Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

On 1/12/2021 at 7:22 PM, Silverbot said:

I actually saw this in action at a game show in London back in 1989. Jeff Minter was there playing a version of Attack of the mutant camels on it, the chair was moving all over the place. 👍😀

 

 

For some people, for sure, a system without a Jeff Minter game isn't worth buying yet.
I think a Minter 2D game like this re-imagined by Lllamasoft for the Amico could rock.
I'm a bit sick of the 3D games of late, and the psychedelic VR Games. More fun, 2D. 🙂
 

1 hour ago, Silverbot said:

No, that would be right, we always pay more over here in the U.K, the Amico is £250 to your $250, which means the controller will be for you $59.99. 👍😀

Okay, so the price is the same independent/regardless of currency rates.  That makes sense.

1 hour ago, IntelliMission said:

As far as I understand it and correct me if I'm wrong, the only way to get a refund if you throw a quarter into a 70s arcade machine that's only 2-4 players and you're alone would be to go back in time so that the quarter comes back into your hand.

 

I never tried one of those machines, by the way. I arrived when only the ones from the 80s and early 90s were left.

 

On the Amstrad CPC, I used to have a darts game and a snooker game. Both were "only 2 players", so as a kid I lived that wonderful experience of playing against yourself. In the darts game it wasn't as bad, because you could still try to do a high score (not that I tried that as a kid, I didn't even understand how it worked), but in the snooker game it was pretty sad as you needed to interact with the other player (but I liked it as a kid better as it was easier to understand, go figure).

I was talking about Downloads on modern e-shops.  I have successfully made cases in Xbox One (not 360 because it had free trials, except Combat which was part of a Game Room pack that advertised Online Play, but didn't say "online play applied only to one player games with a 'back to back' model [live single player comparison with same random seed] and not to the 'head to head' model [where our actions affect each other in real time."] ) And Nintendo Switch/ Wii U shops.  I'm one of the people who got clauses like "publisher warns it is not enjoyable a single player locally", and "has no single player vs networked opponents mode". clauses in the EShops.  I made sure they SAY 2-4 , and not 1-4, when they mean no one player mode.

49 minutes ago, Stoke said:

Okay, so the price is the same independent/regardless of currency rates.  That makes sense.
 

It does, in a way, but £250 is a lot more expensive, as a proportion of income in UK...
   https://www.worlddata.info/average-income.php
It's a bit irritating to discover that people doing my job, in the USA get >4x what I earn!  

17 hours ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

 

I like Atari's interpretation.  It's warm glowing vectors, it pulls the grid and color schemes for an early 80s feel.  I think they did well.

 

I prefer Intellivision's reimagining being made by Stainless Games.

 

You know what though?  It's a friggin WIN for video games in 2021 that two distinct and unique takes on a game are being done for different consoles.  In the 80s and 90s we had entirely different *ports* of game titles on different systems - sometimes playing very differently with different levels or features based on system capacity.. in the 90s Capcom and Virgin were funding entirely different versions of licensed Disney games.  Two unique Aladdins with some serious pros and cons we're still enjoying 25+ years later.  It's fascinating, it is a real world case being made that CHOICE matters.  Microsoft and Sony forums are all about their exclusives and fostering an ecosystem for a back catalog, perceived value in perpetual subscription-based access to a curated library of goodies.  ::bangs head against the wall::  Whatever happened to "You should check out THIS system because its games are unique ::lists forty games::??  That's a jolt of differentiation the industry needs.  We're too dependent on wrapping our hopes and identities around what first party exclusives Sony or Nintendo will drop this year, putting our wishes into Microsoft to buy some massive studio and have it's own "killer non-Halo app".  This is overdue.  Atari and Intellivision can go make radically unique takes on classic games for a modern audience.  I applaud Atari for it, and would love to see a lot more like it.   

When you spell it out this way, I definitely agree.  The video game industry, inclusive of the consoles systems, has become flooded with games that seemingly following the same path.  Whether it be the 10th version of Mortal Combat, or a new version of Daytona, Zombie killing, whatever... as each decade came forward, we lost what it was to play a simple game and got deeper and deeper into the COD style of deep storyline, character building, player advancement... and sort of lost sight of what the game was for.  Simple entertainment.   When was the last time a family broke out a simple board game and rolled a set of dice to just advance a widget onto the next square.  I don't know if it's even right to call some of these game genres games anymore... simulations sound better.  Ever play Digital Combat Simulator?  If you don't know how to fly a plane, you can't play the game...and that's the easy part. 😳

Madden games were all about the sport and were fun to play, now they are so intense with personal player activities that your only goal is to become a rich, famous player in game... or train yourself to be a Head Coach in the NFL with the play calling system being so in-depth and intense.  Do these young kids even know who John Madden was??  Boom!

