Product Overview
- Product Name: Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future
- New or Used: Used
- In Case or Loose: In Case
- Overall Condition: Very Good
- Disc Condition: Almost perfect, one or two very small light scratches.
- Notes: Overall great condition!
Photos show actual product for sale — no stock images used.
What's Included
- Dreamcast Game Disc: Yes
- Disc Count: 1
- Manual / Instructions: Yes
- Case Artwork: Yes
- Jewel Case*: Yes
- Extras:
Game Description
Dive into the breathtaking underwater world of Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, a cinematic action-adventure reboot that reimagines the beloved series in immersive 3D. You play as Ecco, a noble dolphin tasked with recovering five powerful Spheres stolen by a hostile alien race. Journey across diverse timelines—from tranquil seas to apocalyptic nightmare visions—to restore harmony to Earth's oceans.
This Dreamcast-exclusive title offers one of the most visually stunning aquatic environments ever seen on the console. The water effects, lifelike dolphin animations, and textured ocean landscapes create an atmospheric experience that blends exploration with tension. Creative level design and dynamic sonar-based interaction bring immersive depth to every dive.
Enhanced with powerful special abilities and intuitive movement controls, the game elevates classic Ecco mechanics to 3D gameplay. Speed bursts, tailwalks above water, backward swims, and 180° aerial turns combine with strategic power-ups like sonar beams and temporary invisibility for a gameplay loop that’s both challenging and rewarding.
Gameplay Features
- Four distinct world zones—Isle of Tranquility, Man’s Nightmare, Dolphin’s Nightmare, and Domain of the Enemy—each with unique visual tones and themes
- Sonar mechanic serves as both navigation map and attack beam, plus environmental interaction with marine glyphs
- Expanded control moves: tailwalk for aerial viewing, backward swimming, and fast 180° turns for navigation and combat tactics
- Vitality power-ups (“Vitalits”) such as Power of Sonar, Vigor, Endurance, Air, and Stealth unlock new abilities and traversal options
- High-fidelity visuals and lifelike dolphin animation built on a custom skeleton system inspired by real marine mammals
- Save progress via VMU memory card between episodic levels—no passwords, seamless progression
Historical Trivia or Fun Fact
Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future was a major artistic leap for the franchise, marrying high-end 3D graphics with the series’ cerebral sci-fi narrative penned by acclaimed author David Brin. Developed by Appaloosa Interactive in collaboration with original Ecco team members, the design team invested years studying real dolphin motion and ocean footage to craft its fluid and believable animations.
Celebrated for its ethereal musical score by Tim Follin and Attila Heger, this Dreamcast release remains one of the most ambitious and artistically expressive titles in Sega’s library. A canceled sequel—Ecco II: Sentinels of the Universe—was in development at the time of the Dreamcast’s discontinuation, making this game the final official chapter in the Ecco saga.
Additional Details
- Variant:
- Genre: Action Adventure
- Year Released: 2000
- Publisher: Sega
- Developer: Appaloosa Interactive
- ESRB Rating: E - Everyone
- UPC: 010086510331
- SKU: 8898
- Format: Sega Dreamcast video game disc (GD-ROM)
- Platform: Sega Dreamcast console (DC system)
- Region: NTSC (North America, Canada)
Important Information
- *Used jewel cases may be replaced with a brand new aftermarket one if damaged. Aftermarket cases may differ slightly in build quality from original Dreamcast jewel cases.
- Any online features (e.g., multiplayer, DLC, patches) may no longer be supported.
- Photos show the exact item for sale — we never use stock images for used games.
- Used discs are professionally resurfaced via our commercial-grade repair system to remove scratches.
- All used items are cleaned, tested, and 100% guaranteed to work.
- Backed by Retro Game Fan’s 60-day warranty.