Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

46 minutes ago, mr_me said:

Not too long from now they should start manufacturing.  If they raised $40M from other sources then $200k would be less than half of one percent.  Still it can pay for one engineer's salary over the product's development.

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

Your concerns are understandable.  All I can say is that we've made quality decisions over the past year that in turn will make folks even happier with the final product.  The touch screen upgrade was a huge one.  Other things as well.

 

We've also done EXTENSIVE price testing with our retailers and everyone is extremely happy with the value... even over $200.

 

As Aldous Huxley stated many years ago, "You pays your money, you takes your pick".  I think if the product justifies the price, that is great and no one can complain about that.  Definitely I am still routing for you, Intellivision, and the Amico.  I just have my concerns and reservations.  However, I have concerns and reservations about all gaming products, as not everything is going to have all Pros and no Cons, and vice versa.  That being said, I see a lot a Pros for the Amico, with very little Cons thus far.  Take care and best of luck.  I and a lot of others are behind you.

The actual numbers are much higher; say $10M marketing, $10M game development, $3M hardware development.  Manufacturing will be much, much more than $17M.  What percentage of this thing is crowdfunded?

Bring on more news. Personally, both positive and negative posts on a message board bolster the discussion. I’m waiting patiently and hopefully when the Amico hits stores, most negatives from some people will turn into positives and more purchases. 

32 minutes ago, Amico - Tony said:

Hi all,

 

a quick question. Some friends were discussing the new PS5 controller with a screen and saying how cool it is - that is if it doesn't cripple the controller battery. Do you know what the battery life of the Amico controller will be? Sorry if this has already been answered.

 

regards

 

Tony

I doubt it will last for a full 20 hour marathon session of a Dragon Age RPG... but then it's not that kind of system. Controller ran out of juice? Then go outside and get some sun and eat something at this thing called a kitchen table for once!

2 minutes ago, Blarneo said:

36 minutes ago, Amico - Tony said:

Hi all,

 

a quick question. Some friends were discussing the new PS5 controller with a screen and saying how cool it is - that is if it doesn't cripple the controller battery. Do you know what the battery life of the Amico controller will be? Sorry if this has already been answered.

 

regards

 

Tony

I doubt it will last for a full 20 hour marathon session of a Dragon Age RPG... but then it's not that kind of system. Controller ran out of juice? Then go outside and get some sun and eat something at this thing called a kitchen table for once!

I don't remember if the battery life was discuss. If not Tommy will respond with pleasure.

I think it's a good question. Yes go outside, but meanwhile, maybe the sister or mother will want to play, etc.

So the question is worth asking.

Thank you Amico Tony !

3 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

I don't remember if the battery life was discuss. If not Tommy will respond with pleasure.

I think it's a good question. Yes go outside, but meanwhile, maybe the sister or mother will want to play, etc.

So the question is worth asking.

Thank you Amico Tony !

I think it was somewhere in the 5 to 6 hr range not sure .  But also it can be wired  and I'm sure you can just have extra controller on charger if you want to continue wireless. But more than enough for average gamer

This article also says 5 to 6 hours.  You can plug it in and use it while charging, perhaps with any usb wall charger.

https://techraptor.net/gaming/news/intellivision-amico-controller-detailed-first-pack-in-game-revealed

1 hour ago, Tavi said:

… Then you have Amico. Tommy has stated that the pre-order cost is 30% (100$, give or take), and is fully refundable if the final product is not what you were expecting. 

I don't think that's what Tommy means.  The deposit is refundable so you can change your mind between the time you put your money down and once it's ships. But once it ships, I doubt it's refundable.  I wouldn't automatically interpret what he said as you can take receipt of Amico, determine you don't like it, then return it. Not every store has such a policy so why should they when ordering direct?  Not working out of the box? That's another thing entirely of course.

30 minutes ago, Loafer said:

I don't think that's what Tommy means.  The deposit is refundable so you can change your mind between the time you put your money down and once it's ships. But once it ships, I doubt it's refundable.  I wouldn't automatically interpret what he said as you can take receipt of Amico, determine you don't like it, then return it. Not every store has such a policy so why should they when ordering direct?  Not working out of the box? That's another thing entirely of course.

Hrm, I suppose I could have clarified my comment better?

I would not expect any sort of refund once the item is shipped and in hand. That would be incredibly expensive and you know some would happily abuse such a policy (buy it, play the hell out of it for a week and then return it). What I was suggesting that by Tommy's comment it seems when they send you an e-mail 'Units ready to ship, please pay outstanding balance', you can look at the finished Amico and say 'This was not what I was expecting it to be when I pre-ordered' and they will cancel your order and fully refund the deposit.

