DESCRIPTION

After defeating the Vortex and returning to Home Bay with his family, Ecco thought the danger was over. After all, the Asterite had given him special powers so that he could breathe underwater without searching for air pockets. He could even use his song to blast apart objects! What harm could possibly come to this dolphin who had been through so much during his last adventure? Plenty.

It seems the Vortex wasn't destroyed, but rather weakened. Now it has hitched a ride from the dark depths of space to Ecco's home world on Earth. The alien Vortex has already started to create new enemies to infest the planet! You know what that means — it's time to once again save the world from imminent danger.

Ecco: The Tides of Time is the sequel to 1992's Ecco the Dolphin. Players guide the dolphin through treacherous waters while using sonar to help navigate. Various enemies such as jellyfish, sharks and sea worms threaten to injure Ecco, so you must carefully swim to avoid contact with them. You'll also have to keep an eye on Ecco's air meter (the powers granted by the Asterite will wear off after the first level). Once it gets low, you'll have to travel up to the surface or find submerged bubbles to replenish his breath.

The game involves puzzle-solving as well, since there may be enemies or obstacles that cannot be overcome unless you first figure out the solution. This typically involves finding assorted glyphs that will offer clues. The following features are also included: the ability to temporarily morph into a shark, seagull or jellyfish; a password save that allows players to resume progress throughout the game's forty levels; and five 3D sequences where you can jump through rings! ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide