Ecco: The Tides of Time Genesis box art

Sega Genesis / Mega Drive · Action / Platformer

Ecco: The Tides of Time

Certified classic

SystemSega Genesis / Mega Drive
Released1994
GenreAction, Platformer, Adventure
DeveloperNovotrade
PublisherSEGA
Players1 player
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
SeriesEcco the Dolphin
ESRBE
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 11

Developed by Novotrade and published by SEGA, Ecco: The Tides of Time arrived on the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1994 as an action game. It blends action, platformer and adventure elements.

It landed about 5 years into the Genesis's life. Other notable Genesis releases from 1994 include Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Mortal Kombat II and FIFA International Soccer. Among the 111 Genesis action games in our database, it ranks #8 by legacy score.

It is part of the Ecco the Dolphin series; on the Genesis you can also try Ecco the Dolphin and Ecco Jr.. The series also appears on other systems with Ecco the Dolphin (Master System) and Ecco the Dolphin (Sega CD). Novotrade also made Star Trek: Deep Space Nine – Crossroads of Time and Richard Scarry's Busytown for the Genesis.

Ecco: The Tides of Time is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
  • you want to experience one of the Genesis's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Ecco: The Tides of Time is like

Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.

Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.

Ecco: The Tides of Time gameplay screenshot on Genesis
In-game screenshot (Genesis)

Ecco: The Tides of Time cheats & codes

70 codes on file (Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:

Infinite HealthFFAA1F:40
Infinite AirFFAA20:04
Gates Taken In 3D StagesFFD6C0:0C
Level SelectFFA7D6:XX

See all Ecco: The Tides of Time cheats

Ecco: The Tides of Time walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Ecco: The Tides of Time.

If you like Ecco: The Tides of Time, the Matrix also picks…

Playing Genesis games today

Genesis games are fast and immediate, and many are made for two players. Official collections and Nintendo Switch Online carry a big slice of the library, and Rec0m88 can run your own Genesis backups with online netplay.

Ecco: The Tides of Time FAQ

When did Ecco: The Tides of Time come out on the Genesis?

Ecco: The Tides of Time was released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1994.

Who made Ecco: The Tides of Time?

It was developed by Novotrade and published by SEGA.

Is Ecco: The Tides of Time multiplayer?

No. Ecco: The Tides of Time is a single-player game.

How long does Ecco: The Tides of Time take to play?

As an action game, Ecco: The Tides of Time typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Read more about Ecco: The Tides of Time on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

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