Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

3 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

Hey Tommy, Anthony "The Gamer Dad" Villarreal, owner of the blog The Geek Getaway, is accusing your team of deleting any negative comment in your Youtube channel.

 

One cold argue that it's hardly surprising to go into the official page of a product, calling it "garbage" and expect not to be banned, but even if we accept his accusations as true, his conclusions are odd. He accuses you of "trying to create a false reality" (wrong: you can't ban people from downvote a video and the up/down vote ratio is impressive), of doing "false advertisement" regarding the "family friendly" image when marketing to moms (not sure what this has to do with deleting a comment that calls Astrosmash "garbage"?) and even says that, after some Research®, he is now sure that the Amico will be a "spectacular failure":

 

 

He also seems pretty confused about the unique features of the Amico and its chances among the casual/non gamer market:

 

 

I especially like the Chinese conspiracy.

 

You already corrected him on an article about Roblox. Apparently he has tried to schedule an interview with you several times without success.

 

I know Youtube can sometimes automatically "censor" your comments when you edit your message, add a full stop in the middle of a word (possibly to protect the system from potential code insertion) or include an URL, but I was wondering what was your opinion on this brand new drama. 😑

I would ignore that guy.  He comes across as an extremely arrogant and rude individual that I had to block on both Twitter and YouTube.

Every time I would post an article about Dean Takahashi on Twitter he would mock him relentlessly and call him disparaging names.  He was extremely rude and wanted to let everyone know how better he was at being a journalist for his "blog" the no one reads.  He messaged me on Twitter about 7 or 8 times and I would refuse to respond because I didn't like the way he comes across or how he treats people.  The more I ignored him the more he would get nasty.  So I nuked him.  He would also write completely FALSE things about us which (as you pointed out) I VERY NICELY tried correcting him on.  He then started DEMANDING an interview with me telling me I'm nothing until I do an interview with him... a "real" journalist.

He listens to all my interviews and then tries to come up with negative conspiracy theories about what we're doing (as you showed and pointed out).

Yes... I had to start screening YouTube comments because rude people like him would purposely leave filthy comments on our YouTube channel.  He even admits it in that article.  He calls it "research", but he would constantly use four letter words describing me and the console.  He left that part out.  I spoke about doing this in interviews!  I don't try to hide it.  If you're going to be nasty... expect to be nuked.  There are a tons of immature people whose only goal is to spread hate and negativity because we're trying to make a video game console for families so that people can play together.  OH NO!!!  THE HORROR!!!  WE MUST BE STOPPED BY ANY MEANS POSSIBLE!!! 

But the funniest and most ridiculous thing about this guy is that he has ZERO answer about our LIKES to DISLIKES ratio.  Something that we in no way can control.  We typically range in the 95%+ more likes than dislikes... that number is typically unheard of on YouTube.  I'm not trying to "control" the message.  I don't need to.  What I'm doing is shutting down folks who are purposely trying to mock us using vile language.  Just read the comments on ANY of our videos.  There are definitely negative ones!  So again... his theory falls apart.  People have back and forth (positive, negative and neutral) discussions all the time on our YouTube page.  Just look at the latest Astrosmash video for example.  Lots of folks (not understanding what the words EARLY GAMEPLAY DEMO mean) are saying they don't like it, or they hate the music, etc.  If I was doing what he said I was (nuking all negative comments) then why would those be there??  What I nuke is vile, blind and vulgar hatred.  And it's my right to do so.  He comes across as an entitled arrogant "wanna be" that thinks he can get ahead in life by tearing down and "exposing" others.  He's got a lot to learn... but have a feeling that he will never do so.  100 followers and no one reading his blog... but he's the first to rudely name call and tell everyone how "wrong" they are doing things.

Looks like after I nuked him on Twitter & YouTube he's now trying his luck at Reddit.  Thankfully I'm not a Reddit guy so I won't be engaging with his behavior there anytime soon.  He's just looking for attention and feels that by attacking us I will respond.  I shut him off about a week ago and now he's really "triggered".

Hilarious.

Invite him to come in here and ask his questions.  See if it's possible for him to act like an adult.  I'll speak to him in here if he remains respectful to me and the community.  Lets see how that goes.

As you pointed out... all 5 of those statements he made are completely incorrect.

Here's a quick summary.

