Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

On 2/11/2021 at 11:36 AM, woobman said:

There was a PSP game that was a blast to play. Not sure how many people remember - Mercury and Mercury Meltdown. I think this sort of game would go quite well on the Amico..

 

 

Very cool!  Yeah... a game like this would be perfect for Amico.

On 2/11/2021 at 12:25 PM, Cranker said:

I am one of the biggest supporters with 2 FE on order as well as checking everyday for new information about the Amico. That being said, I do have a few concerns creeping up. There are some valid concerns mostly regarding the gameplay on the Finnigan Fox demo video. I think Tommy needs to address those concerns if he hasn’t already. Also, of all of the games that have been shown on previous videos , this is the one that interests me the least. To me, all of the other games that I have seen so far are looking super fun to play with the family with coop, vs etc and compete for high scores. This one is about the only one that does not fit somehow with their whole multiplayer , couch coop philosophy. This is not an exciting game in my opinion and looks rather bland, and to show it before so many others that they could shown that would show off the system , controllers etc better seems strange. Is it just me ? 

Hi.  No worries.  Ask me anything.  Although I'm not sure specifically what concerns you are referring to.  Different folks had different concerns.  Some people disliked the new look... others loved it.  Some people make up things like "controller lag" and others realize they are insane.  

But seriously... let me know the specific concern and I'll do my best to answer.

In regards to you personally not liking Finnigan Fox.  That's okay.  Not everyone is going to like every game we do.  In fact, I'd say it's close to impossible given our 20% focus on young kids.

But I would say this... please check out the overwhelming majority of positive comments that are on the video.  Like I told Rich ReviewTechUSA in a live stream the other night.  It's okay to say that you don't particularly like a certain game or style... but it's also fair to recognize that others do.  We know what we're doing and who are market is when it comes to things like Finnigan Fox.  And I totally appreciate and understand that a lot of folks may not like it.  And that's okay.

Thanks for the honesty and support!  Please feel free to keep the discussion going and let me know your thoughts on my response.

Thanks!

On 2/11/2021 at 1:00 PM, GrudgeQ said:

I am not as excited about Finnigan Fox over, say Cloudy Mountain or Evel Knieval, but that is mostly because I am not a huge platformer puzzler fan. However I know a lot of people are and also the original game is fun to play and I doubt those fun elements are going away. In fact I am assuming they will fix the slightly wonky controls and overly high difficulty level which was the biggest downfall of the original. The season mechanics is what make this one really unique and add a lot to the play factor. Often a game's 'funness' (not really a word) is hard to quantify. Some of my favorite games sound boring as death if you just describe them or even show a clip (I am thinking of Slay the Spire, for example). So do I think Finnigan Fox will be my favorite Amico game? No probably not, but I bet it will be for some people, especially those who liked but couldn't quite love the original due to some clunkiness. I am kinda in that camp and may well buy the physical when it comes out because it is a game I wanted to be better than it was - but still have a soft spot for, if that makes any sense. So long story short, yeah not all Amico games are going to grab you if that was the only launch title I would be worried, but with 35 I will just move on to Astrosmash or something if it doesn't hold my attention.

Yes!  We are literally fixing all of the issues that folks had with Fox & Forests.  That includes the difficulty, the way level progression was approached, the complexity of items needed... and the controls.

Don't believe any of the fools saying this is nothing more than a re-skinning.  A perfect example of people grasping at any kind of straw in hopes of making Intellivision look bad.

On 2/11/2021 at 4:18 PM, Intellivision Master said:

This was really cool Tommy.  Thank you for the fun tour.  It's neat getting to see everything.

Thanks!  It's only the beginning.  We are just starting to move in now.  Lots of work still to go and it will be fun to show what the office/building looks like later in the spring/summer when everyone is (hopefully) moved back in and the worst of the pandemic is behind us.

So I see the Amico is gonna be delayed again, and that's fine. But this is now two times the Amico was supposed to be realeased and I still haven't seen anything to bring in the non-gamer. There are simple games on other systems and even things like firestick. I think there should have been something mind blowing by now to justify the price. The advertising hasn't started yet but there needs to be something to advertise.

