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Guide Ecco through over thirty levels of taxing mental and physical puzzles in search of his missing pod.

Every 500 years a mysterious vortex ravages the oceans of the Earth, seeking out all life and mysteriously transporting it through the space/time continuum to... where?

Caught up in the latest attack on the ocean bed is Ecco the Dolphin - a powerful young ocean singer who, as fate would have it, survives the vortex. However, he is now totally alone, his pod of friends viciously abducted.

It's down to you, as Ecco, to search the oceans in search of your pod, to seek out clues and track down the mysterious vortex. It is an arduous journey - an enormous quest that takes you from Ecco's home to the north pole, the open ocean, the lost city of Atlantis and even more strangely, the mysterious home planet of the aliens controlling the murderous vortex.

Do you have the power and the intelligence to take Ecco through the most dangerous journey of his life?

Ecco the Dolphin uses the Q-Sound (tm) surround sound system. The soundtrack has been digitally mastered to sound as though sounds are coming at you from a 180 degrees semi-circle in front of you. Connect up to a decent hi-fi system for the best results.

Dotted around each level are mysterious Glyphs - crystals of power that endow Ecco with special sounds that allow him to open up crystal gates to restricted areas. Some Glyphs simply provide the young swimmer with clues, whilst other endow him with temporary invincibility.

Take a trip to the Library level in the game to find out the most revealing information in the entire game. Also, two extra information glyphs have been added. Access these and the player is treated to a five minute full-motion video documentary on dolphins and their amazing abilities!

Not surprisingly, this wasn't in the cartridge original and is very intriguing to say the least.

From the screenshots, Ecco the Dolphin looks much the same as the Megadrive game we reviewed in our Christmas issue (rated at 97%). Indeed, the game plays exactly like the cart version, but benefits from extra levels that weren't in the cart game as well as some incredible music that really helps to enhance the game.

Being a powerful bottlenose dolphin, Ecco is one of the most agile, speedy creatures in the ocean. Pressing button C pumps up his speed, whilst B launches Ecco forward at great velocity, which enables him to attack the socially challenged members of the undersea community.

Button A sends out his song, which enables him to communicate with other intelligent marine life. Holding this button down brings up a sonar picture of the surroundings, enabling our marine hero to get his bearings.

At first I was disappointed to find that the Mega-CD version of this classic game is so similar to the Megadrive original. However, a day's constant play later my initial disappointment had completely gone.

Yes, most of the game is identical to the cart version, but the incredible Bladerunner-esque ambient music (in surround sound) is excellent and really helps to increase the atmosphere generated by the game.

The extra levels are a great bonus too - some of those puzzles are just incredibly tough! It's highly ironic that the best Mega-CD title available is so similar to the cartridge original, but it's true! If you don't have the original Ecco, or if you're a real fan this is the most essential Mega-CD purchase yet!

Last November I reviewed a superlative new Megadrive title: Ecco the Dolphin. It set new standards in videogaming and we immediately called it Megadrive Game of the Year! Now the Mega-CD version has arrived and it's my pleasure to say that it is utterly superb.

As you can see from the screenshots, it's much the same game - but now even bigger! There are over thirty levels in the new version, packed with some of the most brain-bending puzzles you'll ever see. The atmosphere is even more amazing in this CD title. Awesome ambient music issues out from the speakers - I thoroughly recommend attacking your Mega-CD to your stereo for this one to appreciate the pseudo-surround sound.

It's just stunning. I must say though that most of the game is virtually the same as the Megadrive version, so if you own that there's little point buying this. However, there's no denying that it's simply astounding and easily the greatest Mega-CD title money can buy.

Presentation 90%
P. No options as such, but a fine password screen and an amazingly polished feel to the game.

Graphics 95%
P. Some of the best graphics on the Mega-CD. A vast range of backdrops and strange underwater denizens for the player to discover on his/her travels.

Sound 97%
P. Brilliant ambient soundtracks with dolphin song and splashing noises. Coupled with Q-Sound (tm), it's simply tremendous.

Playability 96%
P. Ecco is super-playable, with smooth gameplay and logical puzzles. The difficulty level changes as you play to ensure a challenge for players of all abilities.

Lastability 95%
P. There are over 30 levels and the going gets tough around level ten. The puzzling action keeps you coming back for ages: you find yourself compelled to see that next level.

Overall 96%
An outstanding release. Perhaps too similar to the original version, but the awesome sound and bigger challenge make this the best Mega-CD title available!