Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

6 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

Yeah, what we are doing didn't really have a category so I'm assuming they picked that one. 

One of the coolest bits of info I thought was in our Brain Duel description.  Here's the line...

 

"All 30 brain activation exercises were designed by Dr. Kawashima, a respected and well-known Japanese neuroscientist."

 

The same Dr. Kawashima that was behind the exercise designs for the biggest selling Brain Age game on the Nintendo DS (and now other Nintendo platforms).

The first 2 Brain Age games did a combined sales of 33 million copies!

As I mentioned on Amico All Access... one of the biggest selling physical media games for the time.  I mistakenly mentioned in the "90's", but should have said early 2000's.

Pretty amazing news though when one of the top brain exercise designers in the world who has incredible success with Nintendo will also be on an "Exclusive" game for Amico!

 

....aaaaand.... not just single player!  That's why I chose to call it Brain Duel. 

 

I always thought the brain games were pretty cool, but always wished more people could all play and compete at once in person.  I'm assuming that there are probably versions out there, but I never saw or played any.  This is going to be a fun one for a lot of folks.

 

AND... using the touchscreen on the controller with this is AMAZING!!  Especially with multiple people playing at the same time.

 

 

This is now a day 1 purchase for me. I still play Brain Age from time to time for Sudoku. Can't wait for 2 player mode!!!

4 hours ago, IMBerzerk said:

But thankfully you strategically avoided the guy with that specially shaped helmet ...  

I liked that guy, he looked like a refugee from duties on the Death Star. 🙂
It just struck me today, that the new guy, with his hoodie pulled up at work, looks like a hacker.
The fact that the targets are power stations, and not cities (less traumatic, yes) reinforces that...

I really do like the artwork though, hacker or not. 🙂

Thanks, Tommy! You see, that's one of the advantages of having the CEO interacting with fans and replying to every single concern.

The concept of Brain Duel looks fun and considering the people working on it (including Tommy), I'm hyped for it.

As someone said in the last page, everything looks increasingly better. The machine looks ready, the games look ready... We only need those few missing components.

This was a great interview had a ton of fun watching it live though I still haven’t figured out if it’s possible to post in the live stream through the Roku app.  Very excited for the upcoming E3 segment and the upcoming announcements on box art in the coming weeks https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TJag8O5rGOE

I know none of us want to hear this but I don’t see how this console could launch on October 10. I hope it does but it doesn’t seem possible given the situation at the moment. My feeling is that it’s not just one things but a combination of factors that will cause another delay. I hope I’m wrong, I really do. 

36 minutes ago, Cranker said:

I know none of us want to hear this but I don’t see how this console could launch on October 10. I hope it does but it doesn’t seem possible given the situation at the moment. My feeling is that it’s not just one things but a combination of factors that will cause another delay. I hope I’m wrong, I really do. 

Could also be a collectors blessing in disguise. rare revision of the logic board that were installed only in the early 12600 units. I Just hope theres no compatibility issues with the substitute components

9 minutes ago, nightmonkeyii said:

Could also be a collectors blessing in disguise. rare revision of the logic board that were installed only in the early 12600 units. I Just hope theres no compatibility issues with the substitute components

And that those units come out on October 10.

1 hour ago, Cranker said:

I know none of us want to hear this but I don’t see how this console could launch on October 10. I hope it does but it doesn’t seem possible given the situation at the moment. My feeling is that it’s not just one things but a combination of factors that will cause another delay. I hope I’m wrong, I really do. 

It’l be a challenge but you have to consider how many challenges IE has already gotten around.
 

Those at IE are  probably thinking “woo hoo!!!, we’re down to two!”

Keep the faith. If anyone can get it done, my money is on Tommy; literally 🤣

Saw this "pitch" for a neat-looking 2D RPG coming to Kickstarter:

Sounds like the kind of novel game experience that Amico can always use more of!

I know this video isn’t Intellivision related but it’s a very unique version of the Super Mario music and was so fun I had to share hope you enjoy 

14 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

BBG Entertainment.  Same folks who are doing Dynablaster for us!

