"Ecco the Dolphin Reboot: New Game in Development"

The creator of Ecco the Dolphin, Ed Annunziata, has shared exciting news about the future of this beloved and challenging action-adventure series. In a recent interview on Xbox Wire, Annunziata not only discussed his passion for ocean conservation and his journey as a developer but also unveiled plans for the franchise's revival. He announced that the original team is remastering the iconic games Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time. Moreover, fans can look forward to a new, third installment that promises to blend contemporary gameplay with modern graphics.

While there already exists a third game in the series, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, which was released on the Dreamcast in 2000, it's worth noting that Annunziata was not involved in its creation. Additionally, a planned sequel, Ecco 2: Sentinels of the Universe, meant to follow Defender of the Future, was unfortunately canceled.

The fanbase's excitement is palpable, with one fan expressing eagerness to use a secret password from the end of Ecco: The Tides of Time, still preserved in the game manual. Another fan highlighted the series' famously outlandish plot, adding to the anticipation for the new releases.

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While Annunziata kept further details under wraps regarding the release timeline, a countdown on the official Ecco the Dolphin website indicates a wait of approximately one year, as it's set to expire in 8,508 hours.

Ecco the Dolphin first splashed onto the scene in 1992 on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, followed by its sequel, Ecco: The Tides of Time, in 1994. The series also ventured into educational territory with Ecco Jr. and Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt in 1995. In the original game, players guide the titular dolphin through a world devastated by a mysterious vortex, navigating through diverse aquatic environments to reunite with his pod.

Previous remakes of the series have received mixed reviews. The 2000 remake was described as a classic that perhaps should remain in the past. IGN's Ecco the Dolphin review from 2007 noted that while the game was innovative for its time, it didn't hold up well, offering little incentive for returning players and providing minimal extras or engaging achievements. However, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future was more warmly received, scoring a 7.6 on IGN's review and praised for its compelling visuals and story, positioning Ecco as a charismatic protagonist defending his ocean realm.