Reviewed
08.27.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Appaloosa
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
TBA
2000 (Japan)
Jul.
25, 2000 (Europe)
Aug.
15, 2000 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Hard
Dimensions
3D
View
Multi
3rd Person
Genre
Action/Adventure
Players
1
Options
Backup
2+6
Rumble
VGA
Box
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
INTRO:
> When the Dolphin series hit the Genesis and Sega CD, it started a whole
new class of action/adventure games which has never been equaled.
To this day, the 3D levels in Ecco the Tides of Time for Sega CD simply
amaze me. Thank God Appaloosa is still around to keep the series
alive on the Uberconsole.
Their goal was to faithfully translate the gameplay of the original into
a fully realized 3D environment -- the likes of which you've never seen
in a game before! Imagine doing everything a real dolphin can do
(both in and out of the water) while solving various puzzles -- add the
need to defeat enemies like the Great White shark and you get the basic
idea...
GRAPHICS:
> Ever since early screen shots for Ecco were released, I knew this game
would be special. Prepare your eyes for ultra realistic undersea
realms. Everything looks awesome, including Ecco, other fish, the
sharks, the water, the caves, the seaweed, the coral, and the various locales.
The views (free and fixed) work well, and are third person behind and slightly
above. I've heard rumblings on the net about slowdown -- yes, Ecco
has it. However, it's nothing major or bothersome. There's
just no way Ecco will fall short of pure eye candy for any gamer.
Considering the fact that Ecco is Appaloosa's first uber-game, I'd say
they have a good grip on the Dreamcast's throttle...
CONTROL:
> As usual, the biggest challenge in converting a 2D game to 3D is the
gameplay. I'm happy to report the Ecco plays very well, especially
once you've gained the experience of going through the first stage (where
you learn the basic moves). The buttons are accelerate, charge, sonar/song,
special, look/roll left, and look/roll right. Other combination moves
can be performed like tail walking, swimming backwards, quick turns, and
quick stops. By talking to other dolphins, info shards and fish,
you are given goals to reach while solving puzzles and navigating huge
seascapes. You can also gain special limited abilities like endurance,
speed, and more. Basically, you (as Ecco) are Earth's only hope of
survival.
SOUND:
> De ja vu! If you've ever heard the Dolphin soundtracks on Sega
CD, then you know what to expect. Ecco DOTF features plenty of soft,
relaxing music to make hours seem like minutes. I really hope an
official soundtrack is released.
> The sound effects are mint. You'll hear water splashing, waterfalls
crashing, dolphins singing, whales mooing, and then some. I find
no fault here at all.
FUN:
> This game is definitely not easy. Some of your tasks involve pinpoint
accuracy as you control Ecco. One thing is for sure, this game seems
to have an endless supply of puzzles to solve (get the strategy guide).
At least you can continue just about where you left off (during a game).
Get ready for one long quest to save humanity and the dolphin world!
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