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Ecco The Dolphin:
Defender Of The Future


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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