3D Ecco the Dolphin

Genre: Action-RPG / Misc.

Players: 1

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Review:

Ecco the Dolphin is a game that’s a bit difficult to pin to a genre, but Action-RPG seems most appropriate. It was originally released on Sega Genesis in 1992 and later ported to numerous other platforms over the years (including Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack’s Sega Genesis app), with the 2013 Nintendo 3DS release of the game adding stereoscopic 3D. As the title indicates, in this game, players control a dolphin named Ecco, trying to discover what happened to all of his dolphin friends

The presentation in this game is excellent, using 2D pixel art visuals to create a really gorgeous, colorful ocean and a good variety of sea life, with some subdued music and some nice sound effects for that sea life.

On the other hand, the gameplay… to be honest, this is one of those games that just never “clicked” with me. The game’s goals are unclear, and where you’re meant to go is something you often need to figure out for yourself. This can lead to players feeling aimless in trying to make progress. And beyond that, I’m just not sure what’s supposed to be fun here. Yes, moving around as a dolphin can be exhilarating, right up until you slam into a wall or enemy you didn’t see because the area you see around you is too limited. I just felt frustrated trying to play this game.

The Nintendo 3DS release of the game adds a few extra features, such as the ability to play the game with different emulation modes or different international versions, screen settings, button reassignments, save states, and a “Super Dolphin” mode that makes you invincible.

Look, I know that some players hold Ecco the Dolphin near and dear to their heart, but I’m just not one of them. The game’s unclear goals and lack of direction just make this too frustrating for me. Other players might enjoy the sense of exploring the game’s ocean, and if that’s you, more power to you. But I cannot personally recommend this game.

tl;dr – Ecco features some really unique gameplay and absolutely gorgeous pixel art graphics, but it’s not good at all about indicating where players are supposed to go or what they’re supposed to do, making it extremely easy to get frustrated. While not a terrible game, this is a game that has some serious issues.

Grade: C

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