Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

12 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

A couple of items:

 

- If anyone here wants to save the 10-15 minutes that takes watching the new Pat & Ian video bashing the Amico, this is Pat's response to a comment that defends the Amico as an interesting and different alternative that offers offline multiplayer: "Fine. Then release those games on the Switch". I think this sentence summarizes the whole mentality of the show. There is no need to add any comment.

 

- The new Xbox looks extremely ugly, almost satanic. The name, Xbox Series X, is not only redundant but a terrible, terrible idea for countries where "series" is the plural form of "serie". Also, the controller is exactly the same as the previous one with a Share button, which gives the whole project an aura of lack of originality. I can't predict how sales will be, but hopefully many gamers will realize that graphics are not everything.

What pissed me off about the segment (I had to listen to it as I was hoping they may have changed their minds with the release) was the "it's mobile games". No. While the graphics may be around the level of mobile games (and some mobile games look friggin' amazing) they will not play anything like mobile games. Saying "why would I get this when I can play those sort of games on my phone" is idiotic. How can you play couch co-op on your phone?

Also, pricing for me is a massive factor. Claiming people will just buy a Switch is also stupid. The Amico is much cheaper and the games at $3-10 is a hell of a lot more attrctive to families than Switch game prices - especially first party stuff. Not to mention there will be no ads and no IAP, which brings us back to mobile again - we all know games are utterly crippled with pay walls and subscription fees. Plus the Switch is still a pretty techie piece of kit. I can't imagine my mother knowing how to use one as soon as she picks it up. The learning curve on the Amico won't be as steep.

Pat and Ian have really just shown that they have a complete lack of imagination if they see a demo for a game and assume that all the games will "just be mobile games". Sure, there aren't going to be any AAA games on the system, but THAT IS THE POINT OF IT. The aim is fun. I really don't understand how they can't see that.

I will admit, initially I thought the same way but I changed my mind as I learnt more about it and as I've said previously, I'm more excited about Amico than PS5 abd Xbox whatever it is. I think they're just trying to get clicks, to be honest. I mean when was one of their videos that was POSITIVE successful. In fact, have they ever been positive about anything? It seems all they do is complain and/or complain about people complaining. Sad, really.

EDIT: I just saw the trailer for Hellblade II. HOLY CRAP! Yes, I'll probably get an Xbox Series X too but the problem is its shape - where will I put it? lol. But yeah - it's quite obvious that the Xbox/PS5 and Amico are targetting totally different demographics. People who can't see that, well... not much point putting any worth on their opinion. And Amico is still by far at the top of the 2020 shopping list

7 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I'd say to post that... but the curly haired one actually goes through the posts and deletes the ones that don't agree with him 100%. 

 

Wow. Says a lot, really.

9 hours ago, IMBerzerk said:

Here's a racing co-op game suggestion for you. 

 

Great American Cross-country Road Race. Up to 8 players... One controller drives, the other has a map on the controller, because they have no idea where they are going other that the route on the map.  Split the screen for every 2 players, maximum 4 screens if possible.  Using a "3D" style behind the car look like the original game, Turbo, Pole Position, Pit Stop... etc.  Or even make it look like Accolade's Test Drive series.  Include wrong turns, fuel stops, road obstacles, construction, weather...etc ... Police... Etc.  

 

The Original 1-player Activision game was very popular, no reason why a remake wouldn't be.

 

Then do several other versions... Europe, African, Australian...etc.

 

Several cars.. American Muscle Cars (65 Sport Fury...Lol)... European Cars (drive your Ferrari).. Japanese... You get the idea.

 

Or just name it 10,000 Mile Race...etc.

 

 

 

Hmmm, I did make this proof of concept a few years ago... maybe I could do this game... hehehe. But seriously, it looks fun. One to add to the C64 play list!

5 hours ago, Loafer said:

Wut...  Tommy I’m disappointed ;).  Great American cross country road race is full of awesome sauce, played the Apple II version to death, thought i was gonna wear out the floppy lol.  I do like the ideas suggested too

 

 

1 demerit for Tommy...  Not a true gamer... Nope... 