Which is certainly more then anything Atari is offering their backers. I know I would be spitting nails if I dropped around 250$ on what was promoted as a retro Atari console and it looked more and more like the end product was going to be a Linux PC in a custom Atari case.

Holy cow! I go to work and this blows up! Here are some takeaways as I'm not responding on all comments.

Comparison of taking funds early is comparable between Amico and Atacobox. 

Comparison was not in the sense of them both being a scam. That reaction is overblown. Which leads to...

Yes there is fanboyism going on. Is it bad to be excited? No. Is it bad to be skeptical? No.

Not all crowdfunding has tiers, nor does one need to us KS or IGG to crowdfund.

It is okay to not like the price jump. Psychologically the slow increases make it easier to dismiss them. Initially $150-$180 was a possibility. Now $225 is a possibility. That is close to $50-$75. Founders makes it even more so. (Yes there will be extras). If day one it was $150 and then went to $225 there would be more people jarred by that. And before anyone gets mad, that IS NOT me saying this is something Tommy is doing intentionally.

Switch talk....ug. Okay so $225 plus you get 5 games vs $250 and a $50 Breath of the Wild. This is something not many or any has mentioned, but what about time? What I'm getting at is how long does it take to complete say Moon Patrol? Are we talking a 5 hour game to complete/unlock everything? Now you take 5 games x 5 hours each and you have 25 hours. I know my nephew has put that if not more time into Zelda on his Switch. Sometimes with the higher priced game you are going to get more. This IS NOT me saying the games are better or worse on either system. If fact I like the idea of more arcade like experiences, but I also know I love me some Zelda and Mario to. Are there adult games? Um yeah are your kids going to buy and play them? If you are a lazy parent yes. BUT what about couch co-op? Nintendo has it. And while I get the price comparison, it DOESN'T account for having family and friends who already own a Switch. So, it isn't like I have to buy their controllers for them, but they can bring their own. It can be a little misleading, but not wrong either.

This brings up one of my business concerns for the Amico. If couch co-op is the bread and butter, couldn't that negatively affect sales? Me and my 8 buds like playing Amico together. What incentive is there for all 8 to buy Amico? If couch co-op is the main draw there is no less of one. One friend is the Amico house or he brings the Amico with him.  This goes back to the single player experience to and the amount of play time.

This IS NOT me saying Tommy is scamming or that the Amico is fake. One of the defenses for the preorder money is also really a critique of taking the money. If this system is already paid for with investor money and this Founder's money isn't needed...why do you need to put more than $10 down like you would at a Gamestop? That goes back to why not charge after they ship?

Out of curiosity, for all those excited for this, how much be the max the price could be before wouldn't buy it? 

Now, I'm excited to see more and I have high hopes for this, and it is nice to see people excited. I'm ready for the next Moon Patrol demo or some new footage.

9 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

Switch talk....ug. Okay so $225 plus you get 5 games vs $250 and a $50 Breath of the Wild. This is something not many or any has mentioned, but what about time? What I'm getting at is how long does it take to complete say Moon Patrol? Are we talking a 5 hour game to complete/unlock everything? Now you take 5 games x 5 hours each and you have 25 hours. I know my nephew has put that if not more time into Zelda on his Switch. Sometimes with the higher priced game you are going to get more. ...

One to one, I'd take the one with higher replay value.  More content doesn't necessarily mean more time played.

31 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

Holy cow! I go to work and this blows up! Here are some takeaways as I'm not responding on all comments.

 

Comparison of taking funds early is comparable between Amico and Atacobox. 

 

Comparison was not in the sense of them both being a scam. That reaction is overblown. Which leads to...

 

Yes there is fanboyism going on. Is it bad to be excited? No. Is it bad to be skeptical? No.

 

Not all crowdfunding has tiers, nor does one need to us KS or IGG to crowdfund.

 

It is okay to not like the price jump. Psychologically the slow increases make it easier to dismiss them. Initially $150-$180 was a possibility. Now $225 is a possibility. That is close to $50-$75. Founders makes it even more so. (Yes there will be extras). If day one it was $150 and then went to $225 there would be more people jarred by that. And before anyone gets mad, that IS NOT me saying this is something Tommy is doing intentionally.

