Ecco the Dolphin is the collective name given to a series of action/adventure science fiction video games named after their main character, Ecco, a Bottlenose Dolphin. They are known for their high difficulty level.
The Ecco the Dolphin games hinge on the idea that cetaceans are sapient beings and have their own society. In the Mega Drive/Genesis games, humans aren't acknowledged. The cetaceans call themselves "singers". In the Dreamcast game, dolphins and presumably other cetaceans have united with humans in a cross-species society.
Ecco himself is a young adult male Bottlenose Dolphin, though his gender was ambiguous in the original game. He is very strong and intelligent, even for a cetacean. He is also able to use many unusual powers, such as shapechanging and using his sonar as a weapon. He has five distinct markings on his head; they are stars that form the constellation Delphinus.
Games in Series:
Ecco the Dolphin
Released in 1992, the original game followed the exploits of a young dolphin named Ecco as he searched the seas, and eventually time itself, for his missing pod.
Ecco II: The Tides of Time
Also known as Ecco: The Tides of Time. It was 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.
Ecco Jr.
Released in 1995, this title was intended as edutainment and lacked the sophistication and difficulty of the previous two titles in series. when Ecco and his friends find out Big Blue, a wise and famous whale, is near they must do favors and break crystals in order to pass the stage and find Big blue.
Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future
Released in 2000 and unconnected to the other titles in the series, this Dreamcast title reinvisioned the Ecco mythos in a new Earth with a new premise. Despite being developed by the same studio none of the members associated with the Genesis games participated in the development.
Ecco the Dolphin 2: Sentinels of the Universe
This was a game in development for Dreamcast that was canceled.