😅🤣😂

14 hours ago, GrudgeQ said:

 

Nintendo produces some great games but they are a money sucking machine. Some of their first party games are well worth $60 but a lot of those $60 games sell for $20 on Steam and are $20 (or less) value games. Where are the * consumer * fanboys instead of blind allegiance to a billion dollar company?

You really buy Nintendo for their games. And you can't get those on Steam AND they usually hold their value over time because they are almost 100% of the time quality.

3 hours ago, MantaNZ said:

What pissed me off about the segment (I had to listen to it as I was hoping they may have changed their minds with the release) was the "it's mobile games". No. While the graphics may be around the level of mobile games (and some mobile games look friggin' amazing) they will not play anything like mobile games. Saying "why would I get this when I can play those sort of games on my phone" is idiotic. How can you play couch co-op on your phone?

 

Pat and Ian have really just shown that they have a complete lack of imagination if they see a demo for a game and assume that all the games will "just be mobile games". Sure, there aren't going to be any AAA games on the system, but THAT IS THE POINT OF IT. The aim is fun. I really don't understand how they can't see that.

Okay so I think I get where they are coming from. So one of the coolest things IE is doing is also feeding into the issue.

The Moon Patrol demo was neat. Looked alright. So where did everyone play the demo? Their phone most likely. So the demo while being cool just showed it can easily be a mobile game. Another problem with that is it was a control scheme that was NOTHING like the Amico controller nor the controller app. Thus showing the ability of this to be mobile.

So what about couch co-op? There hasn't been anything shown for this to have couch co-op. I'm sure it will have something but to me it seems more like a take turns game (like original SMB etc). That CAN be done with mobile and I have done it with my Ticket to Ride app on my phone at a work function before and at home.

Breakout I think was maybe more interesting which was not what I was expecting. Yet nothing shown as to why it couldn't be done on mobile either.

I know someone posted a picture of an expensive phone and was trying to make a point about price. The problem with that logic is multiple things. First, is that you buy a phone not just to play mobile games. It is multi functioning and I would venture to guess that gaming is not the sole purpose of owning one. It is another benefit to owning one. Second problem with that logic is simple. That is one EXPENSIVE 3P controller. You want to use the phone as a controller does that factor into the price of the Amico? Personally, I don't think it should but I also don't think the phone price should be factored into mobile games either. Can't have it only one way.

Price tag. Yes no in app purchases or DLC or pay to play. BUT that is what the console is. You don't buy it you don't play it. Yeah we don't like ads but many games have a purchase option to remove them. How many mobile games would you need to purchase to reach $180 or $200? That is their arguement. I don't think it is unreasonable to have those doubts.

I think people have reason to be excited for this. But PLEASE don't become like the VCS supporter group on FB. If Tommy wants this to be successful he needs to hear the concerns. 

The Pat & Ian thing needs to just be let be. I think it made the Amico look bad to squabble. No one really knows if it will be a POS or the second coming. We only know what has been shown. I know I haven't been in a focus group nor do I have that research in front of me. All we have is TT word.

You can be excited and Pat, Ian, and others can be skeptical. Amico has its road ahead and will have to show why it will be a success. Pat and Ian's YT channel will not make nor break this thing. Let that squabble die.

1 hour ago, MrBeefy said:

...

So what about couch co-op? There hasn't been anything shown for this to have couch co-op. I'm sure it will have something but to me it seems more like a take turns game (like original SMB etc). That CAN be done with mobile and I have done it with my Ticket to Ride app on my phone at a work function before and at home.

...

It's clear on their website and repeated pretty much everytime that they speak that every single Amico game will have local multiplayer modes.  Multiplayer means playing at the same time.  Don't know about every game having a co-op mode.  (Super Mario Brothers is not multiplayer; Stadium Mud Buggies is however)

--------

Earlier when someone mentioned "echo chamber"; I thought they were talking about this thread.

1 hour ago, MrBeefy said:

You really buy Nintendo for their games. And you can't get those on Steam AND they usually hold their value over time because they are almost 100% of the time quality.

