Genesis

Ecco: The Tides of Time

Ecco: The Tides of Time is just as fun as the original, and NEEDS to be in your collection. Incredibly fun, incredibly unique, and incredibly challenging. It is just rather sad that the series is not all that well-known, because these games are truly masterpieces plain, and simple. If you ever have the chance to play this or any of the other Ecco games, do not pass it up. I can guarantee that you will have a great time, and if it's this particular game, I guarantee you 100% that you will feel alone and scared, as Ecco was.

Ecco and me did not get along. Ecco 2, however, is a much better game, featuring more of what I love (action) and less of what I hate (puzzles and riddles). It still has a little of both, so it bugged me a bit, but not nearly as much as part one. The graphics in E2 are stupendous and the music is very good. If you liked one, stop eating tuna! E2 is the stuff!

It's a very relaxing game, not for those of you are really fidgety and want to play fighting games all the time. Fans of the first Ecco game will want to check it out; the ring-jumping stages are cool indeed.

There's no doubt that Tides of Time offers a lot, providing a scenic variety of levels for the player to swim through and solve. Occasional control glitches do bring their share of frustration, but you still get a solid dose of entertainment. This sequel proves that Ecco's not washed up yet.

Your favorite dolphin is back with a whole new collection of puzzles, so if you liked the first Ecco, it goes without saying that you'll love this one. In this edition you'll rescue baby Orcas, teleport to distant lands, and even morph into other sea creatures. The gameplay is more complex this time around, resulting in tougher and more complicated puzzles. There's a new pseudo-3D obstacle course stage in which you swim through rings, but it didn't do much for me. Like the first Ecco, the graphics and sound are top notch. The music is more funky this time around, and it will grow on you. With over 40 levels of head-scratching puzzle fun, Tides of Time is a solid sequel.

The first Ecco was a mind-blowing game, yet this version takes that feeling and doubles it! This game has some of the most colorful graphics and a beautifully orchestrated soundtrack. The number of puzzles have been reduced (thank you) and there is more action and adventure to keep you busy. The 3-D levels are a sight to behold as well. Ecco 2 is a definite must-have for all you dolphin lovers.

As far as replay value, there’s nothing special once you beat the game, although it will probably take you a while the first time through anyway. It’s a satisfying game, and probably one of my favorites for the Genesis. It’s worth a purchase since you should be able to find it cheap.

The only reason for anyone to pick up this game is if you've mastered the old one and you're gonna go into convulsions unless you get a new Ecco challenge within the next few minutes. But if you're had your fill of the lovable dolphin and wouldn't mind seeing Ecco trapped in a tuna net, leave this one on the rack.