Ecco the Dolphin [Model 1042-50]

Ecco the Dolphin for Mega Drive was released on July 31, 1992 in Europe.

After deciding to create a game based around dolphins, developer Ed Annunziata carried out research on the subject and was particularly inspired by the book Sounding by Hank Searls which explained how the creatures use echolocation.

Annunziata worked with the music team on the soundtrack, playing them songs by Pink Floyd to illustrate the feeling he was aiming for.

Annunziata said, "I was paranoid about game rentals and kids beating the game over the weekend. So.. I.. uh... made it hard." His favourite level was Welcome to the Machine, which was "way over the top challenging".

There are two spots high above water along the left and right walls of Origin Beach where there were once glyphs (Or some creature) that was removed from the game. However if you use your sonar against those walls you still get messages from them.

Producer: E. Ettore Annunziata
Design: E. Ettore Annunziata, László Szenttornyai
Project Manager: László Szenttornyai
Main Programmer: József Molnár
Art: Zsolt Balogh, ‑Talent‑
Basic Programmers: Mihály Brudnyák, Fox
Additional GFX: András Bakai
Music: Spencer N. Nilsen, Brian Coburn, András Magyari
Additional Features: Ryōichi Hasegawa
Marketing: Al Nilsen, Pamela Kelly
Testing: Casey Grimm, David Forster, Mark Lindstrom, Dianna Carroll, Dermot Lyons, Joe Cain
Special Thanks: Steven Apour, Clyde Grossman, Stephen J. Friedman, András Császár, Hugh Bowen, Lucinda Delorimier, Imi, Cassandra Eszter Brigitta, Balázs
Manual: Carol Ann Hanshaw
Cinematic Animator / TD: James D. Polk

CONSOLES:
Nintendo Wii [Virtual Console] (dec.8, 2006) [Model MADP]
Sony PS2 (feb.2, 2007) "Sega Mega Drive Collection [Model SLES-54333]"
Microsoft XBOX 360 (feb.20, 2009) "SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection [Model 384-40210]"
Sony PlayStation 3 (feb.20, 2009) "SEGA Mega Drive Ultimate Collection [Model BLES-00475]"

HANDHELDS:
Nintendo GBA (aug.1, 2003) "Sega Smash Pack [Model AGB-A3PP-EUR]"
Sony PSP (feb.2, 2007) "Sega Mega Drive Collection [Model ULES-00556]"

COMPUTERS:
PC [MS Windows, CD-ROM] (sept.3, 2010) "Sega Mega Drive Classics Collection Vol. 1"
PC [Steam] (june.1, 2010) both stand-alone and as part of "Sega Mega Drive Classics Pack 1"
PC [MS Windows, DVD-ROM] (mar.18, 2011) "Sega Mega Drive Classic Collection - Gold Edition"
PC [Steam] (mar.25, 2011) "SEGA Mega Drive Classics Collection"