 

Okay so I think I get where they are coming from. So one of the coolest things IE is doing is also feeding into the issue.

 

The Moon Patrol demo was neat. Looked alright. So where did everyone play the demo? Their phone most likely. So the demo while being cool just showed it can easily be a mobile game. Another problem with that is it was a control scheme that was NOTHING like the Amico controller nor the controller app. Thus showing the ability of this to be mobile.

 

So what about couch co-op? There hasn't been anything shown for this to have couch co-op. I'm sure it will have something but to me it seems more like a take turns game (like original SMB etc). That CAN be done with mobile and I have done it with my Ticket to Ride app on my phone at a work function before and at home.

 

Breakout I think was maybe more interesting which was not what I was expecting. Yet nothing shown as to why it couldn't be done on mobile either.

 

I know someone posted a picture of an expensive phone and was trying to make a point about price. The problem with that logic is multiple things. First, is that you buy a phone not just to play mobile games. It is multi functioning and I would venture to guess that gaming is not the sole purpose of owning one. It is another benefit to owning one. Second problem with that logic is simple. That is one EXPENSIVE 3P controller. You want to use the phone as a controller does that factor into the price of the Amico? Personally, I don't think it should but I also don't think the phone price should be factored into mobile games either. Can't have it only one way.

 

Price tag. Yes no in app purchases or DLC or pay to play. BUT that is what the console is. You don't buy it you don't play it. Yeah we don't like ads but many games have a purchase option to remove them. How many mobile games would you need to purchase to reach $180 or $200? That is their arguement. I don't think it is unreasonable to have those doubts.

 

I think people have reason to be excited for this. But PLEASE don't become like the VCS supporter group on FB. If Tommy wants this to be successful he needs to hear the concerns. 

 

The Pat & Ian thing needs to just be let be. I think it made the Amico look bad to squabble. No one really knows if it will be a POS or the second coming. We only know what has been shown. I know I haven't been in a focus group nor do I have that research in front of me. All we have is TT word.

 

You can be excited and Pat, Ian, and others can be skeptical. Amico has its road ahead and will have to show why it will be a success. Pat and Ian's YT channel will not make nor break this thing. Let that squabble die.

Moon Patrol is multiplayer. One player is the buggy, the others the enemies and it rotates so everyone has a go being each. I think this is neat as you try to get is far as you can then try to stop the others from beating your distance. But anyway, every game MUST be multiplayer on Amico. They've made it very clear that the take turns approach is not what they're after. Comparing it to mobile is ridiculous IMO - handing a mobile phone around is great fun for those who aren't playing or can't see what's happening in the this screen

Yeah the problem with removing ads these days is it's often not just a one off payment. Subscriptions seem to be flavor of the month. And then there's the crap ton of shovelware on mobile stores (and Steam). The Amico solves all these issues.

Sure, it's fine to be skeptical, I was, but to spout crap about it without even doing a tiny bit of research is disingenuous. That's the issue I have with Pat and Ian. They just can't see anyone else's points. 

But yeah, you're probably right. Take the "just ignore them and they'll go away" approach.

7 minutes ago, mr_me said:

It's clear on their website and repeated pretty much everytime that they speak that every single Amico game will have local multiplayer modes.  Multiplayer means playing at the same time.  Don't know about every game having a co-op mode.

 

--------

Earlier when someone mentioned "echo chamber"; I thought they were talking about this thread.

You are missing the point. But since you brought it up is this system about couch co-op or multiplayer? Honestly, don't answer that as it doesn't matter. That's splitting unnecessary hairs. Been following from the beginning so I know they want it to be more than a solitary experience. But passing my phone on the game I mentioned also was not solitary. So my point still stands.

Also couch co-op is thrown out more than multiplayer. I will say this I have watched a group of 6 kids play a game online together via their phones. No it wasn't Jackbox. It was something else. They were joking amd having fun together while playing. So not everything is solitary when it comes to phones. But it is more than not.