I've never in my life heard of a product that the interest and excitement is coming from one demographic, but is supposed to be from another. It's like if baseball fans were all looking forward to a hockey game, it doesn't make sense.

When Amico comes out are all those YouTube videos from retro gaming older men gonna get replaced by videos from women and children? I'm sorry I don't see that happening, unless you pay them. And that will still only be one video vs 50 videos from the usual suspects doing let's plays and reviews. And I don't think I'm a "troll" for saying that.

On 2/11/2021 at 4:43 PM, Starpaddler said:

Nice space!

 

Can’t wait to see it in person when my wife claims her Moon Patrol Prize, after I’m recovered (COVID).

 

The F-20 has an interesting history...

Yes!  We're looking forward to it as well!

Yeah!  The F-20 TigerShark has an interesting story!

It's an extremely rare piece of aviation history and the only other one in existence (I believe) is hanging in the L.A. Museum.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_F-20_Tigershark

So liking the Amico and doing videos about it turns you into a "suspect" of some imaginary crime... Nice.

I hope the mods do what needs to be done.

23 minutes ago, IntelliMission said:

So liking the Amico and doing videos about it turns you into a "suspect" of some imaginary crime... Nice.

 

I hope the mods do what needs to be done.

Usual suspects is a common phrase, stop acting like you know me I saw you call me a troll even though me and Tommy's last interaction was respectful. You seem to have a personal vendetta against me because I'm not super positive. You want me censored so badly it's kinda creepy, "suspects" keep reaching man. Mods can do what they want, as a non gamer I won't lose sleep over it. I will speak my mind, I'm not afraid to be real.

Edit, from Webster

the usual people or things that are suspected or thought of in a particular situation —often used humorouslyThe breakfast menu had all the usual suspects—eggs, pancakes, waffles, and French toast.

33 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

Hi.  No worries.  Ask me anything.  Although I'm not sure specifically what concerns you are referring to.  Different folks had different concerns.  Some people disliked the new look... others loved it.  Some people make up things like "controller lag" and others realize they are insane.  

 

But seriously... let me know the specific concern and I'll do my best to answer.

 

In regards to you personally not liking Finnigan Fox.  That's okay.  Not everyone is going to like every game we do.  In fact, I'd say it's close to impossible given our 20% focus on young kids.

 

But I would say this... please check out the overwhelming majority of positive comments that are on the video.  Like I told Rich ReviewTechUSA in a live stream the other night.  It's okay to say that you don't particularly like a certain game or style... but it's also fair to recognize that others do.  We know what we're doing and who are market is when it comes to things like Finnigan Fox.  And I totally appreciate and understand that a lot of folks may not like it.  And that's okay.

 

Thanks for the honesty and support!  Please feel free to keep the discussion going and let me know your thoughts on my response.

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the response ! I agree with what you said. I guess I’m just super excited for games like moon patrol , astrosmash , bi planes  etc with crazy multiplayer fun . I forgot about everyone else’s opinions ! 😂 

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I welcome anyone to please google the electronic component situation that is happening in China right now.  Even though we started securing parts in November... we have over 100 electronic components to secure and things that were simple to get and inexpensive even a month or two ago have now been gobbled up and going to the highest bidder.  Unlike Sony, Apple, Samsung, etc. we can't play that game.

Very much an aside, but one of my many geeky hobbies is synchronized holiday lighting. Not your Walmart string of 110 volt blinkies, but the individually addressable LED kind which are controlled by highly specialized controllers often designed by tiny, one person firms. They are the kind you see features by the pinnacle (or possibly lunatic fringe) of the hobby on the Great Holiday Light Fight. The lights (pixels as they are called), however, are all sourced out of a handful of factories in China. 2020 was a rough year for the hobby. Controller shortages due to manufacturing issues and a ton of quality issues including pixels catching on fire (they are low voltage, 5 or 12 volts, so this sort of stuff had never happened), the resin used to water proof them never setting (improperly mixed) and a much higher failure rate of individual lights. It even sparked the hobby to collectively conduct a crowd sourced investigation into the fire issue, which obviously was the biggest concern. One vendor of the holiday props you mount the pixels into (think flat candy cane and snow flake shaped items with lots of holes for the lights) even sourced a fire retardant material to make their products out of.  I am sure the mega-national corporations can manage to source, QA and ship in limited quantities, but it is pretty clear to the Average Joe buying tech from China the wheels not only came off but are still slowing being bolted back on into 2021. In addition, of course, right now it is Chinese New Years and NOTHING is going on in China for a couple of weeks, forget even a vendor inquiry email being returned.

