quartet Yuto Moritani 1:12
100. The Huther Quartet Yuto Moritani 1:13
101. The Huther Quartet Yuto Moritani1:12
102. Captivating Commotion Tomohiro Nakamachi 0:41
103. Forest of Yuto Moritani 2:09
104. With Roaring Winds Tomohiro Nakamachi 2:59
105. Render of Darkness Yuto Moritani 2:09

Total duration: 239:46 minutes



Disc 1
Composer:
Tomohiro Nakamachi (01, 02, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23, 26)
Yuto Moritani (03, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25)
Arranger:
Tomohiro Nakamachi (01, 02, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23)
Yuto Moritani (03, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26)

Disc 2

Composer:
Tomohiro Nakamachi (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 25)
Yuto Moritani (10, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24)
Yuto Moritani, Tomohiro Nakamachi (26, 27)
Arranger:
Tomohiro Nakamachi (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 25)
Yuto Moritani (09, 10, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 26, 27)

Disc 3

Composer:
Yuto Moritani (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 18, 19, 20)
Tomohiro Nakamachi (09, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21)
Yuto Moritani, Tomohiro Nakamachi (22)
Arranger:
Yuto Moritani (01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 11, 18, 19, 20, 22)
Tomohiro Nakamachi (09, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21)

Disc 4
Composer:
Yuto Moritani (01, 02, 04, 05, 08, 09, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30)
Tomohiro Nakamachi (03, 06, 07, 10, 14, 15, 17, 27, 29)
Yuto Moritani, Tomohiro Nakamachi (16)
Arranger:
Yuto Moritani (01, 02, 04, 05, 08, 09, 10, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 30)
Tomohiro Nakamachi (03, 06, 07, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29)
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Released by

Square Enix music (regular release 2026)