6 minutes ago, MantaNZ said:

Moon Patrol is multiplayer. One player is the buggy, the others the enemies and it rotates so everyone has a go being each. I think this is neat as you try to get is far as you can then try to stop the others from beating your distance. But anyway, every game MUST be multiplayer on Amico. They've made it very clear that the take turns approach is not what they're after. Comparing it to mobile is ridiculous IMO - handing a mobile phone around is great fun for those who aren't playing or can't see what's happening in the this screen

 

Yeah the problem with removing ads these days is it's often not just a one off payment. Subscriptions seem to be flavor of the month. And then there's the crap ton of shovelware on mobile stores (and Steam). The Amico solves all these issues.

 

Sure, it's fine to be skeptical, I was, but to spout crap about it without even doing a tiny bit of research is disingenuous. That's the issue I have with Pat and Ian. They just can't see anyone else's points. 

 

But yeah, you're probably right. Take the "just ignore them and they'll go away" approach. I mean it's not like they'll make a difference. They're a small channel (as most gaming channels are) and none of my gamer mates don't even know who they are - not everyone is into YouTube and 250k subs is nothing in the grand scheme of things (I have a friend with 5,000,000 insta followers and I didn't know who she was when I met her, lol) . Tbh I'm surprised they're still going as their videos don't seem to get any views. A Max of 20,000 hits isn't going to bring in cash... Maybe if they weren't dicks about everything they'd get more subs. I used to enjoy the content...

I get wanting to correct some misinformation, but some of those corrections aren't corrections now. The last I checked $200 was a possibility, yet one of the gripes about Pat was he kept saying $200. Well now it might be a $200 system instead of $180. As far as subscription all my games I own, no fees, no subscriptions. All cost no more than $15. And that wasn't for just one game that was for around a least 10 on my phone.

That is why that squabble has only done more harm than good. I don't think TT should be a debbie downer nor be excited. Nor as I pointed out are all their observations false.

I would point out that they did say Breakout looked cool and Ian liked the ability to flip the controller around. So it isn't like there weren't any compliments or positives said. I would also encourage TT to stop making curly hair references. It comes across as slightly childish online. We know his name is Pat. Just type Pat. Pat is even shorter to type than 'curly hair guy'.

But seriously this thing needs to be given time. I don't want TT to go silent, but I also don't want to see the Pat and Ian stuff either. 

My next family game night I'm planning on showing Moon Patrol and Breakout to see their thoughts.

2 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

You are missing the point. But since you brought it up is this system about couch co-op or multiplayer? Honestly, don't answer that as it doesn't matter. That's splitting unnecessary hairs. Been following from the beginning so I know they want it to be more than a solitary experience. But passing my phone on the game I mentioned also was not solitary. So my point still stands.

 

Also couch co-op is thrown out more than multiplayer. I will say this I have watched a group of 6 kids play a game online together via their phones. No it wasn't Jackbox. It was something else. They were joking amd having fun together while playing. So not everything is solitary when it comes to phones. But it is more than not.

 

I get wanting to correct some misinformation, but some of those corrections aren't corrections now. The last I checked $200 was a possibility, yet one of the gripes about Pat was he kept saying $200. Well now it might be a $200 system instead of $180. As far as subscription all my games I own, no fees, no subscriptions. All cost no more than $15. And that wasn't for just one game that was for around a least 10 on my phone.

 

That is why that squabble has only done more harm than good. I don't think TT should be a debbie downer nor be excited. Nor as I pointed out are all their observations false.

 

I would point out that they did say Breakout looked cool and Ian liked the ability to flip the controller around. So it isn't like there weren't any compliments or positives said. I would also encourage TT to stop making curly hair references. It comes across as slightly childish online. We know his name is Pat. Just type Pat. Pat is even shorter to type than 'curly hair guy'.

 

But seriously this thing needs to be given time. I don't want TT to go silent, but I also don't want to see the Pat and Ian stuff either. 

 

My next family game night I'm planning on showing Moon Patrol and Breakout to see their thoughts.