On 2/12/2021 at 2:56 AM, themewsh said:

Tommy, the YouTube culture shenanigans are hurting Amico.

I would disagree.  Our main target audience don't even know we exist.

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Spelling errors in the fox video,

It wasn't an error.  We thought it was funny.  I guess it didn't translate.

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the weird deluge of reaction vids instantly,

You call peoples excitement for Amico "weird"?  Other peoples' happiness and excitement is weird?

No offense... but I think THAT is what is weird. 

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the interviews where you talk about doing things to mess with haters, I’m sorry man but I’m out.

That's fine.  If you are "out" because you are offended or turned off by the things you mentioned above, I totally understand and appreciate your honesty.  And it's probably better that you get out now because there will be a lot more reaction video excitement and fun plays on words and funny shots at idiotic detractors (from time to time).

I'm genuinely curious to know what your opinion of Elon Musk and Tesla is. 

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I love the idea of the system, I appreciated your willingness to engage the community but now there’s just two echo chambers at war and it’s not a good look.

 

Thank you for loving the idea of the system and recognizing my willingness to engage.  Although I'm sure you recognize that I have ZERO control over what haters or lovers say.

Do you honestly think if I said to the obsessed stalker trolls... Can you guys please stop?  Do you think they would?  Do you also think it would be a smart move for me to tell all of the people who are excited about it to STOP BEING SO EXCITED AND STOP STICKING UP FOR US.   Of course not. 

I would also respectfully reject your thoughts that two sides who are passionate about their beliefs is "not a good look".  Quite the opposite in fact.  We are extremely interesting to both side of the "echo chamber" as you put it.

As I mentioned recently in a Turbo Joe interview... the fact that these folks focus so hard on us is absolutely delightful and shows how powerful our message is and how successful we'll be.  If there was ONLY negativity (i.e. like the Atari VCS seemed to get over the past few years before they launched)... then that would be cause for concern.  Y'know it's funny because people love to say that Atari is such a bigger and better name and how stupid I am to try to revive the Intellivision brand (even though we owned 20% of the entire home console market in the early 80's.... so... about the SAME percentage as the XBOX the past 2 decades.) YET... "certain" podcasters talk a LOT more about Intellivision than they do Atari (therefor ruining their own declarations and points).  You know the expression... bad press is better than NO press.  I can't tell you how many people have found out and purchased Amico's just because they heard about it through some negative video. 

Anyway... those are my personal thoughts and I appreciate the dialogue and I hope I'm not coming across as aggressive or confrontational.  It's not my intention.  Just giving you my thoughts as you are doing with me.

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It leaves a segment of would be buyers with a bad taste in their mouths.

The overwhelming majority of people buy products because of the PRODUCT.  If it's great, they will get it.   If it's not... they won't.  Yes.. there is a small yet vocal "cancel culture" out there.  And I don't care.  They may be LOUD on Twitter but they are far from the majority.

And to state again... the audience we're going for isn't on Twitter or reddit or resetera and they certainly don't watch negative YouTubers with 50 subscribers.  A lot of our folks are on Facebook & Instagram.  And you'll notice there is VERY little negativity over there.  Why?  Because people use their REAL names and identities.  The obsessed stalker hater trolls can only comment behind their fake names and multiple fake accounts.  Not only because they are cowards, but because they know they can't actually debate me one on one... so they hide and prefer to make fun of and attack my race, my height, my age, my wife, our supporters, our employees and developers. 

And let me once again stress (because certain people always love to take me out of context to fit their ridiculous narratives)... I am NOT saying that people who dislike or criticize a video game machine they've never played are HATERS.  It just doesn't appeal to them.  That's totally fine.  You'll notice that normally adjusted people just don't like it and move on.  For folks who obsess over hating it and make it their mission to destroy the product and company... well... quite frankly the average person can see that they have some "issues" going on.  And the more they hate on us... the better it makes us look.

