Yes, this is a game about a dolphin.
You are that dolphin and the game entails you swimming
around talking to various fish and other underwater
life. Sounds exciting, huh?
Well, let’s go back in time… About
10 years ago, the game enjoyed a successful run of three
titles on the Megadrive. Apparently, it was a very
popular series. The graphics were excellent, the
gameplay was rewarding, in fact everything about it
screamed a classic. It’s funny then how Ecco disappeared
without a trace and was all but forgotten until the new
DC game was recently announced. But now, once again, our
favourite Flipper-like friend has burst forth on our
screens in all his aquatic glory.
Harnessing the power of the
Dreamcast, Ecco produces some of the most amazing
visuals yet seen and it’s this which will initially make
the game noticeable. Never before has an aquatic game
looked and felt so realistic. If the screenshots aren’t
enough to make you drool then wait until you see the
game in motion. Words don’t express how stunning the
game looks and feels: you’ve got to play it
yourself at some point.
Of course the game is a little more
than swimming around vast expansive oceans as a dolphin.
There’s a plot involved (penned by a top SF writer) that
has something to do with time travel baddies trying to
destroy the fish/human unity that evolved and brought
harmony to the world. Ecco is caught up in the time
warp, and is brought to the past as the only one who can
save us.
This leads to much puzzle-solving
and completing objectives in the nature of previous Ecco
games and there are over 30 levels. This is far more
absorbing than it sounds and will have you hooked for
ages. Should you wish to take a break from this nature
of the game then you can partake in one of the many
distractions, be it playing Nose Ball, Catch the Fish or
simply taking a swim around the luscious scenery
provided.
Practically every aspect of the
Megadrive games has been improved upon in the Dreamcast
version, although this time around its easier to get
lost and you may find yourself swimming around the same
section for ages trying to advance a little further.
To sum up, any fans of the original
games need a copy of this new instalment. For those
who’ve not experienced Ecco before I’d certainly suggest
giving it a try. The game itself is certainly big for an
adventure title and will have you going for ages. The
visuals are breathtaking (though sometimes it seems to
take away the dramatic pace) but the game is more than
just a pretty picture and plays superbly in all areas.
This isn’t a game to ignore, so take
notice because hopefully after its success here there’ll
plenty more follow-ups and Ecco will once again be a
major star in the world of video
games.
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