Great, I deleted the pointless dig at P&I not being as big as they think and you quoted me. Haha. Ah, the internet...

2 minutes ago, MantaNZ said:

Great, I deleted the pointless dig at P&I not being as big as they think and you quoted me. Haha. Ah, the internet...

Got to love quoting...

So how DOES the phone interact with Amico?

I know Amico doesn't need to be online to play games. Yay! But if I wanted to use my phone as a controller do they both need to be hooked up to the same WiFi network to work?

3 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

So how DOES the phone interact with Amico?

 

I know Amico doesn't need to be online to play games. Yay! But if I wanted to use my phone as a controller do they both need to be hooked up to the same WiFi network to work?

My guess would be Bluetooth.

7 minutes ago, MantaNZ said:

My guess would be Bluetooth.

Well that's why I'm asking. I can't connect to some of my devices unless on the same WiFi. 

46 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

You are missing the point. But since you brought it up is this system about couch co-op or multiplayer? Honestly, don't answer that as it doesn't matter. ...

From the faq:

"Multiplayer games will either have cooperative or versus modes, and will support 2, 4, or even up to 8 players in certain games".

And nobody said you can't do multiplayer on phones or handhelds (not talking about taking turns).  With the Amico, they say every game will have a multiplayer mode.

3 hours ago, mr_me said:

From the faq:

"Multiplayer games will either have cooperative or versus modes, and will support 2, 4, or even up to 8 players in certain games".

But most people won't read the FAQ and will base their judgment on the mobile app, like Pat & Ian did.

I'm pretty sure Nintendo told countless times Wii U was not a new Wii controller, and it probably was also on some FAQ. -_-

Anyway, as Tommy said several times, the real marketing campaign will debut in a few months, and I really doubt a few early misconceptions from people like Ian & Pat will have any impact on the mainstream audience.

18 hours ago, Serguei2 said:

I have problems with those commandments:

 

I agree with most games are $60-$80, asking developers to make games under $10 might limit their creation.

 

Even if many consoles have exclusive games, having only exclusive games might hurt Amico selling.

 

If I were a developer, I won't make special edition games just for Amico. For that matter, I would release them on other systems instead.

Hi Everyone,

I take one 15 hour flight to China and this place really lit up!  Lots to unpack and explain... lets start...

In regards to our Commandments that you have problems with.

I think you are viewing our console like all the others.  Please don't.  Everything we do with our developers is very unique and benefits both them and us.
 

Think of our developers as all 2nd party...  NOT 3rd party.  That is where the mistake and confusion comes in I believe.

We are paying developers to make games that we are asking for and typically we (or other publishers) own the rights to. 

We get the game license (or we already own it), we find the developer to make it, we pay them to create a game that I (in most cases) are personally designing (and doing the sound design/Audio Director), we give art direction, we tell them how we want the controls, how the couch co-op will work, etc., etc., etc...  They are getting paid (and in most cases a royalty) to create games for us.  They are not getting ripped off in any way.  They are getting paid to create an exclusive game for us at our direction.  There is no unfairness about putting it on other consoles/platforms... because it's 100% ours.  And we are passing on the savings to our customers.  So although it would be very easy for me to charge $15 - $20 for the games we're doing (yes... contrary to the belief of some... they are a LOT more in depth than mobile games)...  I won't.  You see, my 2 biggest and most important objectives with our customers is TRUST and VALUE.  This is why we need to be in control and curate EVERY game that comes out.  Unlike the constant cheap garbage that you see on the Switch, mobile & Steam.  And a part of that TRUST with our customers is knowing that they will be receiving VALUE for their purchase.  A family of 4 goes to the movies and sits in a dark room for 2 hours not talking to each other.  The parent will easily spend $50 - $60 to do that (including popcorn, etc.)... for 2 hours of non-interaction with their family.  If I can provide hours and hours and hours of enjoyment to a family of 4 for under $10... then VALUE is built.

