Ecco the Dolphin first appeared as a console game for the Sega Genesis. I remember playing it as an 8 year old how difficult it was to beat and even years the challenge it provided for me. The games opening level has (for its era) a very graphically intense cut scene in which Ecco's family, along with an assortment of other marine wildlife, are kidnapped by a strange vortex. Alone and the youngest of his pod, Ecco, who is easily recognized by the five stars on his forehead, must traverse the seas to rescue his pod and discover the terrible mystery behind the vortex.
During his journey, Ecco must face a number of dangerous creatures that would work to end his heroic adventure: from giant multi-armed octopi to brutal sharks to strange, otherworldly machines. Even the very ocean itself can end the life of young Ecco if he is not quick to reach the life giving oxygen above or air pockets below (dolphins are mammals remember!). However, he is not without means of defense using his dash attack. Also, with the help of his echolocation, Ecco can communicate and receive help from the ancient Glyph Stones, Orca's, and even the legendary whale Big Blue. Yet, even with their help, Ecco's journey is one filled with many battles, mind boggling puzzles, and deadly traps.
What many gamers tend to remember
Ecco by is its insanely difficult and enormous levels. Though expanding only 7 worlds, each with an average 4 levels each, Ecco played all the way through from start to finish may take nearly weeks to finish. Thankfully, a password system exists so that gamers can pick up where they started off. Also, because there are no "weapons" or "quest items" to carry around, it is not frustrating when one dies and must restart from their last password.
The game does indeed have cheats including the level passwords, invincibility, and a “master cheat” for those who would rather not spend days playing all the way through.
Music for the game is quite diverse for a Genesis game. The soundtracks tend to fit the worlds they portray, using calming music for the original levels, tribal ones for the prehistoric levels, and a futuristic theme for the machine level. You thankfully won’t find yourself listening to the same three chords the entire game.
Graphics are amazing! The world of Ecco is one filled with detailed background scenery, breathtaking creatures, and a young dolphin that will no doubt captivate you even after the adventure is done.
Therefore, any gamer looking for a challenge put down that X-Box controller and take part in the story of the coolest dolphin since Flipper.
