Ecco: The Tides of Time

"Everything that a sequel should be..."

Ecco 2: The Tides of Time really shows how to improve on an already great game. The first was an amazing game. It's really too bad the sequel didn't get as much credit.

Graphics: As for the graphics, they are very impressive. In-fact, I'd consider it more of "art" than graphics. It's just amazing. Never once do you find bland or ugly scenes in this game. From start to finish your eyes will be wide open as you take in the beautiful scenery throughout the game. I give the graphics a 10/10.

Sound: The sound in Ecco 2 is a great improvement over the first. The music is wonderful, and it's very easy on the ears. The music fits the mood and atmosphere of the game very well. The sounds in the game are another great improvement. Most importantly, the annoying sound that you would always here in the first when you were injured, well, that sound has been taken care of. It has been replaced by a simple, less annoying sound. Although many other sound effects throughout the game have remained the same. Overall, I give the sound a 9.5/10.

Control: The control is my one complaint about this game. It hasn't improved at all from the first. And it becomes very hard to maneuver Ecco at times. Control gets a 7/10.

Gameplay: The gameplay is great. Ecco is a very unique game. Although the difficulty can become extremely aggravating at times, it always remains a fun game. Theres also not much replay value to be had here. Gameplay gets an 8/10.

Overall: Ecco is a great series on the Genesis. It had great potential, and in my opinion, it reached it's peak on Ecco 2: The Tides of Time. It is one of the most unique concepts you will find in a video game. And it backs it all up with great graphics, sound, and story. If you haven't played it, I highly recommend you do. It may be hard to find, but I know you won't be disappointed when you get your hands on this. And if you never heard of Ecco, then you need to check it out, it's a great, over-looked series.

Final Score: 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/23/06