 

 

 

Forced scrolling SHMUP type levels to see who can collect the most coins.

 

 

Co-Op mode, art, audio, design, levels, etc.

 

 

The German text was done by our European president Hans who was a journalist for 30+ years and the CEO for 12 years of the biggest magazine publisher in Germany.

 

 

Ok, but here is one example where I stumbled while reading: in English "season" can mean spring, winter etc. but also a set of episodes of a tv show. In German these are two completely different words. In the Finnigan Fox text the wrong word is used sometimes saying "Staffel" instead of "Jahreszeit". No intention to nitpick or offend someone, just a friendly advice that IMHO the text feels a bit "google translatory" overall when reading. 

Apart from that, thanks for the info, Dynablaster and Brain Duel seem to be really fun.

7 hours ago, Alpha82 said:

I know this video isn’t Intellivision related but it’s a very unique version of the Super Mario music and was so fun I had to share hope you enjoy 

 

 

And even more not Amico related, but this Postmodern Jukebox video is perhaps my favorite cover of Dream On by Aerosmith. Morgan James takes a while to get going but when she does around 2:00....

I can’t find any “episode 12” of Amico after dark, anyone knows if there was an episode on Wednesday? Or has it changed day or something?

22 minutes ago, theswede said:

I can’t find any “episode 12” of Amico after dark, anyone knows if there was an episode on Wednesday? Or has it changed day or something?

It wasn't on this past Wednesday.  It should be back next week.

I read all the previous recent comments about the Amico launch date. I too would be disappointed and admittedly upset if once again the console is delayed.

I understand not being able to get all the parts that they need is a very real and plausible reason given the current market and situation. There was a recent article saying how obtaining a PS5 (although I personally don't want one) is only going to get harder than easier over the next several months, however Sony along with Microsoft did release their launch consoles on time and have had a steady flow of consoles ever since. Evercade is also confident about launching their console in November, and New Wave Toys is producing the new 1942/1943 Replicades as we speak.

If people want to bail out and get a refund for their deposit, I totally understand. I personally am going to hold on for a while longer. I really want this to happen, however at the end of the day, I paid to order a product. Not only did I put down the $100 deposit, like everyone else who pre-ordered one, but I have another $200 on hold when it's finally available. There are more and more things that truly are coming available on the market that I could purchase while my money is tied up in something that hasn't arrived a year past launch date. If it gets delayed yet again.

I am trying to be open and honest, not only with everyone in here, but also with my self. I'm excited about Amico, but as of October this year, Intellivision has had 1 year to obtain these missing or hard to get parts. I don't see how another 6 weeks is going to make a difference. I really hope something happens between now and then, just like everyone else, but I'm beginning to think the delay we've been seeing goes much deeper than they just can't get the parts.

I don't know, I love everyone in here and I don't want to throw myself under the bus, but I think it needs to be said. A lot of people (customers and supporters) have been rallying behind this project and investing their real, hard earned money into it. They also have been very patient throughout this whole process. I just hate to see good people, or any people, get hurt.

56 minutes ago, RREDDWARFF said:

I read all the previous recent comments about the Amico launch date. I too would be disappointed and admittedly upset if once again the console is delayed.

 

I understand not being able to get all the parts that they need is a very real and plausible reason given the current market and situation. There was a recent article saying how obtaining a PS5 (although I personally don't want one) is only going to get harder than easier over the next several months, however Sony along with Microsoft did release their launch consoles on time and have had a steady flow of consoles ever since. Evercade is also confident about launching their console in November, and New Wave Toys is producing the new 1942/1943 Replicades as we speak.

 

If people want to bail out and get a refund for their deposit, I totally understand. I personally am going to hold on for a while longer. I really want this to happen, however at the end of the day, I paid to order a product. Not only did I put down the $100 deposit, like everyone else who pre-ordered one, but I have another $200 on hold when it's finally available. There are more and more things that truly are coming available on the market that I could purchase while my money is tied up in something that hasn't arrived a year past launch date. If it gets delayed yet again.

