Ecco the Dolphin Reboot: New Game in Development

The mastermind behind the beloved yet challenging Ecco the Dolphin series, Ed Annunziata, has recently announced exciting developments for fans of the franchise. In an interview on Xbox Wire, Annunziata not only revealed plans for remakes of the original Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time but also teased the creation of a new third installment, promising contemporary gameplay and graphics. This news comes as a surprise to many, considering the last mainline game, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, released on the Dreamcast in 2000, did not involve Annunziata. Additionally, a planned sequel, Ecco 2: Sentinels of the Universe, was unfortunately cancelled.

Fans are buzzing with excitement and nostalgia. One enthusiast expressed their eagerness, stating, "I just want to finally be able to enter my secret password from the end of Tides of Time. I still have it written in the codes section of the game manual." Another fan highlighted the unique and somewhat bizarre plot of the series, reminding us, "I wonder how many people know how completely bonkers the plot of the games are."

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While Annunziata kept further details under wraps, a countdown on the official Ecco the Dolphin website suggests fans might have to wait approximately a year before diving back into the world of Ecco. The original Ecco the Dolphin game, launched in 1992 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, set the stage for a sequel, Ecco: The Tides of Time, in 1994. The series also saw educational offshoots with Ecco Jr. and Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt in 1995.

In the original game, players guide Ecco, the dolphin, through an underwater odyssey to reunite with his pod after a devastating environmental catastrophe. The 2000 remake received mixed reviews, with IGN's Ecco the Dolphin review in 2007 stating, "Ecco the Dolphin is a classic from SEGA. But sometimes classics should stay in the past. For those who have played Ecco before, there's really no reason to come back to it. There are no extras offered and the Achievements are junk. If you've never played Ecco, then you may want to give it a go. It really is one of the more innovative titles of its time. But, again, that time has long passed, and Ecco's gameplay doesn't stand the test of time like Sonic's."

However, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future was more warmly received, earning a 7.6 from IGN, which praised the game's visuals and engaging story, stating, "If you thought Flipper had personality, wait until you get a load of Ecco the Dolphin. Experience amazing visuals and an engrossing story, and defend the ocean that is rightfully yours."