The creator of Ecco the Dolphin has revealed that not solely are there remakes of the unique video games underway, however a “third” instalment can be in growth.
Revealed through a short put up on Xbox Wire, Ed Annunziata — the unique creator of the famed, and fiendishly troublesome, action-adventure video games — was interviewed about elevating consciousness about ocean conservation, his life as a developer, and, proper at the finish, dropped this bombshell revelation:
“Me and the whole unique group are going to remaster the unique Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time video games. Then we’ll make a brand new, third sport with up to date play and [graphics] sensibilities. Keep tuned.”
There may be, in fact, already a “third” sport. As the final mainline Ecco instalment, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future was launched on Dreamcast 25 years in the past in 2000. Nonetheless, creator Annunziata wasn’t concerned. An additional sequel, Ecco 2: Sentinels of the Universe, which had been written as a direct sequel to Defender of the Future, was cancelled.
“I simply wish to lastly be capable to enter my secret password from the finish of Tides of Time. I nonetheless have it written in the codes part of the sport handbook,” wrote one fan, whereas one other reminded us: “I’m wondering how many individuals understand how fully bonkers the plot of the video games are.”
Annunziata did not present any further particulars as to after we’ll get to be reunited with Ecco, however a countdown on the official Ecco the Dolphin website is about to run out in 8,508 hours’ time — that is a couple of 12 months from now.
Ecco the Dolphin initially launched in 1992 on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, and was adopted by a sequel, Ecco: The Tides of Time, in 1994. Ecco Jr. and Ecco Jr. and the Nice Ocean Treasure Hunt had been launched in 1995, though they had been “edutainment” video games and primarily developed as studying instruments.
Ecco the Dolphin sees you play as the titular dolphin, as your underwater world has been devastated by a swirling gust of air and water. You have to assist him navigate again via treacherous tropical reefs and freezing polar ice floes to reunite him along with his dolphin pod. We thought the 2000 remake was okay, writing: “Ecco the Dolphin is a basic from SEGA. However generally classics ought to keep in the previous.
“For many who have performed Ecco earlier than, there’s actually no purpose to return again to it,” we wrote of the 2007 remake in IGN’s Ecco the Dolphin evaluate. “There are not any extras supplied and the Achievements are junk. In case you’ve by no means performed Ecco, then it’s possible you’ll wish to give it a go. It truly is one in every of the extra revolutionary titles of its time. However, once more, that point has lengthy handed, and Ecco’s gameplay would not stand the check of time like Sonic’s.”
The final Ecco the Dolphin sport fared significantly better, getting a 7.6 rating in IGN’s Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future evaluate, saying: “In case you thought Flipper had persona, wait till you get a load of Ecco the Dolphin. Expertise superb visuals and an engrossing story, and defend the ocean that’s rightfully yours.”
Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and marketing consultant. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually Excessive Chaos. Discover her at BlueSky.