'Ecco the Dolphin' Returns: New Game in the Franchise Announced After 25-Year Hiatus
In 1992, a video game franchise was launched that became iconic for a generation of fans who grew up in the era of Super Mario and Sonic. After remaining dormant for a long time, the first new Ecco the Dolphin game in more than 25 years has officially been announced.
What We Know About 'Ecco the Dolphin: Complete'
Happy Earth Day! Ecco is back-and it's bigger than ever
— Ecco the Dolphin (@EccoDolphinGame) April 22, 2026
Ecco the Dolphin: Complete takes you on a time-traveling journey from the classic 8-bit and Genesis days to a brand-new modern adventure, all in one definitive package. Even better? It's built by the original creators,… pic.twitter.com/X0YqC2E07t
In April 2026, Ecco the Dolphin: Complete was announced on Earth Day, which was a perfect touch. While the upcoming game's release date hasn't been confirmed yet, details of what fans of the franchise can expect have been revealed. Based on what has been announced, it seems like a great combination for longtime gamers.
Ecco the Dolphin: Complete is confirmed to feature "all versions" of the original two games in the franchise, Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco: The Tides of Time. Additionally, it will feature "a brand-new contemporary Ecco game." Members of the development team behind the original game in the series, including creator Ed Annunziata, are working on the project. According to the announcement, the goal is to bring together the series' history while extending its legacy with a new chapter.
Based on the press release, the upcoming title appears to exclude two chapters from the franchise's history. The announcement does not mention the other games in the series. That suggests that Ecco Jr. and the Great Ocean Treasure Hunt (A.K.A. Ecco Jr.) or Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future won't be included.
The 25-Year Hiatus and the Lost 'Ecco' Sequel
Over the last two decades, new gamers have been able to discover how difficult Ecco the Dolphin is thanks to multiple re-releases, including 3D Ecco the Dolphin for the Nintendo 3DS. However, it has been many years since the series received a new installment.
The last new true new game in the series, Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future, was first released on the Sega Dreamcast on June 16, 2000. Development on Ecco II: Sentinels of the Universe began, but that planned sequel was abandoned due to the decline of the Sega Dreamcast. As a result, more than 25 years have passed since the last game in the series came out. That makes the fact that Ecco the Dolphin: Complete will include a new game especially exciting.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 7:09 AM.