I DO like the re-imagining concept, because it looks back, and then takes you forward. Nightstalker is by far the best example yet, even down to the title screen with the original test pattern used.  But I do see your point and agree.  It's refreshing to see some of the very old classics left in the original form with upgraded graphics and effects.

It is how we got here, isn't it.

On 1/13/2021 at 6:59 AM, IntelliMission said:

Here's the image again, for last-page readers 🍸:

 

Fun game you guys are playing with the list.


Here's a different take on this list...

I worked on 17 of those consoles!  

The only one I never owned was the Neo Geo.  But I did play it.  Was too damn expensive for me to own at the time, but my best friend David Perry had one at the office when we worked at Virgin Games in the early 90's... so I just played his.

 

On 1/12/2021 at 6:52 PM, Intellivision Master said:

 

It's amazing for me to see the incredible quality, time, care and research that @RetroAdvisoryBoard puts into his videos.  Like his posts... everything is very well thought out.


Super guy as well!  I hope we can all support him by subscribing to his channel.

On 1/12/2021 at 8:28 PM, tripletopper said:

And as of 3:00 p.m. Eastern today I put 100% of my money down for a black Amico.

 

We appreciate your support!

On 1/13/2021 at 4:56 AM, Swami said:

3-1-2-1-1-3

 

I also have a XaviX Port!

Hahaha!  Nice one!  I have ALL the XaviX games.  Bowling, Fishing, Baseball, Tennis, etc.  A lot of folks don't realize that the system came out before the Wii.  The problem was the framerate and gameplay though (and no marketing).

That system could have been a lot more popular than it was if they spent a little more time and money on the games and a lot more money on the marketing or getting sports licenses and doing partnerships with those sports leagues/organizations.

For those not aware, it was a system out of Japan that came with actual physical controllers in the shapes of the actual sports equipment with all the games.  It was 2 years before the Wii.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xavix
 

On 1/13/2021 at 10:30 AM, AmicoBoise said:

A question:
For those of you who aren't collectors and/or don't care if you have physical media or not, what would drive you get a physical media game for Amico?

I thought I had no interest in any physical media at all. Then I remembered that I have an Oregon Trail throw blanket. Would I pony up for a physical media copy of Oregon Trail? Oh yeah!

Maybe I could be talked into an Amico Hot Wheels car (or maybe not). Maybe another game will have a tie in that is too awesome to resist. Regardless, I'd want the physical version of Oregon Trail. Big time.

Great question!  I'm interested in hearing answers.

24 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Fun game you guys are playing with the list.


Here's a different take on this list...

 

I worked on 17 of those consoles!  

 

The only one I never owned was the Neo Geo.  Was too damn expensive and my best friend David Perry had one at the office when we worked at Virgin Games in the early 90's... so I just played his.

 

Wow.... I never knew the Colecovision was so cheap, coming in at $175 was a steal back then!  Especially with all it had to offer in higher quality licensed Arcade ports.

Just the controllers were hard to deal with and broke easy.

On 1/13/2021 at 2:12 PM, Intellivision Master said:

 

We recorded a bunch of these at the same time and he'll be slowly releasing them.  I think maybe once a week? 

We get into some really great and unique discussions.  He's great!

On 1/14/2021 at 12:24 AM, Swami said:

Amico is Charlie Daniels impersonator approved.

Hahahaha!  I left the same comment on the video!

George Plimpton melded with Charlie Daniels!

He's got a fun channel.  I enjoy watching his take on things and the excitement in his eyes for both the original and new Intellivision.

22 hours ago, IMBerzerk said:

And on that note.. a classic little diddy I re-imagined... hahahaha  @Tommy Tallarico

 

The Devil Went Down to Brooklyn,

 

The Devil down to Brooklyn
He was lookin' for new games to play. 
It was on his mind, and he had to find
A system to make his day.
When he came across this young man
Playin' an Amico and playin' it hot!
Well the Devil jumped upon a garbage can
And said, "Boy, let me tell you what!"

