Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

On 4/15/2021 at 8:16 AM, GrudgeQ said:

"Who remembers Intellivision? This Amico thing is going to fail!"

  - Random Internet Scrub

 

 

Hahaha!

And wait til you see the stuff we HAVEN'T announced yet!

On 4/15/2021 at 7:22 AM, IntelliMission said:

Things look increasingly good for the Amico. More money from investors, exclusive Globetrotters game, new all-star managerial signing (see video here for last page readers).

 

One thing I noticed, though, is how Tommy was actually very worried about the lag and just pretending that everything is fine because... Nah, just kidding. He seems to be enjoying this!

 

P. S.: After examining the existing iOS Globetrotters game, I think we can safely assume they will start a new game from scratch for this particular license.

Correct.  Our new and EXCLUSIVE game for Amico will be made from scratch.

On 4/15/2021 at 8:35 AM, Swami said:

They all like Tommy, though, so, they’re all just shills. 

Luckily I was able to expense the gasoline for all the Ferrari rides. 

On 4/15/2021 at 10:53 AM, GrudgeQ said:

I got to see the Harlem Globetrotters live once years ago and have seen them numerous times on TV, print and the web over the years too. With the pickup of the Amico license (I can't wait for an NBA Jam style game on the Amico, and the Globetrotters are a perfect fit with that) I decided to brush up on their history & what they are currently doing.

 

Basically a touring sports/trick shot/comedy show with a memorable theme song (Sweet Georgia Brown whistled by Brother Bones), they have been providing family entertainment since 1926! Back then they were a serious, straight up basketball team who took on the NBA and won. Through that not only did they help pioneer integration but they have continued to featured some amazing athletes, despite the comedy nature of their modern show. Another thing that may surprise some is that the Harlem Globetrotters roster includes women and other ethnicities (click for full roster list) - and Tommy has already confirmed you can play as a man or women in the game.

 

The Harlem Globetrotters are run by Herschend Family Entertainment out of Atlanta Georgia, who also run theme parks like Dollywood, Silver Dollar City and numerous water parks and aquariums.

 

They put on a great show and are definitely serious athletes, just playing a not so serious game (see the linked video below):

 

 

 

 

And the BEST part is that they are all super cool to work with.  Not only the players, but the management/business/marketing as well.  They are super excited about Intellivision Amico and totally understand and appreciate our strategy which is in alignment of their goals as well.

Our goal is to be a part of as many of the local community outreach things they do as possible! 

We really love them!!!  They are so GREAT!!!!!!!!

On 4/16/2021 at 3:47 AM, CurlyQ said:

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another one to print out and hang in our hallway with the Han in carbonite!

On 4/15/2021 at 11:36 AM, justclaws said:

I still have the Intellivision Amico Club app installed on my phone(s).
At least for me, there have been no news update on it since last year?

Unfortunately, no news updates in quite a while, and I guess the demo will always be Moon Patrol?
@Tommy Tallarico Is that club app now dead, or could you resurrect the news feed? It would be nice!

 

Yeah... we need to make it attached to our news feed/Twitter/Facebook so it automatically updates.

We had to pull the programmer off of it to add to our U.I. team which is much more important right now.

We'll get to it eventually.

On 4/16/2021 at 9:59 AM, GrudgeQ said:

I was wondering if either Crayola or Legos are on Intellivision's radar for a possible licensing deal?

Interesting that you mentioned those two.  Just sayin'

On 4/16/2021 at 9:59 AM, GrudgeQ said:

 

Uno is specifically mentioned in the list, any update on if the Mattel license could expand to it too?

Would be the next thing on the Mattel list, but we need to finish Colossal Crash first.

On 4/16/2021 at 9:59 AM, GrudgeQ said:

Finally PBS Kids (being a network it hosts animated series like Clifford the Big Red Dog, Authur and many others) - are any young children's shows (maybe on PBS Kids or elsewhere) under consideration for a branding deal beyond Sesame Street and Care Bears (although those are two pretty A List already)? 

Google Moonbug Entertainment.

Wouldn't THAT Be Something!!!™

48 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

More levels, updated graphics, updated animations, way better ragdoll physics, more vehicles (including the SkyCycle!), better & more audio, added different and better overall controls and the best part...
added 4 player multi-player (which incorporates motion controls).

 

Even the fact that you can play it on a big screen while others can watch the hilarity unfold is a huge difference.  It's one of the more popular games in the office for people to just watch and have a fun time.

We basically added a year of improvements with the original developers. 

EXCLUSIVELY on Intellivision Amico.

 

OK Mr Tommy Scamarico (if that is your REAL name) as you can see in my just uploaded YouRube video "Tommy Strips Features from the "Exclusive" Evel Knievel Amico Game!!!!!" did you, or did you not actually REMOVE features from the game, like the one shown below?

GrudgeQ Real Fake Journalist 2

2 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Yeah... we need to make it attached to our news feed/Twitter/Facebook so it automatically updates.

We had to pull the programmer off of it to add to our U.I. team which is much more important right now.

We'll get to it eventually.