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The world is a bad enough place and life is challenging enough that we don’t need this eternal conflict around something meant to bring the family together.

I agree.  So isn't it crazy that the same handful of obsessed stalkers continue making up lies and spreading misinformation all the time?

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I’m sure I’ll get flamed for this post, but it is 100% meant to be constructive. Please understand that there are more people like me that would really like to see this do well but are turned off by what’s happening at the moment.

 

*edit for grammar 

No worries my friend.  I don't believe you will get flamed at all (at least I hope not... I haven't read ahead!).  

That is yet another false narrative that is happening.  They try to paint people in here as being evil to anyone who disagrees.  Completely NOT the case.  Almost everyone here appreciates a thoughtful and RESPECTFUL exchange of views.  And sometimes... when people from the "other" side purposely come in here to cause chaos... the mod's (and folks here) give them multiple warnings.  And sure... some folks may get bent out of shape and say things they regret.  I'm one of them!! 

My suggestion to you would be to STOP focusing on the negative folks.  If you are truly interested in the product like you mentioned... then just keep to the lighter and more fun side of what is going on.  You are in control of where you go and what you read.  If the negativity and fighting is getting you down (which is understandable) then stop going there.  Stick to channels like OEB Pete or even just our own website and mailing list or even this place!

Anyway... I hope you view my response as respectful and please feel free to respond if you'd like and keep the conversation going.

Thanks for caring enough to come here and give everyone your thoughts.

On 2/12/2021 at 4:37 AM, IntelliMission said:

But from the moment it was released, I knew Pat & Ian would jump on it.

What can I say... they are obsessed with me and everything I do.  I win.

On 2/12/2021 at 4:37 AM, IntelliMission said:

1) Let's try not to come here just hours after P&I attack the Amico to repeat their concerns. I think we should know better at this point. Nobody takes those 2 seriously anymore.

I think you're correct... although if anyone ever has any questions about anything... please feel free to ask.  I've been an open book from the start and will continue to do so if I have the time.

On 2/12/2021 at 4:37 AM, IntelliMission said:

 

2) Tommy has chosen Finnigan Fox because it's a "classic" game, even if many of us don't like that style of games. And Tommy is showing it right now because, let's remember, they haven't started their marketing yet and they're still focused in retro gamers.

Many many people absolutely LOVED the Finnigan Fox video.  If we put out something that was clearly horrible and the majority of people hated it... okay... then it would have been a mistake. 

But the fact that the overwhelming majority (especially for our family audience) LOVED it... shows that we may have an idea of what we're doing and why.  

On 2/12/2021 at 4:37 AM, IntelliMission said:

By the way, I took the time to download the new office video and revert the mirror effect. Whoa! I'm such a nerd.

Hahahhaaa!!  Even I couldn't be bothered.  I only saw that it was reversed after it finished uploading and didn't have the time to redo it.  It was on my personal channel so I didn't care and just mentioned it in the description.  If it was for the official Intellivision channel I would have had my team reverse it the proper way.  

2 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I would disagree.  Our main target audience don't even know we exist.

 

 

It wasn't an error.  We thought it was funny.  I guess it didn't translate.

 

 

You call peoples excitement for Amico "weird"?  Other peoples' happiness and excitement is weird?

No offense... but I think THAT is what is weird. 

 

 

 

 

That's fine.  If you are "out" because you are offended or turned off by the things you mentioned above, I totally understand and appreciate your honesty.  And it's probably better that you get out now because there will be a lot more reaction video excitement and fun plays on words and funny shots at idiotic detractors (from time to time).

I'm genuinely curious to know what your opinion of Elon Musk and Tesla is. 

 

 

 

Thank you for loving the idea of the system and recognizing my willingness to engage.  Although I'm sure you recognize that I have ZERO control over what haters or lovers say.

Do you honestly think if I said to the obsessed stalker trolls... Can you guys please stop?  Do you think they would?  Do you also think it would be a smart move for me to tell all of the people who are excited about it to STOP BEING SO EXCITED AND STOP STICKING UP FOR US.   Of course not. 