 

I am trying to be open and honest, not only with everyone in here, but also with my self. I'm excited about Amico, but as of October this year, Intellivision has had 1 year to obtain these missing or hard to get parts. I don't see how another 6 weeks is going to make a difference. I really hope something happens between now and then, just like everyone else, but I'm beginning to think the delay we've been seeing goes much deeper than they just can't get the parts.

 

I don't know, I love everyone in here and I don't want to throw myself under the bus, but I think it needs to be said. A lot of people (customers and supporters) have been rallying behind this project and investing their real, hard earned money into it. They also have been very patient throughout this whole process. I just hate to see good people, or any people, get hurt.

 

 

I agree and have to admit that people on this board are super positive about the console no matter what it seems , but maybe not critical enough. At this point it would be more than Covid issues if they can’t get out any units on October 10. This is only my opinion if course. I love and am so excited about the console like everyone else but maybe we are too in love with the console to see possible  warning signs just like the “haters” are too far on the other side. The best place to be to see clearly is somewhere in the middle. Just my thoughts. Something seems off and I have a feeling it’s not coming out on October 10 but IE does not want to announce a delay at this time. I really hope I’m wrong 😑 

People need to understand that the chip shortage/cost-prohibitive expense involved with that is a very real issue Intellivision and many other businesses are currently facing and not an emotional issue. We all want the Amico to come out, but it's very clearly not for lack of trying on Intellivision's part. As Tommy has said, every day this console doesn't come out, Intellivision is losing money. I will wait as long as it takes and then some because I believe in the cause, the product, the whole deal, I'm in 100%, because I want to see Intellivision succeed and all of our committment will only aid in that.

On a lighter note, I was thinking about how the controller/disc could be used in a new Pac-Man/maze game and I'm wondering if some kind of circular maze or Clu Clu Land-esque pivoting system could create a cool new element to that?? Just spitballing but might be fun and fresh

58 minutes ago, Pac in Blac said:

People need to understand that the chip shortage/cost-prohibitive expense involved with that is a very real issue Intellivision and many other businesses are currently facing and not an emotional issue. We all want the Amico to come out, but it's very clearly not for lack of trying on Intellivision's part. As Tommy has said, every day this console doesn't come out, Intellivision is losing money. I will wait as long as it takes and then some because I believe in the cause, the product, the whole deal, I'm in 100%, because I want to see Intellivision succeed and all of our committment will only aid in that.

I agree with you that the chip/parts shortage is real, as stated above. I also agree that it's not an emotional issue. Feeling irritated if the product is yet again delayed, that is a normal feeling given the situation, the same as your's and my excitement at the Amico's release is an emotion.

What I'm saying, and I think Cranker is as well, is at the end of the day, the Amico is just a thing, a product. Sure it's great that the Amico will focus on family gaming and couch co-op, that's why I pre-ordered one. That's why I'm standing behind it too.

What concerns me is other manufacturers, both big and small, have been shipping their products. Yes, they have not shipped what they wanted, but they have shipped something. With the Amico, I understand a delay, but that delay will have lasted a year come October. In January, 2020 we were told if we put $100 down, we can purchase and will receive an Intellivision Amico in October of 2020. Now here we a year later and the launch date might be pushed back yet another who knows. That's a long time. I think it's wise to have some concern at this point. I'm not saying Tommy or Intellivision is Satan, and I'm not saying that I'm walking away yet, but I think it's something that's there. I also think it's great that you as an individual don't mind, but there are others who do not or will not feel the same way you do moving forward.

I think it's important to post positive and supportive comment, but it's also ok to question or have concerns when something people have been investing in isn't showing up. 

20 minutes ago, RREDDWARFF said:

I agree with you that the chip/parts shortage is real, as stated above. I also agree that it's not an emotional issue. Feeling irritated if the product is yet again delayed, that is a normal feeling given the situation, the same as your's and my excitement at the Amico's release is an emotion.

 

What I'm saying, and I think Cranker is as well, is at the end of the day, the Amico is just a thing, a product. Sure it's great that the Amico will focus on family gaming and couch co-op, that's why I pre-ordered one. That's why I'm standing behind it too.

