The mastermind behind the iconic Ecco the Dolphin series, Ed Annunziata, has exciting news for fans and newcomers alike. In a recent interview on Xbox Wire, Annunziata not only confirmed remakes of the original Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time are in the works, but also teased a brand new "third" installment. This upcoming game promises to blend contemporary gameplay and graphics with the essence that made Ecco a beloved classic.

Annunziata's announcement came as a surprise at the end of a discussion focused on ocean conservation and his journey as a developer. He stated, "Me and the entire original team are going to remaster the original Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time games. Then we will make a new, third game with contemporary play and [graphics] sensibilities. Stay tuned."

It's worth noting that there's already a game considered the third installment, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, which was released on the Dreamcast back in 2000. However, Annunziata was not involved in its development. A planned sequel, Ecco 2: Sentinels of the Universe, intended as a direct follow-up to Defender of the Future, was unfortunately canceled.

Fans are buzzing with excitement and nostalgia. One enthusiast mentioned, "I just want to finally be able to enter my secret password from the end of Tides of Time. I still have it written in the codes section of the game manual," while another highlighted the game's unique storyline, stating, "I wonder how many people know how completely bonkers the plot of the games are."

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While Annunziata remained tight-lipped about specific release dates, a countdown timer on the official Ecco the Dolphin website hints at a launch approximately a year from now, set to expire in 8,508 hours.

The original Ecco the Dolphin debuted in 1992 on the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, followed by Ecco: The Tides of Time in 1994. The series also saw the release of educational titles, Ecco Jr. and Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt in 1995.

In Ecco the Dolphin, players guide the titular dolphin through perilous underwater environments, from tropical reefs to polar ice floes, in a quest to reunite with his pod after a devastating natural disaster. While the 2000 remake received mixed reviews, with IGN's Ecco the Dolphin review suggesting that "sometimes classics should stay in the past," the 2007 version was critiqued for lacking new content and meaningful achievements.

However, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future was more warmly received, earning a 7.6 from IGN's Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future review, which praised its engaging story and impressive visuals, stating, "If you thought Flipper had personality, wait until you get a load of Ecco the Dolphin. Experience amazing visuals and an engrossing story, and defend the ocean that is rightfully yours."