Ecco the Dolphin is a series of action-adventure video games developed by Appaloosa Interactive (previously known as Novotrade International) and published by Sega.
Appaloosa Interactive was founded in Hungary in 1983; the first Ecco the Dolphin game was developed by an entirely Hungarian team, originally for the European market.
[1] Ecco the Dolphin series was released in part due to Nintendo's exclusive deal with the company Capcom.
[2] In the early 1990s, Capcom signed a deal with Nintendo preventing Sega's console from carrying two popular games at the time, Street Fighter I and Final Fight.
As a result, Sega created Ecco the Dolphin to develop a competitive advantage against Nintendo by having their own interactive game series.
Released in 1992, the original game followed the exploits of a young dolphin named Ecco as he searches the seas, and eventually time itself, for his missing pod.
[1] Released in 1994, the sequel follows Ecco's exploits after the conclusion of the original game as he travels the oceans, the past, and the future in his quest to save the planet once more.
Edutainment refers to educational entertainment where media is intended to teach and make learning more enjoyable for younger viewers.
Additionally, the puzzles players complete throughout the game are less challenging and have lower complexity making it a more simplified and accessible gameplay style.
Ecco the Dolphin was also re-released on the Game Boy Advance as part of the fourth Sega Smash Pack.
Although the exact details of the settlement were unclear, it was believed by media outlets including Venture Beat that it could pave the way for a new installment in the franchise by Annunziata.
The music is atmospheric and ambient, heavy on high-quality synthesizer, low-frequency percussion and various samples, including dolphin squeaks and squeals.