Ecco Jr.
16-bit AbzuGenre: adventure - platform
Publisher: Sega
Year: 1995
System: Genesis
Gameplay Score: 3
Gameplay Notes:
Ask and ye shall receive. I loved the movement in Ecco and its sequel but how it was used within those games was so clunky that it ruined the experience for me. This game removes all the combat and air management and allows you to just explore and enjoy the movement. Ah, so much better. This effectively converts a challenging and frustrating game into a chill, cozy title. Basically it's a 16-bit version of Abzu, which you should play. The gameplay itself is basically unchanged, although the dash/ram movement has been removed.
Level Design Score: 4
Level Design Notes:
The game amounts to 24 maps. The objective of each is to find a set list of sea creatures or gems. Your sonar directs you toward your target or you can just swim around and explore without worrying about taking damage or running out of air. I enjoy the chill design immensely.
Theme Score: 2
Theme Notes:
Ostensibly this is geared toward children, which inexplicably means the production values are lowered. There's no narrative, for example, but even the title screen and graphics have been simplified and lowered in quality. I don't think I want my friends to know that I enjoy Ecco Jr. more than the "real" Ecco titles.
Art Style Score: 3
Art Style Notes:
Major step backward from the previous games. The color pallete is much brighter here, which is fine, but the graphics have far less detail and animation. It feels cheaper. Still good but not great
Audio Score: 3
Audio Notes:
The audio takes a step backward from the other games. The music is similar, although many tracks are largely just white noise. Some sound effects are garbled.
Overall Score: 64
Review ID: 890
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