The original creator of Ecco the Dolphin, Ed Annunziata, has made an exciting announcement: remakes of the classic games are currently in development, along with a brand-new third installment. This revelation came during an interview on Xbox Wire, where Annunziata discussed his journey as a game developer and his passion for ocean conservation — before ending with a surprising update about Ecco's future.
In his statement, Annunziata shared: “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 [ttpp] graphics sensibilities. Stay tuned.”
While fans may be quick to point out that a "third" game already exists — *Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future*, released on Dreamcast in 2000 — it’s important to note that Annunziata was not involved in its creation. A planned sequel, *Ecco 2: Sentinels of the Universe*, intended to continue the story from *Defender of the Future*, was unfortunately canceled.
Fans have responded enthusiastically, with one expressing their excitement by saying: “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.” Another fan humorously noted: “I wonder how many people know how completely bonkers the plot of the games are.”
Ecco the Dolphin Remakes and New Game
Though no official release dates were revealed, there is currently a countdown timer on the official *Ecco the Dolphin* website set to expire in 8,508 hours — roughly equivalent to one year from now. This cryptic countdown has only fueled anticipation among longtime fans eager to reunite with the iconic dolphin protagonist.
Originally launched in 1992 on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, *Ecco the Dolphin* quickly became known for its atmospheric gameplay and challenging levels. The sequel, *Ecco: The Tides of Time*, followed in 1994. While spin-offs like *Ecco Jr.* and *Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt* arrived in 1995, they were primarily educational titles rather than traditional action-adventure entries in the series.
In *Ecco the Dolphin*, players take control of the titular dolphin as he journeys through a variety of underwater environments — from tropical reefs to icy polar waters — after a mysterious force devastates his home and separates him from his pod.
IGN’s review of the 2007 remake reflected a mixed reception: “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.”
However, *Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future* received a more favorable response, earning a 7.6 from IGN: “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.”
