10 Scariest Levels In Non-Horror Video Games
3. Ecco The Dolphin - The Vortex
A dolphin.
A game that involves a dolphin, saving his friends and generally having a grand ol' time. What could possibly be scary about this? It's bright, it's colourful, and look, Ecco can do tricks!
Which, for a good 80% of the game, is absolutely great!
But for those who wanted to actually finish it, were they in for a surprise.
Calling the Vortex Queen at the end of the first game is a "bit terrifying" is a bit of understatement. The whole battle, the mood and tone, the creepy Giger-inspired queen herself is just... so terrifying.
Never mind the battle itself being a pain the blowhole, the whole final battle itself is such a change in pace for the game it took many by surprise. Alright, granted, the story does explain the Vortex and time travel as it goes alone, but I don't think many were prepared for the above.
The impact was lessened somewhat in the sequel, as we knew what to expect. But for those who thought they were playing a family-friendly game about dolphins were in for a shock.