3D Syndrome OR "How 3D Killed Franchises" (Part 2)

Following Ecco the Dolphin's success, we get a sequel that does what every sequel should: build upon the original. Everything about Ecco was tweaked in some form or another; the levels were better designed, many involving unique aspects to them, such as the addition of darkness, "sky tubes", or relative gravity. The controls were improved mildly, and further allowed Ecco to jump off rocks, which were the #1 source of frustrating jumps in Ecco The Dolphin.

Not counting the awesome ice sliding, which is strangely gone from Tides of Time.

The graphics received the biggest improvement, with Ecco getting a makeover along with a lot of the other sprites. It also features some truly stylistic level design both under the water and above. Words can't describe it, so have a couple more screenshots.

Yeah. For a Genesis game, its absolutely gorgeous.

The auto-scrolling levels are used more, most notably in "travel scenes" to replace and replicate the level of "Open Ocean" from Ecco 1. At the same time, each travel level introduces a new obstacle, to keep them from being too repetitive. Does it work? Not exactly. But I'm not going to fault the game too hard for them, since some of them are fun and challenging, notably the one that takes place at night. And thankfully, they included a mini "Not as Dickish" Welcome To The Machine level.

In all its H. R. Geiger glory...

Intriguingly, there exists files of the game where there was supposed to be an extra level, possibly cut to meet deadlines or keeping with certain themes of the game. I say the latter because it appears to be an internal level, fitting in with the vortex future...however, it could've been a good opener to the vortex future levels. There were unique, unused sprites in it as well, including a metal spear and a robotic dolphin.

What is it with Ecco and Sonic having these parallels? All Ecco needed was a two-finned sidekick and a dreadlock-wearing octopus pal to round everything up...

This game holds a special place in my childhood, because,

1. Ecco the Dolphin scarred my fragile mind as a kid, and has left me with a phobia of oceans to this very day
2. Had some of the best music ever (See below, with one of my favorites to start. But almost any song will do. As a bonus, I've also included a prototype song.)
3. Had some of the coolest graphics ever (already QED)
4. Was one of the most unique experiences the console had to offer.

Tides of Time was also slated to have a sequel, and even had a password given to use in it; however, Ecco 3 never saw the light of day. And Ecco fell to the wayside for the most part, only being seen on the Sega CD (with an improved soundtrack) partly forgotten in the next generation of consoles (the PSX N64 era). I used to think as a kid, that Ecco would totally kick ass on a 3D platform, being able to explore gorgeous, underwater scenery...a spin through a sunken city of Atlantis, or high in the Vortex Future skies...down in the deep freeze of the icy north...You name any level from the Ecco series, it could have been amazing in a 3D setting. Yes, even Welcome To The Machine.

It wouldn't be till the PS2 that Ecco would resurface in his 3D debut...