 

 

"I guess you didn't know it, but I'm a video game player, too
And if you'd care to take a dare, I'll make a bet with you
Now you play pretty good Amico, boy, but give the Devil his due
I'll bet a VCS of gold against your soul
'Cause I think I'm better than you"

The boy said, "My name's Tommy, and it might be a sin
But I'll take your bet, you're gonna regret
'Cause my Amico's the best there's ever has been!"

 

Tommy, loosen up your hands and play your controller hard
'Cause Hell's broke loose in Brooklyn and the Devil deals the cards
And if you win, you get this shiny console made of gold
But if you lose, the devil gets your soul

 

The Devil opened up his case and he said, "I'll make this really short"
And fire blew from his console buttons when connected to the port.
As he pressed on the "start" button, it made an evil hiss
And a band of VCS fans joined in, and it sounded somethin' like this...

 

<Instrumental with video game sounds and cheering in background>

 

(uptempo)

When the Devil finished
Tommy said, "Well, you're a pretty sly ol' fox
But sit down on that cab right there
And let me show you how Amico ROCKS!"

 

<Chorus>

"Cloud on the Mountain", Running Man, run!
Skiing looks great and it's lots fun!

The little cars racing in Nitro go fast go!
Granny can play Amico like a pro! 

 

The Devil bowed his head because he knew that he'd been beat
And he laid that golden console on the ground at Tommy's feet.
Tommy said, "Devil, just come on back if you ever wanna play again,
I done told you once, and I'll tell you twice,

Amico's the best there's ever been"

 

He played

"Cloud on the Mountain", Running Man, run!
Skiing looks great and it's lots fun!

The little cars racing in Nitro go fast go!
Granny plays Amico like a pro! 

 

OK.... THAT was EPIC!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hahahhaa!

2 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Great question!  I'm interested in hearing answers.

 

 

My answer is simple...

I hate the feeling that if the chip fails, or the console goes bad, I have to rely on an online service or something other than just plugging the cartridge back in.  

I know technology has far advanced past my ancient way of thinking, but something about inserting the game and knowing it's on the shelf just makes me feel like I actually own something and can always rely on it. 

Plus it's always fun to pack a shelf with cool boxes.  Lol.

23 hours ago, IMBerzerk said:

The "other guys" version just looks like an upgraded graphics version of the original 2600 system.  While the Amico version is clearly a re-imagined version FROM the original arcade version.  Big difference.  I don't want updated graphics, I want an updated GAME with modern graphics.

Sounds like a good strategy!

19 hours ago, AtariSociety said:

I posted this over in the Amico Society group but thought I would post it here too.. as I am a firm believer in what this video shows.

 

Watch it... It WILL move you to help make the Amico the best video game console of 2021.

 

I look at it like this... watch this video if you can. It is fun. Just picture 

@Tommy Tallarico

Tommy Tallarico as that 1st dancer.. pretty sure that is how Tommy dances... then the 2nd guy comes in.. then a chubby 3rd one.. I am that 3rd dude... and I plan on drawing attention to Amico as best as I can.. and help folks see how great it is. Did this with the company I work for now.. we were new to USA and had lots of challenges.. but we kept dancing and now 11 years later stirring the market up like no tomorrow. hehe. 

 

 

 

I absolutely LOVED this!!  So great!  Thank you for sharing.

People will sometimes try to put me down because I do interviews with folks who don't have many subscribers.  It's so easy these days to easily attach "numbers/views/subscribers" to success.  But it's not the case at all.  Especially when you're the underdog.  Momentum is EVERYTHING and we have been quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) building that in spades for over 2 years.

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell talks a lot about this as well.  Great book for anyone interested in the psychology behind marketing.

https://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624/ref=sr_1_3?crid=36E5P7BAOX03N&dchild=1&keywords=the+tipping+point+malcolm+gladwell&qid=1610716655&sprefix=the+tipping+point+malcom%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-3

You are "pretty sure" that's how I dance?  What are you talk about... are you sure that wasn't me?

16 hours ago, skylinesandsunsets said:

Why is Amico going to be the "dark horse" console of this decade? 

It has four of the five key elements, listed in the advertisement below, that made the classic 2600 into Atari's most successful product: Arcade classics, games with single player modes, priced to sell, and easy-to-use controllers.

Contrary to the advertisement below, the 2600 didn't necessarily have the fifth key element: "best games" (I'm looking at you, Pac-man port!). 
However, Atari proved that you can be known as "the best in the business" just by being popular.  It still happens all the time (I'm looking at you, Zoom!).

