Ecco the Dolphin
Released December 23, 1992 · consists of 9 releases.
Take control of a dolphin and solve the mystery of a powerful storm in this unconventional and notoriously-difficult 2D side-scroller published by Sega.
Overview
Ecco the Dolphin (also known as Ecco) is an aquatic side-scrolling action-adventure game developed by Novotrade and published by Sega for the Genesis in Europe (on July 31, 1992), North America (on December 29, 1992), and Japan (on July 30, 1993).
Players control a bottlenose dolphin named Ecco (unique to other dolphins for the six star markings on his forehead) as he embarks on a journey through the oceans, trying to figure out the whereabouts of his group (who were sucked up in a mysterious waterspout) while helping fellow dolphins along the way.
Along with its unconventional gameplay mechanics (including a dedicated "sing" button for interaction and echolocation), the game is known for its extreme level of difficulty (which would be a staple for the main games of the series) and bizarre plot development (including lost civilizations, time travel, and alien abductions). It would later spawn a sequel (Ecco: The Tides of Time), a kid-friendly spin-off (Ecco Jr.), and a 3D reboot (Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future).
Along with downscaled ports to the Sega Master System and Game Gear, the game was ported to the Sega CD less than a year later. This version (known in Japan as Ecco the Dolphin CD) features a bonus set of levels and new soundtrack (using Redbook audio), and was later ported to the PC in Japan and North America (both in 1996, featuring new high-resolution sprites based on those from the sequel). The original game was digitally re-released for the Wii (via Virtual Console on November 27, 2006), Xbox 360 (via Xbox Live Arcade on August 15, 2007), PC (via Steam on June 1, 2010), and most iOS devices (on July 22, 2010), and was included in two compilations: Sega Genesis Collection (for the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable), and Sonic's Ultimate Genesis Collection (for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3).
An enhanced port was made for the Nintendo 3DS (as 3D Ecco the Dolphin, part of Sega's 3D Classics remake series) and digitally released on the 3DS eShop on December 12, 2013 (June 26, 2013 in Japan). This version features stereoscopic 3D and a significantly-easier difficulty setting (adding invulnerability and unlimited air).
Gameplay
Players can swim Ecco around the screen with the D-Pad and perform three abilities with Ecco using buttons:
- Sonar (A) - Allows him to sing a sonar blast, which are used to communicate with some of the other creatures (such as other dolphins, whales, and orcas), activate Glyphs (namely to remove Barrier Glyphs after previously touched a Key Glyph), and ward off certain enemies (namely starfish). Holding down the Sonar button until the blast returns allows him to echolocate, bringing up a map screen showing information in the chosen direction.
- Charge (B) - Allows him to perform a quick high-speed charge, which can be used to attack enemy creatures and obstacles and eat smaller fish to replenish health.
- Speed Swim (C) - Allows him to swim at a higher speed while the button is held down, slightly reducing his fine-control.
Ecco can unlock some new abilities throughout the game, such as being able to attack with Sonar (by pressing the button while charging).
Levels
- Medusa Bay
- Undercaves
- The Vents (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- The Lagoon (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- Ridge Water
- Open Ocean
- Ice Zone (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- Hard Water (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- Cold Water
- Open Ocean (part two, unavailable in the Genesis version)
- Island Zone (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- Deep Water
- Volcanic Reef (SCD and Windows versions only)
- Ship Grave Sea (SCD and Windows versions only)
- Wreck Trap (SCD and Windows versions only)
- The Sea of Silence (SCD and Windows versions only)
- Deep Gate (SCD and Windows versions only)
- The Marble Sea (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- The Library (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- Deep City (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- City of Forever
- Jurassic Beach (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- Pteranodon Pond (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- Origin Beach
- Trilobite Circle (unavailable in the 8-bit versions)
- Dark Water
- Deep Water (part two)
- City of Forever (part two)
- The Tube
- Welcome To The Machine
- The Last Fight (known as The Vortex in the 8-bit versions)