I would also respectful reject your thoughts that two sides who are passionate about their beliefs is "not a good luck".  Quite the opposite in fact.  We are extremely interesting to both side of the "echo chamber" as you put it.

As I mentioned recently in a Turbo Joe interview... the fact that these folks focus so hard on us is absolutely delightful and shows how powerful our message is and how successful we'll be.  If there was ONLY negativity (i.e. like the Atari VCS seemed to get over the past few years before they launched)... then that would be cause for concern.  Y'know it's funny because people love to say that Atari is such a bigger and better name and how stupid I am to try to revive the Intellivision brand (even though we owned 20% of the entire home console market in the early 80's.... so... about the SAME percentage as the XBOX the past 2 decades.) YET... "certain" podcasters talk a LOT more about Intellivision than they do Atari (therefor ruining their own declarations and points).  You know the expression... bad press is better than NO press.  I can't tell you how many people have found out and purchased Amico's just because they heard about it through some negative video. 

Anyway... those are my personal thoughts and I appreciate the dialogue and I hope I'm not coming across as aggressive or confrontational.  It's not my intention.  Just giving you my thoughts as you are doing with me.

 

 

 

The overwhelming majority of people buy products because of the PRODUCT.  If it's great, they will get it.   If it's not... they won't.  Yes.. there is a small yet vocal "cancel culture" out there.  And I don't care.  They may be LOUD on Twitter but they are far from the majority.

And to state again... the audience we're going for isn't on Twitter or reddit or resetera and they certainly don't watch negative YouTubers with 50 subscribers.  A lot of our folks are on Facebook & Instagram.  And you'll notice there is VERY little negativity over there.  Why?  Because people use their REAL names and identities.  The obsessed stalker hater trolls can only comment behind their fake names and multiple fake accounts.  Not only because they are cowards, but because they know they can't actually debate me one on one... so they hide and prefer to make fun of and attack my race, my height, my age, my wife, our supporters, our employees and developers. 

And let me once again stress (because certain people always love to take me out of context to fit their ridiculous narratives)... I am NOT saying that people who dislike or criticize a video game machine they've never played are HATERS.  It just doesn't appeal to them.  That's totally fine.  You'll notice that normally adjusted people just don't like it and move on.  For folks who obsess over hating it and make it their mission to destroy the product and company... well... quite frankly the average person can see that they have some "issues" going on.  And the more they hate on us... the better it makes us look.

 

 

 

I agree.  So isn't it crazy that the same handful of obsessed stalkers continue making up lies and spreading misinformation all the time?

 

 

No worries my friend.  I don't believe you will get flamed at all (at least I hope not... I haven't read ahead!).  

That is yet another false narrative that is happening.  They try to paint people in here as being evil to anyone who disagrees.  Completely NOT the case.  Almost everyone here appreciates a thoughtful and RESPECTFUL exchange of views.  And sometimes... when people from the "other" side purposely come in here to cause chaos... the mod's (and folks here) give them multiple warnings.  And sure... some folks may get bent out of shape and say things they regret.  I'm one of them!! 

My suggestion to you would be to STOP focusing on the negative folks.  If you are truly interested in the product like you mentioned... then just keep to the lighter and more fun side of what is going on.  You are in control of where you go and what you read.  If the negativity and fighting is getting you down (which is understandable) then stop going there.  Stick to channels like OEB Pete or even just our own website and mailing list or even this place!

Anyway... I hope you view my response as respectful and please feel free to respond if you'd like and keep the conversation going.

 

Thanks for caring enough to come here and give everyone your thoughts.

 

 

Thanks Tommy - part of my issue is that channels you mention I should follow feel disingenuous and exaggerated. OEB Pete’s goofy faces in the thumbnails are not helping on that front. 
 

As for the official channels that trust was broken when I saw the clip where you mention putting weird things in to mess with your haters and generate negative reactions.
 

I’m not interested in misinformation in official videos for the sake of the lulz. It makes the people that want to support it feel like suckers if they don’t know what’s real and what’s not.
 

Best of luck in your endeavor, I’ll see myself out, thanks for replying.