 

Switch talk....ug. Okay so $225 plus you get 5 games vs $250 and a $50 Breath of the Wild. This is something not many or any has mentioned, but what about time? What I'm getting at is how long does it take to complete say Moon Patrol? Are we talking a 5 hour game to complete/unlock everything? Now you take 5 games x 5 hours each and you have 25 hours. I know my nephew has put that if not more time into Zelda on his Switch. Sometimes with the higher priced game you are going to get more. This IS NOT me saying the games are better or worse on either system. If fact I like the idea of more arcade like experiences, but I also know I love me some Zelda and Mario to. Are there adult games? Um yeah are your kids going to buy and play them? If you are a lazy parent yes. BUT what about couch co-op? Nintendo has it. And while I get the price comparison, it DOESN'T account for having family and friends who already own a Switch. So, it isn't like I have to buy their controllers for them, but they can bring their own. It can be a little misleading, but not wrong either.

 

This brings up one of my business concerns for the Amico. If couch co-op is the bread and butter, couldn't that negatively affect sales? Me and my 8 buds like playing Amico together. What incentive is there for all 8 to buy Amico? If couch co-op is the main draw there is no less of one. One friend is the Amico house or he brings the Amico with him.  This goes back to the single player experience to and the amount of play time.

 

This IS NOT me saying Tommy is scamming or that the Amico is fake. One of the defenses for the preorder money is also really a critique of taking the money. If this system is already paid for with investor money and this Founder's money isn't needed...why do you need to put more than $10 down like you would at a Gamestop? That goes back to why not charge after they ship?

 

Out of curiosity, for all those excited for this, how much be the max the price could be before wouldn't buy it? 

 

Now, I'm excited to see more and I have high hopes for this, and it is nice to see people excited. I'm ready for the next Moon Patrol demo or some new footage.

I dunno what my max price would be I'd pay as much as the other consoles if the games are great. At the end of the day it's about the games.   I love powerful specs but it doesn't matter. Which is one of the reasons the amico is focused on 2d and 2.5d

225 is more than 150 to 179 or more than under 200 but quality of console matters  and 225 isn't that expensive as it comes with two controllers and 5 games... who knows maybe tommy goes back to the original 7 game plan to ad more perceived value.   But either way not a deal breaker  they sold me at earthworm jim.

34 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

I'm not responding on all comments.
 

Best part 😁

Also the price is a special edition  geared toward  the most hardcore of fans it's not for  everyone  . The amico will be available to pre order in stores in the spring tommy said. 

48 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

This brings up one of my business concerns for the Amico. If couch co-op is the bread and butter, couldn't that negatively affect sales? Me and my 8 buds like playing Amico together. What incentive is there for all 8 to buy Amico? If couch co-op is the main draw there is no less of one. One friend is the Amico house or he brings the Amico with him.  This goes back to the single player experience to and the amount of play time.

 

Contra is a great two-player run & gun.  Still a fun time solo.  But your best experiences are co-op.  New Super Mario Bros Wii U/Deluxe is a ton of fun with another player bouncing on you and deterring you from getting an item.  It's also a solid, enjoyable solo game.

Co-Op doesn't mean the machine has zero ability to entertain even remotely to the single player.  All games will have a single player mode.  But the unique local multiplayer is the draw, it's a tenant of game design. 

And if you and your 8 buds play together every other night, fantastic.  They need not purchase an Amico I guess.  Chances are, they have lives of their own and can't always coordinate to get to your house for all 8 to play together every couple nights.  So several buy their own system.  Because they like the experience and sure, you 8 are a super group, but maybe they have a spouse?  A family?  Other friends?  Want to play Skiing or Toe Jam & Earl on their own sometimes?  They'll treat themselves to a ~$200 system.   

29 minutes ago, mr_me said:

One to one, I'd take the one with higher replay value.  More content doesn't necessarily mean more time played.

I was going for more bang for your buck. Not meaning more as in better, just more game. That is also assuming no one replays the long games which they do. Let me try this, Moon Patrol say is 5 hours solo. It does well and them there are sequels MP2 & MP3, both 5 hours each. That's $30 for 15 hours of play. That price and time is then starting to be comparable to one bigger game. It isn't about quality, because you can have long and short games that are crap.

6 minutes ago, Nolagamer said:

I dunno what my max price would be I'd pay as much as the other consoles if the games are great. At the end of the day it's about the games.   I love powerful specs but it doesn't matter. Which is one of the reasons the amico is focused on 2d and 2.5d

 

225 is more than 150 to 179 or more than under 200 but quality of console matters  and 225 isn't that expensive as it comes with two controllers and 5 games... who knows maybe tommy goes back to the original 7 game plan to ad more perceived value.   But either way not a deal breaker  they sold me at earthworm jim.

