Ecco the Dolphin
SCORE: 86
I remember Ecco
the Dolphin back in the day. As I went through Genesis cartridges trying
to decide which game to review next, I decided it was time for Family
Friendly Gaming to have something to say about Ecco the Dolphin. One of
the things that made Ecco the Dolphin so novel and innovative is we
played a dolphin in the sea. We swim around, and have to make sure to
come up for air at regular intervals. We can dash into things, and use
objects to assist us in breaking through barriers.
At the beginning of Ecco the Dolphin our pod (family for a dolphin) is
sucked up through a vortex into the air. It is up to us to take our
brave dolphin through numerous levels and challenges to save them. We
meet various creatures on the way who help or hinder us. The gems block
our paths, give us keys to other gems, or tell us important information.
My favorite part of Ecco the Dolphin is sending out the sonar. When Ecco
the Dolphin first came out it was a beautiful looking game. It still
looks good today, but not cutting edge any more. The sounds are good,
and give that aquatic feel. The translations left something to be
desired though. Grammar was not the most observed thing when Ecco the
Dolphin was published.
I ran into a few different glitches in the game play of Ecco the
Dolphin. I would knock a gem out of the way, go back to check on
something and the gem was back in my way. I had to go all the way back
to the key to be able to move it again. I also found levels where it was
difficult to find air. Codes are provided to the player every time they
die so they can restart from there. Ecco the Dolphin is one of those
game that can help humans sympathize with animals. In some ways animals
are put on equal footing with humans in Ecco the Dolphin.
Players are able to bash into other creatures in Ecco the Dolphin and
make them vanish in a pop. Small fish are used to restore health just
like air restores the air gauge. If you play retro games, then Ecco the
Dolphin is a game you should know about or check out. It is an example
of a few visionaries trying to expand the industry away from tunnel
vision.
-
Paul
Graphics: 95%
Sound: 84%
Replay/Extras: 90%
Gameplay: 79%
Family Friendly Factor: 82%
System: Genesis
Publisher: Sega
Rating: ‘NR’ for Not Rated
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