Yes, great! I guess though it's just an XML text file the app pulls off a server, so getting somebody
to type an extra entry saying "News will resume here, but for now checkout our Facebook/Twitter."
might just be worth 10 minutes of somebody's time. 🙂  Heck, I bet you could get Chuck LB on it! 

On 4/14/2021 at 8:24 AM, GrudgeQ said:

A quick look at the Amico Controller Bag

 

With the Amico controller being able to temporarily share your games on a friend's Amico, the Amico Controller Bag is designed to cushion your controller for the trip

 

Overall the bag is approximately 4 inches (about 10 cm) wide and 7 1/2 inches (about 19 cm) tall. It has a pull string/clap to hold the bag closed and mine came with a carabiner (not sure if that is standard with the shipping model) 

 

Of course the Intellivision Running Man makes an appearance and this closeup lets you see the exterior (nylon?) material. Note the padding pleats which hold some sort of foam padding in place.

 

Here is a close up of the pull string mechanism

 

Here is a close up of the interior. The 'baby blanket' soft lining is on both sides of the bag

 

Finally, to absolutely no one's surprise, when you pull the cord clamp, the top of the bag gathers to hold the controller inside.

 

Like the console bag, once I get an my Amico I will post a recap of how well it holds the actual equipment.

 

Awesome mini review!  We are doing the highest quality we can.

Yes!  The carabiner is standard!

 

On 4/11/2021 at 9:18 AM, Silverbot said:

Hi Tommy,

 

I assume that the controllers and console are universal around the world, meaning, if I bought a controller in USA or Australia, for example, would it work on a UK Amico? Also would the physical games work from different country’s? Thanks 👍😀

Correct!

On 4/11/2021 at 3:18 PM, GrudgeQ said:

It should, however if you buy your controllers from Australia you would have to get used to holding them upside down.....

 

tap 🎤, tap 🎤... is this thing on?  uh try the veal, I am here all week

This was so hilariously bad that it needs a bump.

On 4/11/2021 at 9:53 PM, Starpaddler said:

@Tommy Tallarico - Been fun watching all the recent Amico related videos, especially seeing Amico out in the general public. Looking forward to seeing more of those up-to and beyond launch.  
 

I was also happy to hear (via AAA) you address production plans beyond the initial launch and your targeted number of units you are trying to hit for Black Friday, as I was beginning to get concerned there might be a significant gap between the 1st and subsequent runs due to the cost/availability of components. 
 

Thanks again as always for being so transparent.  Its a shame that some have doubled down on their negativity and have squandered a very rare opportunity to be apart and enjoy this journey like the rest of us here.  
 

Looking forward to meeting you soon, when my wife picks up her Moon Patrol Contest prize. 

YES!  Please reach out to Kevin so we can have you and your wife come by!

22 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

 

OK Mr Tommy Scamarico (if that is your REAL name) as you can see in my just uploaded YouRube video "Tommy Strips Features from the "Exclusive" Evel Knievel Amico Game!!!!!" did you, or did you not actually REMOVE features from the game, like the one shown below?

 

 

GrudgeQ Real Fake Journalist 2

 

I know it's not Amico related.  But I hope OEB Pete does a review like this one for the Amico.

Review was very good and informative when it came to the interface and hardware...but would like to have seen more of what the games look/play like.  This VCS was a big hype machine when it was due for release mostly because of the look and what it was going to play...modern and retro style.  But it seems not much is out there for it yet.

I'm not 100% sold on these systems because I am a PC gamer/simmer.  So side-scrollers, and flash-style phone games just won't get me buying this stuff.  I don't expect to get the look of the few PC games I have time to play, but it would be helpful to always highlight that in these review vids for those of us interested.  I take OEB's opinions as a helpful and insightful over-view that the normal person can watch and appreciate.  Some of these other reviews go too deep, or get mired in too technical stuff for the "average" schlub like me.  Show the reason why I should buy it in the quality of the console and the content of the games.  If I am going to be pulled out of the cockpit of my A-10C in DCS, I would like to see what I'm giving up my tank busting time for.

Thanks for posting it.  It's good to know what the competition has to offer as well.

PS... I recently added the C-64 Maxi to my small collection mostly because I knew what I was getting into... but these new consoles... I just don't know.

3 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

On 4/16/2021 at 4:47 AM, CurlyQ said:

 

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Another one to print out and hang in our hallway with the Han in carbonite!
 

Finally catching up...  Meant to do this earlier...

AM2-D2- A very sturdy and dependable controller droid. He (She?) has many hidden features that no one knows about. Leading me to a question for @Tommy Tallarico - Have you disclosed all the cool features of the controller or hardware in general? Or are there still some surprises lurking under that LCD (LED?) panel? Or possibly under the hood of the console itself? Curious droids want to know.

40 minutes ago, IMBerzerk said:

Review was very good and informative when it came to the interface and hardware...but would like to have seen more of what the games look/play like.  This VCS was a big hype machine when it was due for release mostly because of the look and what it was going to play...modern and retro style.  But it seems not much is out there for it yet.