On 2/12/2021 at 5:08 AM, 1980gamer said:

Wow

 

Tommy has taken the high road 99.9% of the time.  He is almost saintly!

Trying to correct misinformation is not WAR.  Letting lies go unchallenged...... leads to things like our Capitol being stormed.

 

Thanks.  I agree (although clearly biased).  

I'd even go as far as saying I take the high road about 95% of the time.  You were way too kind with the 99.9%.

On 2/12/2021 at 5:12 AM, LePionnier said:

30 minutes ago, I ask my son which video he likes better between Fox n forest and Finnigan Fox. He is almost 9 years old, and without hesitation he said Finigan Fox.

Retro gamers are the majority liking amico right now, but it will not be the case forever. We will be minority. So I understand and agree with the new look for the game. 👍

Exactly.  Too many times people may comment negatively about how they personally feel inside.  And again... as I've ALWAYS said... that's fine.  It's when they say and think that EVERYONE IS GOING TO HATE THIS where they cross into complete narcissism with zero self-awareness.   Newsflash folks... typically kids under 10 do NOT like pixel art.  Now some of you may disagree and have kids that do.  But consider that you are retro gamers who probably still play retro pixel games with your kids and therefor the associate pixel art with their dads time, happiness and focus.  But it's not the average person.

Do folks understand how easy it is (even during COVID) to do simple focus group market testing by hiring a professional 3rd party company to show a Finnigan Fox trailer to 1,000 kids and show them Fox n' Forests and ask which one they like best?  And if you don't think that over 96% of them didn't pick Finnigan Fox... you'd be mistaken.

It cracks me up when people get so angry that we DESTROYED the game and it's going to be a HUGE FAILURE and we don't know what we're doing!  Yet more proof that folks who say that... are the ones who literally have ZERO idea what they are talking about.

On 2/12/2021 at 5:12 AM, LePionnier said:

 

Now about multiplayer, that's a bigger point I think. But we don't know a lot of things about it. So I will give the benefit of the doupt to them.

The multiplayer aspect in Finnigan Fox isn't the focus.  Single player is definitely the focus.  Just like Rigid Force Redux Enhanced.  But putting in a few cool ideas so that young kids or non-gaming wives could join in and help (in the case of RFRE) or a fun mini-style game in Finnigan Fox is just a nice little touch and something that casuals appreciate.

On 2/12/2021 at 5:13 AM, themewsh said:

I'm sorry if you missed it, or just dont want to acknowledge it, but purposely messing with video content to "mess with the haters" to me isn't trying to correct misinformation. It is intentionally handing the YouTube frenzy fuel for a fire.

Naw... as I mentioned... lots of folks found out about Amico through them.  It's great promotion.  I hope they continue.

Here's an idea that some people before me have already suggested for folks that could be a bit turned off by the Youtube wars, the anticipation and the delays (even if September looks like it's going to be the real deal).

A couple of years ago I stopped watching soccer games because I thought I was wasting my time and stressing too much about something I couldn't control. So what I do now is to just follow the scores, it's much more relaxing.

So maybe some people can just follow official updates about release dates and just ignore the haters Vs lovers aspect. Maybe that's a way for them to be still "in" in a more relaxed way. After all, it was what we did in the 80s and 90s!

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

We haven't made that decision yet.  I'm assuming they will be pre-designed so you can learn the best way to strategically place things (i.e. best place to put your towers).  Randomly generating may give unfair disadvantages to folks (a port in a place that sucks).  But it's worth looking into and we've spoken about the possibility.  It could introduce more problems than good though.  We're just not sure at this point.

 

 

Why not have the option of either? A menu choice at the beginning of the game If possible that could add to the playability.

31 minutes ago, themewsh said:

Thanks Tommy - part of my issue is that channels you mention I should follow feel disingenuous and exaggerated. OEB Pete’s goofy faces in the thumbnails are not helping on that front.

 

Complaining to Tommy about what an independent YouTuber puts on his thumbnails is a bit too much! I don't like those mugging shots on thumbnails either but nearly EVERYONE on YouTube uses them. Why didn't you complain about the ones on his Evercade videos, oh because you just want to be upset over something Amico related - got it.