1.  Insulting to moms.  He calls himself "The Gamer Dad" but sounds more like a single man with no kids.  Everyone knows that mom's research things more for their kids than ANYTHING.  He is trapped in his own negative bubble of hate.

2.  COMPLETELY 100% the opposite!!!  Casuals do NOT like photo realistic graphics and prefer stylized graphics that are simple and easy on the eyes.  Tetris, Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Wii Bowling, Solitaire... just a few of the biggest played games in the world... and not a single one of them is graphic based.  Once again... he knows nothing about the industry or the data and research... only what he thinks (based on his own opinion) and he shouts from the mountaintops that he knows better than anyone else. 

3.  We absolutely have a plan in place.  It's something that most companies are doing in regards to China. 

4.  Not contradicting at all.  Parents want to limit their kids TIME on the system as well.  Not just the content.  And our Positive Reinforcement is something I've talked about in interviews.  Meaning... if a parent wants to limit their kids to say 10 hours a week... but set them up to where if they mow the lawn or clean their room or help mom in the kitchen or get a good grade on a test... the parents can award them with more time on Amico.  It also helps them to learn responsibility of their time.  If they play 10 hours today... then they won't be able to play for the rest of the week.  Its important for kids to do OTHER things than just to play video games.  How many hardware & video game CEO's will you hear say that!!  But it's how I feel and we don't want to be a cause of the problem... we want to help fix it.  But instead of being commended for that kind of responsible action... I am mocked and torn down by this person.  Again... a bit baffling that he has the nuts to call himself "The Gamer Dad".

5.  I've addressed this a MILLION times and during all of the interviews he watches and listens.  The answer is obvious... he just can't comprehend it due to his lack of being able to understand that people may not have the same exact opinion as he does. Again... trapped in his bubble of negativity and hate.  I would hate to live life like that.

If he wants to engage... invite him here.  Lets do an "interview" in front of everyone. 

I love how the one guy calls me a "communist" at the end and the other guy who is maybe on the fence about the system is now turned off to it now because of lies and misinformation.

Shame on him for posting such trash and turning people off based on misinformation in hopes that he gets a few views.

btw... calling me a "communist" for this is the same as calling a store owner a "communist" because they keep erasing the graffiti people paint on their store front.  Too many entitled people in the digital world who think they can just say and do anything they want and no one has any right to try and stop them.  Not a fan of those types of "cancel culture" folks.  I'll stand my ground against them and don't care if they get upset.

Tommy quick question. Is the Amico going to be sold in major stores in Canada like walmart, EB Games, etc? Do you know what it will priced at in Canadian dollars here? Thanks

Sorry... just HAD to post this... 

Because we are talking about it and I was asked about it here.  I'd like to give you some more reasons why I prefer to ignore this person.  I don't dodge tough questions at all.  But I do dodge nasty people... which is my right to do so.

Here's one of the many messages he sent me on Twitter...

1.  Calls me Mr. Tallarico but spells my name wrong.  Considering it's also my Twitter name... and he must have been looking right at it when he was typing... but okay.. folks make mistakes sometimes.  I'll let it pass.

2.  Spells "could" incorrectly.  If you're trying to come across as a professional journalist... mispelling my name and simple words may not give me the best impression.  Just sayin.  

3.  I don't do "email" interviews.  My God... imagine that.  It would literally take me DAYS to write out what I can say in an hour or so during an interview.  I haven't done a written interview in about 5 or 6 years.  Not because I refuse them... but because they just aren't very common anymore.  You would think a "professional" journalist would know and understand that.

4.  AND I QUOTE...  "looking to bring video game journalism back to being about the games and away from all the drama." 

🤓

I actually looked up his blog when he first wrote me this... as you all know I don't care about how many views or likes someone has.  I give interviews to smaller folks if I like the content in hopes that it will bring them more attention and likes/subscribes by others.  But the second I started reading his blog... almost every single thing he wrote about was negative DRAMA and almost all of his "headlines" were nothing more than click bait.  It was like a cheap uniformed version of Kotaku.  That and the fact that he consistently attacks people I know and respect made it clear that I had no intention on giving this person an interview due to his constant unprofessional behavior.

One last comment... love the disclaimer he puts on the bottom of his blog...

" Disagreement is allowed, however we ask you don't insult each other"

Oh... the irony.  Every post I saw from the guy on Twitter was insulting someone. 

