Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future

"Not so much a game, but rather an experiment in art and beauty"

Playing a video game solely for its graphics is often like kissing a mirror: oh sure, you may like what you see, but the feeling is cold and leaves you unsatisfied. When it comes to investing time and money into a good looking game, no one is more cynical than I.

I do not yield to screenshots and streaming videos - no, I rely more on the written word. Ultimately, when I find a median between the reviews of my fellow critics, depending on what they have to say, only then do I decide what or what not to buy.

Which is why I was more than a little hesitant to get Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future (to cite its full name). Receiving only mediocre reviews, what finally provoked me to buy it was my previous love for the little porpoise throughout his Genesis adventures. Sadly at first, I could only see the objections made by everyone else in their reviews. But as time went on, little by little, I became absorbed into the world of Ecco, and became completely immersed when I came to realization: this is NOT a game.

This is more a canvas - a blank screen to be filled with color and imagination. With EtD:DotF, to race from point A to B is to miss the point. It is not about action, nor puzzle solving, nor anything else that defines traditional gameplay. You must think of it more as an art gallery, with your television acting as its frame to truly appreciate what was meant to be appreciated.

But by now you have no doubt received the message, so let's break it down:

Graphics: 10/10

Regardless of its sometimes shaky framerate (which I do not care about), this is the very reason why the word ''magical'' was invented. Never before in a video game has nature been given proper representation. The characters (animals) move with such fluidity, not even documentaries about actual underwater life are as expressive. But the real highlights here are the Hanging Water levels. I won't spoil their brilliance, but I will say that they alone are worth the price of admission.

Sound: 10/10

Perfect. Every creature resonates with the same accuracy they embody. The soundtrack is deep, moody and keeps you involve throughout every second.

Gameplay: 9/10

Ecco is as responsive as a virtual dolphin is going to get. The overlooked camera system is extremely inventive. It comes in two forms: attached and detached (these are my terms, not the games). While attached, the camera stays behind Ecco at all times, and always give a forward perspective, great for handling intense situations. And while detached, the camera stays in one fixed view and gives Ecco freedom (as well as more frames of animation) to explore, creating a much more glorious experience.

Story: 9/10

Four stories in one, each with its own theme. Very well narrated and creative (I loved the idea of having to collect the elements of what makes a dolphin noble), in the end I only wished for more. Plus the ending, while satisfactory, does not give the game the finale is well deserves.

Replayability: 8/10

Though collecting the vitalists is not worth a second trip through, to deconstruct each of its 25-some levels and to marvel at every inch of imagination put forth into them creates a kind of relaxing ease that few games can.

Conclusion: 10/10

Never before has there been so much beauty in such little space. Every polygon is overflowing with detail - the makers of this game love you. Be thankful.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 12/20/00, Updated 12/20/00