Ecco the Dolphin

Copyright: KBkids.com

Ecco the Dolphin is a classic Sega Genesis game. It was one of the original games for this platform. Those without Sega Genesis machines at their house will enjoy playing this underwater adventure on the family PC. Ecco is a fun game with many levels and classic console game play. Console games are ones which run on Nintendo, Sega Genesis or Sony Playstation systems. You can use a joystick or keyboard in this game. It is also possible to save your progress, unlike some console games. This is important for families with multiple players...cuts down on fights and tears!

Ecco is a bottlenose dolphin who suddenly finds himself alone in the ocean without his pod (family). He must explore the ocean looking for his pod and leading stranded dolphins home. Many dangers await Ecco in the depths of the ocean. He must be careful, smart, and of course always make sure he can get to ,air quickly. Ecco must use things he has learned, listen to those giving him advice, try new things and explore the ocean environment thoroughly. The graphics are very nice. This is a peaceful, non-violent game, and a nice change of pace when compared to today's 'shot 'em up' 'carnage-filled' console games.

Three different skill levels make this program appropriate for both younger children and the gaming pro in your family. Although not an 'educational game,' your family will learn a bit about echolocation, and how dolphins live together and communicate in the oceans. Ecco the Dolphin somehow teaches a bit about the ocean and it's animal life without ever becoming preachy or too environmentally oriented. It has a nice balance.

Like many games of this type, you will sometimes find yourself completely stumped, wandering aimlessly in the ocean. There is no online help here, so you are on your own to figure out what to do. The help file, which must be opened separately, contains mostly information about dolphins and the story line rather than game hints. If your child is one who becomes extremely impatient with these sort of situations, you should steer clear of this program. Most kids who have grown up with Nintendo, Sega or Playstation are used to this type of game play, however, and really look forward to the challenge of it all.

Bottom Line: A nice program you can feel comfortable allowing any member of your family to play. Not too educational, but fun, with the same charm as the original console game.

Ratings: (based on KBkids.com's 4 star rating system)

Overall: 3

BrainGain: 1 1/2

FunFactor: 3 1/2

EasePlease: 3

Sorry, Sega PC no longer makes this product for the PC.