 

What concerns me is other manufacturers, both big and small, have been shipping their products. Yes, they have not shipped what they wanted, but they have shipped something. With the Amico, I understand a delay, but that delay will have lasted a year come October. That a long time. For the supposed same reason. I think it's wise to have some concern at this point. I'm not saying Tommy or Intellivision is Satan, and I'm not saying that I'm walking away yet, but I think it's something that's there. I also think it's great that you as an individual don't mind, but there are others who do not or will not feel the same way you do moving forward. I think it's important to post positive and supportive comment, but it's also ok to question or have concerns when something people have been investing in isn't showing up. 

Sure that is fair, I understand the position and the importance of having some skepticism, I just feel Tommy's transparency/explanations on the matter are sound and I trust they are doing all they can to resolve it. Regardless, we are sharing in the excitement for Amico which I believe is vital for us all to do right now for a budding company like IE.

9 minutes ago, RREDDWARFF said:

I agree with you that the chip/parts shortage is real, as stated above. I also agree that it's not an emotional issue. Feeling irritated if the product is yet again delayed, that is a normal feeling given the situation, the same as your's and my excitement at the Amico's release is an emotion.

 

What I'm saying, and I think Cranker is as well, is at the end of the day, the Amico is just a thing, a product. Sure it's great that the Amico will focus on family gaming and couch co-op, that's why I pre-ordered one. That's why I'm standing behind it too.

 

What concerns me is other manufacturers, both big and small, have been shipping their products. Yes, they have not shipped what they wanted, but they have shipped something. With the Amico, I understand a delay, but that delay will have lasted a year come October. That a long time. For the supposed same reason. I think it's wise to have some concern at this point. I'm not saying Tommy or Intellivision is Satan, and I'm not saying that I'm walking away yet, but I think it's something that's there. I also think it's great that you as an individual don't mind, but there are others who do not or will not feel the same way you do moving forward. I think it's important to post positive and supportive comment, but it's also ok to question or have concerns when something people have been investing in isn't showing up. 

You do have to look at who is getting the parts though, as well. I am not too shocked that Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are producing some units; they are the big players in the game and I would bet my bottom dollar they get first pick of anything that becomes available.

Even though they are all managing some manufacturing, they also are facing issues with shortages. Both Sony and Nintendo are reportedly looking at redesigning their systems due to the continual shortages of some components.

When the major corporations are struggling, I can just imagine how hard a time that an effectively relative newcomer and smaller player like Intellivision would have trying to elbow their way up to the table for a share of components needed for their console out of the already global supply shortage.

I really do hope Intellivision can make the October date, but it is pretty understandable if they cannot. If critical parts are simply not available, then you cannot manufacture. Period.

On the plus side, I have been socking a bit away every month since the Amico was announced for buying myself one. At this point I have enough in my 'Amico Slush Fund' to pay the rest of my reserved FE, buy all the release games, and pick up a few extra controllers for some family multiplayer action. So that is a big bonus for when it is finally available :D

I am certain Tommy and Intellivision are doing their very best to get the Amico built. No product means no income after all, so it is also in their best interest to get production going as quickly as possible. Delays suck, but a continual shortage of electronic components delays seems to be the new normal.

11 minutes ago, Tavi said:

You do have to look at who is getting the parts though, as well. I am not too shocked that Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are producing some units; they are the big players in the game and I would bet my bottom dollar they get first pick of anything that becomes available.

Even though they are all managing some manufacturing, they also are facing issues with shortages. Both Sony and Nintendo are reportedly looking at redesigning their systems due to the continual shortages of some components.

When the major corporations are struggling, I can just imagine how hard a time that an effectively relative newcomer and smaller player like Intellivision would have trying to elbow their way up to the table for a share of components needed for their console out of the already global supply shortage.

I really do hope Intellivision can make the October date, but it is pretty understandable if they cannot. If critical parts are simply not available, then you cannot manufacture. Period.