 

I'm not 100% sold on these systems because I am a PC gamer/simmer.  So side-scrollers, and flash-style phone games just won't get me buying this stuff.  I don't expect to get the look of the few PC games I have time to play, but it would be helpful to always highlight that in these review vids for those of us interested.  I take OEB's opinions as a helpful and insightful over-view that the normal person can watch and appreciate.  Some of these other reviews go too deep, or get mired in too technical stuff for the "average" schlub like me.  Show the reason why I should buy it in the quality of the console and the content of the games.  If I am going to be pulled out of the cockpit of my A-10C in DCS, I would like to see what I'm giving up my tank busting time for.

 

Thanks for posting it.  It's good to know what the competition has to offer as well.

 

PS... I recently added the C-64 Maxi to my small collection mostly because I knew what I was getting into... but these new consoles... I just don't know.

 

The atari vcs isn't really about games.  The few games atari sa publishes are available on other systems including PC.  The atari vcs is new hardware for atari fans.  The c64 maxi/mini is a retro emulation box with old games.  The amico is offering new and exclusive games.

2 hours ago, IMBerzerk said:

Thanks for posting it.  It's good to know what the competition has to offer as well.

 

OK! To me, they're not competition. It would be like comparing fruit to vegetables. 🙂
As a vegetarian, both are very interesting to me, but they're not ever in competition.

The Amico is specifically meant to be a safe space for family gaming, and couch co-op.
I hope to be happy with an Amico, for the same reasons my family and I loved our Wii.

The VCS is specifically meant to open doors to new experiences, a hybrid PC/console.
I'm very happy with my Atari VCS, because that's what I expected. Each to their own!

There are sadly a lot of people who hate X, and love Y. Honestly, if people think all the
Amico pro/anti camps are unique, you've never seen the pre-launch VCS "discussions".

Please, don't start any of that here, we don't need another Amico vs. XYZ series here!
We have a new VCS forum and this Amico forum. Information is available, both places.
 

7 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Another one to print out and hang in our hallway with the Han in carbonite!

 

I've seen all the stuff you plan on hanging on your walls. You are going to run out of room.

2 hours ago, Intellivision Master said:

 

The thumbnail reminded me about how Sony is in the news for their CMOS battery system. Namely, if the CMOS battery dies in a PS3, PS4, or PS5, then digital games will not be playable without online activation (or even physical games, in the case of PS4):

https://www.techradar.com/news/ps4-clock-battery-death-could-brick-your-console

Furthermore, apparently Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles won't play any games without an online activation, period. Things like this don't bode well for playing these systems in the decades to come.

I understand this information is most likely under NDA, but Intellivision isn't planning anything like this, are they?

6 hours ago, mr_me said:

The atari vcs isn't really about games.  The few games atari sa publishes are available on other systems including PC.  The atari vcs is new hardware for atari fans.  The c64 maxi/mini is a retro emulation box with old games.  The amico is offering new and exclusive games.

What is the reason for owning it then?  Yes, I'm totally on board with the Amico.  I'm already committed to the Founder's Edition and might be buying more than one.  But these other systems, I'm just not so sure about.

I pointed out the Maxi because it serves as a true retro system that you can also use to program new games as well.  It's not just for playing game and is pretty mind-blowing how accurate a reproduction it is.  It's not really just a retro set as it is a whole new version of the C64... but I'm on a tangent now.

So what is the VCS then?  A game machine, video player, music box?  I'm a bit lost in the concept... and at this point have so many BT and electronic units all over my house that I fail to see the purpose of even owning it.

1 hour ago, CurlyQ said:

 

I've seen all the stuff you plan on hanging on your walls. You are going to run out of room.

 

Dude.. once again... the bar is raised!!!

Need to do like a Poltergeist, Goonies, ET, Indy, or some other 80's Spielberg tribute as well... LOL>

5 hours ago, justclaws said:

OK! To me, they're not competition. It would be like comparing fruit to vegetables. 🙂
As a vegetarian, both are very interesting to me, but they're not ever in competition.

The Amico is specifically meant to be a safe space for family gaming, and couch co-op.
I hope to be happy with an Amico, for the same reasons my family and I loved our Wii.

The VCS is specifically meant to open doors to new experiences, a hybrid PC/console.
I'm very happy with my Atari VCS, because that's what I expected. Each to their own!

There are sadly a lot of people who hate X, and love Y. Honestly, if people think all the
Amico pro/anti camps are unique, you've never seen the pre-launch VCS "discussions".

Please, don't start any of that here, we don't need another Amico vs. XYZ series here!
We have a new VCS forum and this Amico forum. Information is available, both places.
 

I agree... I'm not interested in that either... but I'm certainly wanting to know what it does... and for the love of God.. not yet another forum I have to join... please no...

What does a hybrid PC/console do?  What does that mean "open doors to new experiences"? 

BTW.. I'm not a hater of the VCS... as I'm entering the later stage of human life... I'm finding there is just a lot of stuff out there that give the 5 min euphoric novelty feeling... then gets shelved.  I just don't want that.