The iconic Ecco the Dolphin series is set to make a splash once more, as its original creator, Ed Annunziata, has announced exciting new developments. In a recent interview on Xbox Wire, Annunziata not only confirmed remakes of the classic games but also teased a brand new "third" installment in the beloved action-adventure franchise. This revelation comes as a thrilling prospect for fans who have been eagerly awaiting a return to Ecco's challenging underwater world.
Annunziata stated, "Me and the entire original team are going to remaster the original Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time games. Then we will make a new, third game with contemporary play and [graphics] sensibilities. Stay tuned." This announcement has sparked excitement and nostalgia among the gaming community, particularly given the absence of Annunziata's involvement in the last mainline entry, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, which was released on Dreamcast back in 2000. Additionally, a planned sequel, Ecco 2: Sentinels of the Universe, was unfortunately cancelled.
Fans have expressed their anticipation and fond memories of the series. One enthusiast shared, "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," while another remarked on the series' unique narrative, saying, "I wonder how many people know how completely bonkers the plot of the games are."
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While Annunziata didn't disclose specific release dates, a countdown on the official Ecco the Dolphin website hints at a reunion with Ecco in approximately a year, with 8,508 hours remaining until the big reveal.
Originally launched in 1992 on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Ecco the Dolphin was followed by a sequel, Ecco: The Tides of Time, in 1994. The series also includes "edutainment" titles, Ecco Jr. and Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt, released in 1995. The original game follows the titular dolphin as he navigates through perilous environments to reunite with his pod after a devastating natural disaster.
Previous remakes of Ecco the Dolphin have received mixed reviews. The 2000 remake was described as, "Ecco the Dolphin is a classic from SEGA. But sometimes classics should stay in the past." In IGN's Ecco the Dolphin review of the 2007 remake, it was noted that, "For those who have played Ecco before, there's really no reason to come back to it... 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, the last Ecco game, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, received a more favorable reception, earning a 7.6 score in IGN's review. It was praised for its "amazing visuals and an engrossing story," inviting players to "defend the ocean that is rightfully yours."