On the plus side, I have been socking a bit away every month since the Amico was announced for buying myself one. At this point I have enough in my 'Amico Slush Fund' to pay the rest of my reserved FE, buy all the release games, and pick up a few extra controllers for some family multiplayer action. So that is a big bonus for when it is finally available

I am certain Tommy and Intellivision are doing their very best to get the Amico built. No product means no income after all, so it is also in their best interest to get production going as quickly as possible. Delays suck, but a continual shortage of electronic components delays seems to be the new normal.

I agree with you and I could understand where Sony and Microsoft would have an easier time getting parts, but what surprised me was the "other" little guys. How are they getting their parts then? For the Evercade, mini arcades and even the larger Arcade1up machines?

I genuinely don't understand, that's why I wanted to have this conversation; because I'm pretty sure I'm not alone.

3 hours ago, RREDDWARFF said:

I read all the previous recent comments about the Amico launch date. I too would be disappointed and admittedly upset if once again the console is delayed.

 

I understand not being able to get all the parts that they need is a very real and plausible reason given the current market and situation. There was a recent article saying how obtaining a PS5 (although I personally don't want one) is only going to get harder than easier over the next several months, however Sony along with Microsoft did release their launch consoles on time and have had a steady flow of consoles ever since. Evercade is also confident about launching their console in November, and New Wave Toys is producing the new 1942/1943 Replicades as we speak.

 

If people want to bail out and get a refund for their deposit, I totally understand. I personally am going to hold on for a while longer. I really want this to happen, however at the end of the day, I paid to order a product. Not only did I put down the $100 deposit, like everyone else who pre-ordered one, but I have another $200 on hold when it's finally available. There are more and more things that truly are coming available on the market that I could purchase while my money is tied up in something that hasn't arrived a year past launch date. If it gets delayed yet again.

 

I am trying to be open and honest, not only with everyone in here, but also with my self. I'm excited about Amico, but as of October this year, Intellivision has had 1 year to obtain these missing or hard to get parts. I don't see how another 6 weeks is going to make a difference. I really hope something happens between now and then, just like everyone else, but I'm beginning to think the delay we've been seeing goes much deeper than they just can't get the parts.

 

I don't know, I love everyone in here and I don't want to throw myself under the bus, but I think it needs to be said. A lot of people (customers and supporters) have been rallying behind this project and investing their real, hard earned money into it. They also have been very patient throughout this whole process. I just hate to see good people, or any people, get hurt.

 

 

Please take no offense at my reply here, but as Mr. T. has stated many times, they do offer 100% refunds for anyone who is "tired of waiting", and the line forms to the left for all those in line wanting a Founder's Edition who are on the wait-list, who would be happy to get one from someone who got "tired of waiting".

Sorry, I get enough negativity everywhere else in my life, I don't come here for it.

If you want to bail, the Exit sign is well marked, the path is well lit, and you even don't lose any of your initial investment, how often can you say that?!?!

You just don't have to tell all of us that you're leaving on the way out, o.k.?

Just my two cents worth here.

I have more then one machine on order, including a Founder's Edition, and I couldn't be happier waiting until they can get me the right product at the right time.

B

16 minutes ago, Barley Farquahr said:

Please take no offense at my reply here, but as Mr. T. has stated many times, they do offer 100% refunds for anyone who is "tired of waiting", and the line forms to the left for all those in line wanting a Founder's Edition who are on the wait-list, who would be happy to get one from someone who got "tired of waiting".

 

Sorry, I get enough negativity everywhere else in my life, I don't come here for it.

 

If you want to bail, the Exit sign is well marked, the path is well lit, and you even don't lose any of your initial investment, how often can you say that?!?!

 

You just don't have to tell all of us that you're leaving on the way out, o.k.?

 

Just my two cents worth here.

 

I have more then one machine on order, including a Founder's Edition, and I couldn't be happier waiting until they can get me the right product at the right time.

 

B

No offense taken, the refund option is there and I might consider it in the future.

I agree, I too come here for, well you guys. This is by far my favorite room here at Atari Age because of the people, but I do not support the idea that everyone in here must behave like Stepford Wives. As long as it's Amico or Intellivision related, and respectful, questions or concerns are always welcome.