Now there are some cases where developers come to us with their own IP's.  In those cases we fund the project, give them a higher royalty... but only if it is an exclusive for our console.  It is their choice.  We don't force them into anything.  Most developers are very happy to find a company/publisher (especially a 1st party console manufacturer) that is willing to fund their dream.  Their other choices are to fund the entire project themselves and put it out on all the platforms with zero marketing and zero visibility... or... attempt a Kickstarter project. 

The proof is in the pudding as they say... if we didn't have any big developers then maybe we would be worried (just look at the way AtariVCS is being handled).  But we have over 50 developers already.  They LOVE what we are doing and they LOVE the entire concept of the console.

The big differentiating factor here is that we are paying the devs to create for our console.  We spend our own marketing dollars on promoting their products.  It is a true partnership. 

Hope this makes better sense.  Feel free to ask more questions about it.

3 hours ago, roots.genoa said:

But most people won't read the FAQ and will base their judgment on the mobile app, like Pat & Ian did. ....

From the Amico home page.  "Every game on Amico encourages group participation and teamwork through "couch co-op" style gameplay, while also offering single player modes".  Last I checked only about a thousand people downloaded the android app.  There are people that will say things even though they know better.

17 hours ago, Loafer said:

On the issue of exclusive I think people are over complicating it a bit.  Having a game on Amico doesn’t mean that same title can’t be on other consoles, it just means the Amico version has to have some exclusive features.  So technically speaking unless a full exclusive was signed, moon patrol could come out on mobile, Xbox, PlayStation, etc but the Amico version needs to be unique so those couch multiplayer modes ?  That’s exclusive to Amico version.  I know there has been talk of the funding model means initial $$$ is by intellivision but I didn’t think it meant ALL games have to be done that way?  Just initially to kickstart development (a brilliant concept)

 

so if my interpretation is correct, that would allow a developer to still maximize their development costs if they see fit to expand on the release as long as the Amico version stays unique compared to others, no?

 

@Tommy Tallarico  comments?  Am I totally off the track?

A game like Burgertime can be on many different consoles... but the version we are doing (and paying for) is built from scratch, uses our unique control system/screens, couch co-op, etc.  So in that example... yes... the license for Burgertime can be on other systems... but not the game that we have designed.

We do have some very high profile educational titles that have been released on mobile... but our versions are a big step up.  So in those cases we took what was already created and then enhance the heck out of it to make it even better.

We do not allow the games that we personally finance, enhance and create to be put on any other systems.  We are able to do that because we are paying for the extra development.  The licensors and developers have no problem with that.  In their eyes... it's extra money that would have never been there in the first place.

Hope that helps to clarify.  Feel free to ask me other questions about this if needed.

17 hours ago, GrudgeQ said:

Basically it depends on how much you bring to the table. As far as I know however I think Intellivision is partnering in a large way or small on every project.

Correct!

15 hours ago, GameboyIsTheBest said:

Any dress-up games on Amico?

None yet.  Any suggestions?

I know that dress up games are HUGE in the young girl world.  I'm sure one would do well.

 

14 hours ago, YerOut said:

Wow!  A thread with 143 pages in just over 9 months, 2nd only to the Intellivision Ebay Roundup with 482 pages (which took just over 9 years to accumulate).  I need to post at least once in this.

 

Tommy, unreal that you post in this thread so often. It amazes me.  Any chance with 10/10 2020 under 40 weeks away and also with all of your free time that you would do a weekly or bi-weekly "screen shot of the day" sort of thing?  I don't necessarily mean actual game footage but maybe the new splash screen or options screen for one of the originals that are being reimagined and yes Cloudy Mountain comes to mind.  Asking for a friend.

Yo!  Welcome!

First off... gotta say... LOVE YER HANDLE!  

I work 20 hours a day... 7 days a week... so I'm not sure the term "free time" really applies to me. 

I actually consider this work in a way.  I've had some great insights into how others feel (especially the ones with kids) and others have provided some great data.  It's also cool to see a bunch of folks take the info here and are able to answer other peoples questions on social media & YouTube.  I always appreciate the help in spreading the word.  I won't be able to keep up this pace come next year... but will always try to make it back when I can (if possible).