Just now, GrudgeQ said:

Complaining to Tommy about what an independent YouTuber puts on his thumbnails is a bit too much! I don't like those mugging shots on thumbnails either but nearly EVERYONE on YouTube uses them. Why didn't you complain about the ones on his Evercade videos, oh because you just want to be upset over something Amico related - got it.

Whoa there guy, Tommy named OEB Pete first as someone I should watch which is why I singled him out.

I had no idea who the guy was until I saw the Amico vids.

I had three systems on preorder, I no longer do, I’m gone. No need to make it sound like I’m someone out there making the hater content, I’m legitimately trying to basically fill out a comment card on the way out the door.

On 2/12/2021 at 6:09 AM, TMPiper said:

I’m not sure what those guys are criticizing, and I hope nobody minds if I ask a couple of questions about it. I’m just seeking to understand what the criticism is, even if it isn’t valid; because everyone seems to know what they’re talking about except me.

Absolutely!  Please feel free to ask anything.  That's what this place is for and why I created the thread in the first place.

On 2/12/2021 at 6:09 AM, TMPiper said:

 

10 frames of lag: what the heck does this mean? Contextually it’s something bad, and I gather it means 10 frames of lag between activating the directional control and your endgame avatar actually moving. But I’m not certain and I’d love an explanation.

They want you to believe that Amico is going to be a complete disaster because the games will be unplayable.  They actually think that we would release a console where the controllers didn't feel like you were controlling the characters.  Y'know... our team that has 600+ years experience in the video game industry and has worked on the biggest selling video game products, hardware and games of ALL TIME.  Yeah... that crew. 

Please recognize... these folks are obsessed trolls trying to blow anything we do completely out of proportion in order to make us look bad in hopes of destroying the product and our company.

And I'm sure then end up taking credit for the reason we optimized our hardware and software when it comes out.  IF NOT FOR THEM WE WOULD HAVE FAILED.  THANKS!!!

On 2/12/2021 at 6:09 AM, TMPiper said:

 

Inverted controls: this was the other thing I wanted to ask about. They act like inverted controls is a bad thing, but I thought that was the whole idea behind Amico’s unique control system which based on that of Mattel’s Intellivision unit. Why would inverted controls be something bad to these guys?

In the Astrosmash video I showed how quickly you could move the controller and see the entire control scheme switch instantly.  In the FINAL version (which we already have implemented of course) you actually have to hit the HOME button first and then change the orientation you want.  The reason for this is that when you play a game your hands go all over the place and it would switch when you wouldn't want it to... so we make it so you need to LOCK it in.  Kinda funny that those 2 dopes declared that we didn't have that working.  Once again... misinformation and lying because it doesn't match their false narratives.

Right before we recorded Finnigan Fox I moved the controller the other way and noticed it hadn't switched the controls.  I then said to John & Erik (our video guy)... I'm going to stand very still (so it wouldn't change properly) and lets record it like that because I'm just going to do a quick back and forth.  We all thought it was hilarious.  Again... these are just little videos that we are making throughout the process of releasing a console.  Everything we do and say comes with the disclaimer of WORK IN PROGRESS.  Anyone who says the console is going to fail because of "making of" videos isn't understanding how games are made or what the words WORK IN PROGRESS mean (of course not... their only goal is to try and destroy the product and make us look bad).

When we come out with videos that say FINAL BUILD or whatever... those folks can feel free to rip us apart all they want.  But the fact that they are judging what the meal is going to taste like as we're showing what some of the ingredients are that are going into the recipe... is funny and once again... shows how INTERESTING and IMPORTANT we've become to them.

On 2/12/2021 at 6:09 AM, TMPiper said:

Let me repeat this is merely a request for information. I don’t buy into these guys’ criticism, I’m just seeking to understand it.

Totally!  You are well spoken and your inquiry and tone comes across as very genuine.  No worries.

On 2/12/2021 at 6:09 AM, TMPiper said:

 

Edit to add: OK, I received a reply over on Reddit to the same questions.
 

You have the idea correct on lag. Basically it will feel sluggish and not very responsive. Lag like that will make it very hard to play any game that requires some type of skill.

