The Ecco the Dolphin franchise is one of those that just feels like SEGA, at the same time it’s both well known and forgotten about. It is also one very confusing franchise, so here you can find a brief explanation of all the different ports, versions, sequels, and collections of this sea creatures legacy.
The first Game Ecco the dolphin deals with dolphin life but quickly the comfy presentation gives us the horrors of the sea not just with sea creatures but also Lovecraft Aliens.. Controls need some getting used to but they eventually click. The game has bunch of different ports, so we’ll take a look at each of them.
Genesis Mega Drive, The original version with a legendary chiptune soundtrack. The Japanese version has an extra Stomach level and is also a bit easier, so in a way it’s a better version because of it.
Sega CD This enhanced version has the same graphics, doesn’t have the stomach level but it does have new levels and also a new soundtrack. Unlike most of the time when the new soundtracks are not as good, this one rivals the original and while more New Age than dark chiptune it still feels appropriate and just as strong.
Sega PC Based off the Sega CD version but adds improved graphics and FMV to tell the story.
Ports; 3DS version has stereoscopic 3D , QOL improvements like invincibility mode, and being able to choose Western or Japanese versions. Sega Smash Pack GBA has the game but it has Screen Crunch, bad audio and frame rates. Other versions whether in Sega collections or services like Virtual consoles are just the emulated Genesis version and not different ones., they can include filters or save states but that’s it.
GameGear Master System, left this one at the end because it’s essentially a different game, The levels are either simpler or just different in an easier way. Fa calmer and not as crazy, even if the plot is the same. The soundtrack is not as good. Master system version has more slowdown but you get more viewable area over the Game Gear version. So, you have to choose what you prefer.
Ecco 2 The Tides of Time is a sequel that has many QOL improvements over the first game which makes it an easier game to get into. However while still great the story just doesn’t feel as unique as the originals. The Genesis and Sega CD versions are basically the same, the Sega CD version having the Spencer Nilsen soundtrack and the FMV that was later used on the PC port of Ecco 1, though in grainier quality here.
Game Gear Master System Recycles sprites from the first Ecco 8 bit game but is essentially similar. Same story but different simplified levels. The differences between the 2 again is a performance vs visibility choice and Master System version only came out in Brazil.
Ecco Jr is an edutainment game with no enemies, same gameplay Genesis, You have two partners with Tara and Kitnee as you try to meet big blue in the endless ocean, In a way this can be seen as a prequel to the other games and this one Is just a comfy take on Ecco. This game reused the sprites from the other Ecco Jr game.
Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt! For the Sega Pico, edutainment, this weird electronic device had a touch stylus gameplay some mini games, to solve basic puzzles exercises, It doesn’t have much of a story outside of Ecco and his friends are exploring the ocean and underwater ruins to find hidden treasures.
Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future A sequel that while being a reboot feels exactly how a 3D Ecco game should feel. Released on both the Dreamcast and PS2. DreamCast has a sonar button and created a transparent, 2D overlay on the screen to act as a map. PS2 has a 3D map, it is also a bit better technically, less framerate dips, polished graphics, fixed bugs tweaked some levels, easier and gallery mode. DC anti-aliasing and slightly different graphics, texture colors, added cutscense changed a bit,
Now there are actually 2 different LCD games by tiger, the normal one and the Pocket Arcade. Version 1 is a bit more of an adventure with 7 levels while Version 2 has 6 levels and is more action packed. more adventuree 7 leavels 6 levesl sfaste rction based different dewsigns enemies tetc.
Ecco has also appeared in other stuff like games, comics and this includes: Archie sonic Issue #269 and Wacky Worlds Creativity Studio art, no Sega Superstars Tennis, Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed Sega 3D Reprint Archives 1995,
We are getting an Ecco collection and while it has plenty of cool stuff it is missing Ecco Jr and the 3D game. The website for the anniversary also gave us this exclusive Ecco game where you gather trash and send it to a blackhole.
As far as cancelled sequels there was supposed to be a third game in the series before the 3D game. And the 3D game was going to have a sequel called Sentinels of the Universe that was far in development . Sadly neither of those projects released. And with hat we say good bye to our little dolphin that kicks Flipper out of the water.