Over the past few weeks we have started ramping up the visibility of the games.  Skiing, Moon Patrol and Breakout just over the past week or so!  You will see that trend continuing as we get closer and closer to launch.  Even if it's something small.  For example... on Monday I'll be releasing the logo for Intellivision Skiing.  It may not seem like a big deal to most... but when the hardcore Intellivision fans see what we've done (and how we incorporated part of the old game)... they'll get a kick out of it. 

Thanks again for stopping by and engaging with the group.  Hopefully you'll stick around and please let me know if you have any other questions.  Will be happy to answer them if I can.

p.s.  Cloudy Mountain looks AMAZING!!!  Can't wait for folks to see it!  Probably not for a few more months.  Still trying to get a certain "license" for it. 

 

13 hours ago, MantaNZ said:

What pissed me off about the segment (I had to listen to it as I was hoping they may have changed their minds with the release) was the "it's mobile games". No. While the graphics may be around the level of mobile games (and some mobile games look friggin' amazing) they will not play anything like mobile games. Saying "why would I get this when I can play those sort of games on my phone" is idiotic. How can you play couch co-op on your phone?

 

Also, pricing for me is a massive factor. Claiming people will just buy a Switch is also stupid. The Amico is much cheaper and the games at $3-10 is a hell of a lot more attrctive to families than Switch game prices - especially first party stuff. Not to mention there will be no ads and no IAP, which brings us back to mobile again - we all know games are utterly crippled with pay walls and subscription fees. Plus the Switch is still a pretty techie piece of kit. I can't imagine my mother knowing how to use one as soon as she picks it up. The learning curve on the Amico won't be as steep.

 

Pat and Ian have really just shown that they have a complete lack of imagination if they see a demo for a game and assume that all the games will "just be mobile games". Sure, there aren't going to be any AAA games on the system, but THAT IS THE POINT OF IT. The aim is fun. I really don't understand how they can't see that.

 

I will admit, initially I thought the same way but I changed my mind as I learnt more about it and as I've said previously, I'm more excited about Amico than PS5 abd Xbox whatever it is. I think they're just trying to get clicks, to be honest. I mean when was one of their videos that was POSITIVE successful. In fact, have they ever been positive about anything? It seems all they do is complain and/or complain about people complaining. Sad, really.

 

EDIT: I just saw the trailer for Hellblade II. HOLY CRAP! Yes, I'll probably get an Xbox Series X too but the problem is its shape - where will I put it? lol. But yeah - it's quite obvious that the Xbox/PS5 and Amico are targetting totally different demographics. People who can't see that, well... not much point putting any worth on their opinion. And Amico is still by far at the top of the 2020 shopping list

Agree with everything you said.  Although I do believe I'm a bit biased.  

 

9 hours ago, MrBeefy said:

1.  The Moon Patrol demo was neat. Looked alright. So where did everyone play the demo? Their phone most likely. So the demo while being cool just showed it can easily be a mobile game. Another problem with that is it was a control scheme that was NOTHING like the Amico controller nor the controller app. Thus showing the ability of this to be mobile.

 

2.  So what about couch co-op? There hasn't been anything shown for this to have couch co-op. I'm sure it will have something but to me it seems more like a take turns game (like original SMB etc). That CAN be done with mobile and I have done it with my Ticket to Ride app on my phone at a work function before and at home.

 

3.  Breakout I think was maybe more interesting which was not what I was expecting. Yet nothing shown as to why it couldn't be done on mobile either.

 

4.  Price tag. Yes no in app purchases or DLC or pay to play. BUT that is what the console is. You don't buy it you don't play it. Yeah we don't like ads but many games have a purchase option to remove them. How many mobile games would you need to purchase to reach $180 or $200? That is their arguement. I don't think it is unreasonable to have those doubts.

 

5.  I think people have reason to be excited for this. But PLEASE don't become like the VCS supporter group on FB. If Tommy wants this to be successful he needs to hear the concerns. 

