Ecco the Dolphin Reboot: New Game in Development

The iconic Ecco the Dolphin series is set to make a splash once again, as its original creator, Ed Annunziata, has announced not only remakes of the classic games but also the development of a brand-new "third" installment. This exciting news was shared through a brief post on Xbox Wire, where Annunziata discussed his passion for ocean conservation and his journey as a game developer, culminating in the surprising announcement.

"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," Annunziata revealed, stirring excitement among fans of the series. It's worth noting that there has already been a "third" game, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, released on the Dreamcast in 2000, though Annunziata was not involved in its development. A planned sequel, Ecco 2: Sentinels of the Universe, was unfortunately canceled.

Fans have expressed their enthusiasm and nostalgia, with one 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," while another remarked on the series' unique narrative, "I wonder how many people know how completely bonkers the plot of the games are."

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While Annunziata did not provide a specific release date for the new Ecco projects, a countdown on the official Ecco the Dolphin website suggests that fans might have to wait approximately a year, as it is set to expire in 8,508 hours.

The original Ecco the Dolphin game launched in 1992 on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, followed by its sequel, Ecco: The Tides of Time, in 1994. The series also saw the release of "edutainment" titles, Ecco Jr. and Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt, in 1995, aimed at educational purposes.

In the original game, players guide Ecco, the dolphin, through a devastated underwater world, navigating through treacherous tropical reefs and freezing polar ice floes to reunite with his pod. A 2000 remake received mixed reviews, with IGN's Ecco the Dolphin review 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."

In contrast, the last mainline game, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, was more favorably received, earning a 7.6 score from IGN's Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future review, which praised its visuals and engaging story, saying, "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."