So $500 if it has good games, or just EWJ.... I'm joking I loved the EWJ games.

But the percieved value is important. As it nears Switch prices you will have people like me picking and choosing. When it is lower and away from Switch prices that decision becomes easier. 

46 minutes ago, mr_me said:

One to one, I'd take the one with higher replay value.  More content doesn't necessarily mean more time played.

As for the replay value on these smaller games, I think a large part of the replay value of original arcade games, which are considered quaint by today's standards, is the nostalgia associated to the originals. My mind is filled with the countless remakes of classic games over the years that had better graphics and more features, but occupied consumers for about 5 minutes before they were put aside and forgotten. They had some novelty value, but no lasting appeal. It's gonna take real originality and innovation to appeal to folks these days. That won't be demonstrated until they're in people's hands.

9 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

I was going for more bang for your buck. Not meaning more as in better, just more game. That is also assuming no one replays the long games which they do. Let me try this, Moon Patrol say is 5 hours solo. It does well and them there are sequels MP2 & MP3, both 5 hours each. That's $30 for 15 hours of play. That price and time is then starting to be comparable to one bigger game. It isn't about quality, because you can have long and short games that are crap.

 

So $500 if it has good games, or just EWJ.... I'm joking I loved the EWJ games.

 

But the percieved value is important. As it nears Switch prices you will have people like me picking and choosing. When it is lower and away from Switch prices that decision becomes easier. 

 

Switch talk, ug 

2 minutes ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

Co-Op doesn't mean the machine has zero ability to entertain even remotely to the single player.  All games will have a single player mode.  But the unique local multiplayer is the draw, it's a tenant of game design. 

Right, but I didn't say it has zero. How long will it take you to beat that Mario game solo? How long Moon Patrol? Mario will have more time most likely. But when you start talking about prices there is a percieved value. Its the...Switch is higher but games are solid and have good playtime, Amico is slightly cheaper, with cheaper games, that are solid and shorter plays. I do think some of those buddies would pick one up for themselves too.

Someone said something about bashing the Switch doesn't raise the Amico and I agree. I understand the marketing it towards parents and how 100% is family friendly. But that doesn't mean the Switch has no value either.

Also how often do you have 8 friends over to play games?

14 minutes ago, JBerel said:

As for the replay value on these smaller games, I think a large part of the replay value of original arcade games, which are considered quaint by today's standards, is the nostalgia associated to the originals. My mind is filled with the countless remakes of classic games over the years that had better graphics and more features, but occupied consumers for about 5 minutes before they were put aside and forgotten. They had some novelty value, but no lasting appeal. It's gonna take real originality and innovation to appeal to folks these days. That won't be demonstrated until they're in people's hands.

That is where this marketing and getting malls or whatever with demonstrations will be important. 

My wife has zero nostalgia for Moon Patrol and such unlike me. I will be curious to see what she thinks of the next update. 

8 hours ago, dj_convoy said:

Which speaks to my point of putting the cart before the horse. Why are the Amico folks worried about doing a special edition (and taking preorders for it!) before all of the details are nailed down for the actual unit? Nail the basic thing down completely and then worry about the rest, later. 

I think you are looking at this all wrong.  This is for DIE HARD fans.

If you are skeptical, wait until 10/10/2020....

44 minutes ago, JBerel said:

As for the replay value on these smaller games, I think a large part of the replay value of original arcade games, which are considered quaint by today's standards, is the nostalgia associated to the originals. My mind is filled with the countless remakes of classic games over the years that had better graphics and more features, but occupied consumers for about 5 minutes before they were put aside and forgotten. They had some novelty value, but no lasting appeal. It's gonna take real originality and innovation to appeal to folks these days. That won't be demonstrated until they're in people's hands.

I prefer playing the original game rather than a remake.  So these games should have something new to offer; eg. the new earth worm jim will not be like old versions, or all the co-op variations.   And they say 75% of the Amico library will not be based on old titles.

As far as price creep goes...  Yes, I liked the $150-180 range too.

However, I'd rather pay more for a better quality product.

Also if you take the 180 and add 25% price increase ( paid for by China ) or was that Mexico?  We are @ $225

Now, maybe Tommy can swing an Apple deal and not pay any tariffs....

First game show based game announcement!