 

6.  The Pat & Ian thing needs to just be let be. I think it made the Amico look bad to squabble. No one really knows if it will be a POS or the second coming. We only know what has been shown. I know I haven't been in a focus group nor do I have that research in front of me. All we have is TT word.

 

7.  You can be excited and Pat, Ian, and others can be skeptical. Amico has its road ahead and will have to show why it will be a success. Pat and Ian's YT channel will not make nor break this thing. Let that squabble die.

Hi MrBeefy,

I numbered your comments so I can respond easily.

1.  No.  Our Amico version of Moon Patrol can NOT be played on mobile.  It is impossible.  In all of the descriptions I gave I mentioned this.  But I totally get it... folks aren't going to read everything.  This is why it's important to correct wrong info.  Moon Patrol will look better, control better, have massive levels, DIFFERENT ways to play Multi-Player AND Couch Co-Op.  None of that will be possible on a mobile device.  This was merely something fun to promote our new Amico Club app.  It was different, it was unique.  The fact that they didn't understand that shows exactly the issue that most people have with them.  They do ZERO research on what they are talking about.  They turn the camera on and you can see them searching on google in real-time.  It's their style... I get it.  But honestly... it's just plain lazy.  And it's not just in regards to Amico.  Each time I've listened to them (which isn't a lot... but maybe 10 or so other videos that have nothing to do with Intellivision) they ALWAYS get their so called "facts" incorrect.  I feel sorry for anyone who listens to them to get their news and opinions.  Typically their opinions are based on incorrect facts because they don't do research before turning the camera on.  But hey... obviously there is a faction of gamers that enjoy their style of negativity and continuing supporting their channel.  They've found a niche.  I get it.  When I did my worldwide syndicated television show for 12 years... I played the "bad cop" when reviewing games.  So if anyone gets it... I do.  But I did hours and hours of research before saying anything negative... and I did it in a very "tongue & cheek" style.  Not purposely hateful and mean.

2.  It is not a take turns game.  That isn't couch co-op.  I've actually described the couch co-op and multi-player elements on Moon Patrol in a few interviews and I believe even in here.  But again... I don't expect everyone to read or listen to everything.... but just letting you know that the game is very unique and has multiple ways to play it with multiple people which can not be replicated by mobile devices.  Both cooperative AND versus modes.  We are still 10 months from launch.  And like all of the materials said (about the demo)... this is in no way a final representation of the game.  They either ignored that info or never saw it.  Either way... poor reporting.

3.  Yes there was.  Again... it was in the description.  I can't spoon feed every person in the world.  I can only put out info and people either read it or not. 

4.  99.9 percent of mobile games do NOT have couch co-op.  So it isn't even an arguement to try and compare the two.  Our competition is board games more than mobile games.

5.  Concerns yes.  Hating on the system because it fits a narrative is not a concern.

6.  Yes... take my word. 

7.  I agree.  They mean nothing.

8 hours ago, mr_me said:

It's clear on their website and repeated pretty much everytime that they speak that every single Amico game will have local multiplayer modes.  Multiplayer means playing at the same time.  Don't know about every game having a co-op mode.  (Super Mario Brothers is not multiplayer; Stadium Mud Buggies is however)

 

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Earlier when someone mentioned "echo chamber"; I thought they were talking about this thread.

Yes.  Couch co-op for everything.  It's one of our commandments too! 

Multiplayer can mean "online" as well.  So I try to use the terms couch co-op or LOCAL multiplayer.

Also... we try to incorporate Co-op AND Versus modes.  Meaning... sometimes you are playing together to achieve the same goal... and other times to play against each other.

Our approach to couch co-op is pretty unique.

56 minutes ago, mr_me said:

From the Amico home page.  "Every game on Amico encourages group participation and teamwork through "couch co-op" style gameplay, while also offering single player modes".  Last I checked only about a thousand people downloaded the android app.  There are people that will say things even though they know better.

Of course, but as Tommy just said several times above, people don't read everything. Early misconceptions, when they are repeated a lot, tend to stick alas, and it is all the more infuriating when some people indeed know better but bend the truth to troll or get more clicks. -_-