Amico may not be destined to offer the largest library, but at the least they will have quality games. 
After all, I dare say that one of many reasons why the classic NES was a success is because Nintendo pioneered the "seal of quality" concept.  

With the NES formula ("quality plus the other four key elements") , something that's slightly different than what this Atari 2600 advertisement boasts, Amico will become a success.    

 

LOVE THIS!  And love your thoughts and take on everything.

Really cool.  Thank you for posting!

16 hours ago, Intellivision Master said:

Here is the fifth element.  Lol.

On my top 10 films of all time!  I'm a huge fan.

Also on that list... Rocky, Star Wars, Raiders, Godfather, Planet of the Apes, early James Bond, Tron & Tombstone... so pretty good company!

18 minutes ago, IMBerzerk said:

My answer is simple...

 

I hate the feeling that if the chip fails, or the console goes bad, I have to rely on an online service or something other than just plugging the cartridge back in.  

 

I know technology has far advanced past my ancient way of thinking, but something about inserting the game and knowing it's on the shelf just makes me feel like I actually own something and can always rely on it. 

 

Plus it's always fun to pack a shelf with cool boxes.  Lol.

I’m with Berzerk!

24 minutes ago, IMBerzerk said:

My answer is simple...

 

I hate the feeling that if the chip fails, or the console goes bad, I have to rely on an online service or something other than just plugging the cartridge back in.  

 

I know technology has far advanced past my ancient way of thinking, but something about inserting the game and knowing it's on the shelf just makes me feel like I actually own something and can always rely on it. 

 

Plus it's always fun to pack a shelf with cool boxes.  Lol.

Don't worry... we got ya covered.  Just not in the way you are traditionally thinking.

And what were doing gives a lot more advantages.

Sorry I can't tell you more right now.  We'll talk about it a lot more before launch.

57 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Great question!  I'm interested in hearing answers.

 

 

I gave my answer about what would make me get a physical game on Amico.  The example was Tron.  My post is on page 1074. 

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

I absolutely LOVED this!!  So great!  Thank you for sharing.

 

People will sometimes try to put me down because I do interviews with folks who don't have many subscribers.  It's so easy these days to easily attach "numbers/views/subscribers" to success.  But it's not the case at all.  Especially when you're the underdog.  Momentum is EVERYTHING and we have been quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) building that in spades for over 2 years.

The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell talks a lot about this as well.  Great book for anyone interested in the psychology behind marketing.

https://www.amazon.com/Tipping-Point-Little-Things-Difference/dp/0316346624/ref=sr_1_3?crid=36E5P7BAOX03N&dchild=1&keywords=the+tipping+point+malcolm+gladwell&qid=1610716655&sprefix=the+tipping+point+malcom%2Caps%2C223&sr=8-3

 

You are "pretty sure" that's how I dance?  What are you talk about... are you sure that wasn't me?

 

 

 

Intellivision Amico Dance Dance Party coming in 2021!!!

Being the underdog, btw, is fine by me.  Gives us a drive to succeed.  The company I work for was in a similar boat, and we had tons of eyes and nay sayers looking at us early on.  We are now the market leaders in our product... not too shabby for a small company and we are proud of what we have done, even with it still being a challenge.

TJ

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Don't worry... we got ya covered.  Just not in the way you are traditionally thinking.

 

 

And what were doing gives a lot more advantages.

 

Sorry I can't tell you more right now.  We'll talk about it a lot more before launch.

 

 

I think we are all anxious to hear more about physical media.  As someone who owns three Intellivision consoles and lots of cartridges, I can safely say that the collector mentality is different than that of the general consumer.  Don't get me wrong, I love Steam, and use that for PC gaming.  But for old school style gaming, there is comfort in knowing that twenty years from now, my games will still work, long after the servers may have closed, and the companies may have moved on!  Whatever the solution is for Amico, I  hope it means that games will still work, long into the future!  If we are still playing games made in the 70's, there's a good chance we'll want to fire up Amico Tron in 2040!

Super interesting article that I thought a lot of people here would appreciate (and understand what we're going through as well).

Auto parts shortage due to... Playstation...

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/13/business/auto-factories-semiconductor-chips.html?campaign_id=4&emc=edit_dk_20210114&instance_id=25995&nl=dealbook&regi_id=86417126&segment_id=49278&te=1&user_id=fb608b7c7d8ceb789abb558d892e7010