 

The controller was inverted to probably hide the lag. So that when he pushed the buttons back and forth quickly, it wasn't as noticeable that the fox was super sluggish. It really is concerning either way that this would be deliberately done and bragged about.

The inverted controller to hide the lag is a hilarious statement.  It wouldn't "hide the lag".  I would still need to push down on the disc and then the character on screen reacts.  It didn't matter what way it was pointing. 


And one final note (although without reading ahead, I'm assuming this topic may keep going)...

The controller isn't sluggish and the games are not unplayable.  A small group of obsessed hate mongers slowed down and doctored a video to make it seem like that.  And if folks don't believe me, feel free to tweet John Riggs (who played it a year and a half ago) and ask if he felt any "lag" while playing games like Shark! Shark! and Night Stalker.

I will say this...

Throughout development of something as complex as Amico there are constantly firmware upgrades that literally happen on a daily basis at this point.  Sometimes those things will fix one issue but negatively affect others.  So ANYTHING we show or do at this point is going to come under scrutiny by people not taking into consideration that the final release firmware is still being worked on.  Of course those same people were also complaining when we wouldn't show it working.  All they want to do is be negative and complain while "normal" people are enjoying the little peak in to what we're doing (anyone see what I did there?).

On 2/12/2021 at 7:45 AM, TMPiper said:

That is a good question. My take?
 

I figured it was a beta version for demo purpose, one that has yet to be fine-tuned to take advantage of Amico’s architecture and hardware. 
 

YMMV

Correct.  EVERYTHING we show at this point is work in progress.  We make that perfectly clear in TEXT and in speech on camera. 

On 2/12/2021 at 7:59 AM, GrudgeQ said:

No offense to anyone, but some Internet 'expert' has declared there are 10 frames of lag because of some comment that Tommy made (and quite frankly I wouldn't put it past him to troll them on that comment) about a BETA program. Please wake me up when there is something to actually talk about beyond wild speculation from people who are pre-biased anyway (which means I throw away their opinion before they even start).

 

If the Amico ships with a bunch of laggy games, the *actual* reviews will be terrible, people will hate to play it and it will tank (rightfully so) and Pat and Ian will literally pee themselves with delight. As a long timer coder and gamer, I don't even worry about what beta previews look like except for a general direction of where things are going. I know what beta code is like & been through thousands of game previews to know that none of this means much when it comes to the shipping product (good, bad or indifferent).

I'm glad someone said it.

THANK YOU!

11 minutes ago, themewsh said:

Whoa there guy, Tommy named OEB Pete first as someone I should watch which is why I singled him out.

 

I had no idea who the guy was until I saw the Amico vids.

 

I had three systems on preorder, I no longer do, I’m gone. No need to make it sound like I’m someone out there making the hater content, I’m legitimately trying to basically fill out a comment card on the way out the door.

That is basically saying I recommend a restaurant to you and then YOU are upset over the silly sign in the window they have to advertise their food - and then blame me. Sorry but I don't think Tommy is PERSONALLY responsible for thumbnail decisions choices of misc YouTubers. I love OEB Pete's channel and his Amico Minutes are a great way to catch up on things here on Atari Age, even if I DON'T like his thumbnails. You might want to check how you are sounding here - you are NOT bolstering you case by attaching Tommy and now me over 1) something trivial and, much more importantly 2) SOMETHING WE DO NOT CONTROL.

23 hours ago, Malrinth said:

Has Intellivision ever considered turning the disc into a spinner? I've already discounted getting the Amico, but adding a spinner would at least get me interested in getting a controller if it also worked on PC. There are breakout clones on Steam I would like to play, but I want to use a spinner, not a regular controller. I want something new, not the same old. Even Astrosmash, which to me looks like it might be fun playing on a phone for a couple of minutes, might become interesting to me if you could play with the spinner.

 

I'm sure you could work it so you would still be able to use it like a regular dpad (Even I want to see if it is as silky smooth as they profess it is). 

 

It's actually more of a spinner than a traditional Dpad if you think about it.  A traditional Dpad only has 8 directions.  Ours is 64 with pressure sensitivity as well.  It's like a combination of a dpad, analog stick and spinner.  

If you press the disc down and rotate it... it acts similar to a spinner... which dpads are unable to do.