The iconic creator of Ecco the Dolphin, Ed Annunziata, has recently shared exciting news on Xbox Wire. Not only are remakes of the original Ecco games in the works, but a brand new, third installment is also on the horizon. Annunziata, who spearheaded the development of these challenging and beloved action-adventure titles, is bringing back the entire original team to remaster Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time. Following these remakes, they plan to introduce a fresh game that aligns with today's gaming standards and graphics.
In his interview, Annunziata emphasized his commitment to ocean conservation and reflected on his journey as a developer. The announcement of the new game came as a surprise at the end of the discussion, sparking excitement among fans. However, it's worth noting that a third Ecco game, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, was released on the Dreamcast 25 years ago in 2000, without Annunziata's involvement. Plans for a direct sequel, Ecco 2: Sentinels of the Universe, were unfortunately scrapped.
Fans have expressed their enthusiasm and nostalgia, with one mentioning their desire to use the secret password from the end of Ecco: The Tides of Time, while another highlighted the game's uniquely wild plot. Although no specific release dates were provided, a countdown on the official Ecco the Dolphin website suggests we might see these projects come to fruition in about a year.
Originally launched in 1992 on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Ecco the Dolphin was followed by Ecco: The Tides of Time in 1994. The series also ventured into edutainment with Ecco Jr. and Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt in 1995. In the original game, players guide Ecco through treacherous underwater environments to reunite with his pod after a devastating event.
Past remakes have received mixed reviews. The 2000 remake was described as satisfactory but not groundbreaking, with IGN's Ecco the Dolphin review from 2007 suggesting that the game's appeal may have waned over time. However, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future was more warmly received, earning a 7.6 from IGN for its engaging story and impressive visuals.
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