This book once again uses the same formula as the NBA JAM Tournament Edition: Official Player's Guide. Consoles covered here are the Sega Megadrive, Game Gear and the Mega CD.

Containing 144 pages of full colour images, this book is once again very nicely presented although I did find the actual layout of the book rather unappealing, particularly the screen captures which all appear inside bubbles (yuk!).

Opening the book, you are immediately bombarded by passwords, the first fifteen levels are on the inside front cover and the remaining twenty make their appearance on the inside back cover. So if you were having difficulty getting any further here is one good reason to purchase this title. The book continues with the usual format, discussing Ecco's world, briefly explaining the background to the game. Ecco's abilities are next on the agenda, how the dolphin swims, charges and sings along with all of the other amazing capabilities of the Dolphin. Also covered in this section are the foes that Ecco is more than likely going to encounter.

After going through all of these various elements the book then starts on the game itself. Beginning with the opening stage and providing ideas as to where you should be directing your lucky Dolphin. The book is based on the Megadrive version of the game with interjections on behalf of the CD version whenever the game differs from that of the Megadrive. Game Gear users are forced to use the handful of pages that are donated at the back of the book.

With plenty of illustrations and screen captures to ensure you know just exactly where you should be at any particular point during the game, and the really helpful and informative level maps to enhance your knowledge of the terrain and the approaching level. This book should be of real value to any struggling players of this game.

Yes, a very useful companion.