Retro Ecco the Dolphin Game Collection

The series puts you in the role of Ecco, a bottlenose dolphin with a determined spirit. In the original Ecco the Dolphin, a mysterious blue wave devastates Ecco's home and scatters his pod, prompting him to embark on a quest to find them and understand the cataclysm. Gameplay involves navigating large, interconnected underwater environments, using Ecco's natural abilities like swimming at speed and his signature sonar 'song' to interact with the world, communicate with other marine life, and solve puzzles. This sonar ability acts as a tool to reveal hidden passages, trigger mechanisms, and even stun certain enemies. The first game features a total of 26 levels spread across various distinct regions of the ocean.

Later entries in the Ecco the Dolphin series expanded on these mechanics. Ecco the Dolphin: The Tides of Time introduced new abilities and a more complex narrative involving time travel. The series also featured power-ups like the Vortex, which could clear obstacles or stun foes, and the Dash, allowing for quick bursts of speed. Enemies Ecco might encounter include aggressive sharks, territorial killer whales, and bioluminescent anglerfish, each requiring different approaches to overcome or evade. The games are known for their atmospheric presentation, often featuring serene underwater vistas punctuated by moments of peril and discovery, as Ecco the Dolphin journeys through varied aquatic biomes.