Best of Sega Genesis: Ecco Tides of Time
Ecco Tides of Time is just as good as the original. Which in my opinion both belong among the top 10 greatest Sega Genesis games. The ocean visuals were like nothing before and the gameplay was a new spin on a fighting game.
Ecco Tides of Time takes place on Earth this time. The Vortex have followed Ecco back to Earth to colonize it. Ecco has to thwart the Vortex queen’s plans again.
Overall the new version isn’t that much different from the original. Much of the sounds and music are recycled. The mechanics have a few upgrades, such as the the 3d swimming levels and occasionally morphing Ecco into new animals.
The main upgrade is in the levels, which more than make up for any shortcomings. The Skyway and Vortex levels are awesome. Ecco Tides of Time feels more like an expansion pack to the original, but one very much worth getting.
Favorite Parts of Ecco Tides of Time
My favorite parts were the Metaspheres to transform Ecco into different creatures. These are also in the original, but schools of fish and the vortex drone were fun additions.
The Skyway levels, Atlantis levels, and Vortex levels were great. All the new levels were welcome additions as far as I’m concerned. That’s what made the first Ecco so great. Swimming around fighting off enemies.
The puzzles were also a treat. I like puzzles, so anytime I came across one in Tides of Time it was fun to figure it out.
Least Favorite Parts of Ecco Tides of Time
I didn’t care for the 3D swimming levels. Sure, they were new but they were a bit boring. Timing perfect jumps just didn’t appeal to me.
The Vortex maze before the final boss was a bit annoying. I’m not a fan of mazes. It seems frustrating to be zoomed in while trying to navigate through a maze. True, every level is a bit of a maze but something about the narrowness of the Vortex maze was off putting.
Conclusion: A Great Sega Genesis Game
Overall, Tides of Time was slightly easier than the original. I enjoyed the original so much the sequel is a welcome addition. It felt more like an expansion pack, but who minds a huge expansion pack for their favorite game?
If you like the original Ecco the Dolphin, then you should try Ecco Tides of Time. Much like the Sonic games from the Genesis, these sequel games add a few new features and tons of new content. But it’s worth it. Find a Genesis or emulator and give Ecco Tides of Time a try!
Best of Sega Genesis: Ecco Tides of Time brought to you by: David M.
I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.
