Dolphin sounds effects12/27/2023 ![]() The thick layers of droning synth are always there to add to the indication of the overall perils and to carry the weight of the ocean which has been thrust upon your back. Crossing the unseen dangers and hardships are immense enough as it is, but knowing that it is to be done alone is something else entirely. This is all in place as a reminder that you are alone and are venturing into perilous unknown areas. The genius behind this cannot be overstated and it’s so nice to see the amount of care and thought that went into crafting this game, both musically and gameplay wise.Īs you know, dolphins require air to survive and the game plays on this quite well by putting the player into tense situations where it’s difficult to get to the surface for that much needed breath. There is an air of mystery to “Undercaves” which is an element present throughout a lot of the music in Ecco The Dolphin, but there is also a tribal aspect which keeps the player motivated to move forward. This is much needed because it would be hard to want to begin the actual gameplay if we are too sad to carry on. The main thing we have heard up until now have been sad and gloomy songs, and now there is a jarring, 180 switch up to a more upbeat and adventurous track. “Undercaves” is a unique track especially near the beginning of the game. The backing tracks start off more simplistic and natural – in a synth heavy sort of way – then turns out quite complex as the story and mystery unravels. We start out with more ambient and moody feel while further down the game, the sounds and songs become more laden with electronics and effects. As the game and story progress, so too does the music. Suddenly the music turns more adventurous and hopeful while you’re sent on your way to find answers. ‘Songs of the sea sing of great danger in this place’ĭespair and solitude are overwhelming at the beginning until Ecco is given hope about what happened to his pod. The music envelopes you as you’re forced down into the harrowing depths, crushing solitude washing through you. This is expressed pretty early on with the whole pod’s sudden disappearance to Ecco having to face the dangers of the ocean alone because of that. Loneliness: the game and music both convey this feeling throughout the entire experience. Suddenly as you try to set the world record in jumping out of the water, a giant vortex sucks up your entire pod and the surrounding ocean leaving you alone. The game starts off innocently with you controlling Ecco by swimming around and talking to your dolphin pod mates. The story here includes time travel, dinosaurs, and *spoilers* aliens! All of the classic sci-fi elements. Seriously! Play this game and tell me it’s not scary – just listen to the sound Ecco makes when hurt. The cover art for this game makes it seem like it might be apart of the BBC’s Blue Planet documentary collection, but in reality this cute dolphin with the stars on his head sends us down a science-fiction horror. The music presented reflects those three core elements of the game through use of dreamy soundscapes mixed with drone-like synthesizers. Ecco the Dolphin is none of those things it is a story-driven, puzzle-adventure game that is all about atmosphere, storytelling, and emotion. The Genesis was known for its beat-em-ups, shooters, fighting games, and Sonic. ![]() Ecco the Dolphin is not your typical game, especially back in the day. ‘Distant songs are heard but not understood’ There are still instances of the heavy bass, but they are used for atmosphere and emotion instead. Ecco the Dolphin used the Genesis’ chip card to create an entirely different sounding OST. For example, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 had hired Michael Jackson to help write music for the official soundtrack (OST) until everyone backed out of that – a story for another time or a quick internet search if you’re keen. The Genesis had a particular music type which was funky and bass driven. For those who have never heard of Ecco, this game is hard as hell! Like, super hard! But the atmosphere, the story, and, most importantly, the music has made a huge impact on me. This is a game that, admittedly, I have never beaten, but has nonetheless stuck with me throughout the years from the first scene until game over after game over. The music here is composed mainly by Spencer Nilson, Magyari András, and Brian Coburn. ![]() This is my first stab at this kind of feature, so be kind! Today I’m showcasing a somewhat strange addition to the Sound Test batch of games: Ecco the Dolphin for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive which was developed by Ed Annunziata and Novotrade International in 1992. Hi everyone! Welcome to another featured Sound Test.
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