2 minutes ago, AtariLeaf said:

Tommy quick question. Is the Amico going to be sold in major stores in Canada like walmart, EB Games, etc? Do you know what it will priced at in Canadian dollars here? Thanks

Hi!,

Yes!  Absolutely coming to Canada!  Just had a Canadian distribution meeting last week.

Still trying to figure out the pricing.  It's a tough challenge considering the exchange rate at this point.  And distributors have certain fees they need to deal with... but don't want the extras to be too high because then folks will just drive over the border to get them.  It's a super fine balance that we're just starting to deal with now.  I always want the cheapest price possible for everyone... but sometimes the challenges of reality, taxes, shipping, distribution, etc. get in the way.

Just know that we're trying our hardest to make it as inexpensive as possible and still being able to maintain a profit margin to sustain the future of the company.

Thanks!  

Another thing I noticed about TonyTGD is that he calls his followers "meat bags"... He clearly has a unique style and it's a real shame that we can't appreciate it. 🎯

7 hours ago, sramirez2008 said:

I’m still drooling over the Asteroids remake. Any chance of that being available on launch day?

7 hours ago, mr_me said:

It will be one of the free games preloaded on the system.  A lot of people got the cartridge free back in 1982 as well.

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

No.  Not Asteroids.  I would have had to pay Atari a royalty on every single hardware unit sold. 

 

Not a chance!

 

Sorry about that, I was thinking Astrosmash when I wrote that.

1 hour ago, IntelliMission said:

Another thing I noticed about TonyTGD is that he calls his followers "meat bags"... He clearly has a unique style and it's a real shame that we can't appreciate it. 🎯

Classy.

🤪

10 hours ago, GrudgeQ said:

Preach brother! Tommy is way more than just a retro fan - he is a gaming fan. That is why I often say these games are being "lovingly re-imagined". If nothing else I can guarantee you Tommy is going to try to make the games on the Amico great. That is why I pre-ordered the Founders - I know the attention & care going into this machine & these games. You just aren't going to get this kind of passion anywhere else. I am sure it won't be perfect - nothing is - but it won't be for the lack of trying. I don't think I am the only one that thinks this too - about 2600 folks seem to be with me on this. I guess this is just my way of saying thanks to Tommy & the rest of the hard working Amico team for all of their hard work & dedication!

Brilliant. Just Brilliant

Question:

Is there a unique player profiles on the Amico that saves hi-scores for each game you play (or trophies/achievements), and is it possible to use own profile on friends machine? Now I just write them down on paper when playing older games. Nothing is more fun than beat own hi-scores (or friends).

Let Nick Bruty know that it's great to see his responses on the Astrosmash video.

It's really cool to see how Intellivison Entertainment is doing by sharing information with their fans and following up with them.

We really feel that we are part of a team, a family.

Thanks to all of you.

4 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

Let Nick Bruty know that it's great to see his responses on the Astrosmash video.

It's really cool to see how Intellivison Entertainment is doing by sharing information with their fans and following up with them.

We really feel that we are part of a team, a family.

Thanks to all of you.

 

The level of access is unprecedented really. I can’t imagine MS or Nintendo sharing their strategy, insights, ceo access or game play this early. I’m appreciative of all Tommy & team share not because I’m pumped about the system but because I can tell others what is happening(most of my buddies and NONE of my family members peruse forums for info) My wife is finally coming around too. Kids still love the Wii so when the Amico arrives(a few days early thanks to the Founders Edition) and I set it up, I’m sure the Wii will be on a long hiatus 😄

33 minutes ago, MinerWilly said:

Question:

Is there a unique player profiles on the Amico that saves hi-scores for each game you play (or trophies/achievements), and is it possible to use own profile on friends machine? Now I just write them down on paper when playing older games. Nothing is more fun than beat own hi-scores (or friends).

Yes!  For sure!!  And a really unique way as well!  More info to be released at E3 in June!

9 hours ago, sramirez2008 said:

I’m still drooling over the Asteroids remake. Any chance of that being available on launch day?

4 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

More than likely, but not confirmed.  Depends on how far we get. 

OK but what about *Asteroid* - should be a lot simpler game - any chance for a launch day on that? 😜

(quickly heads towards nearest exit)

Probably a stupid or a non-sense question but ...

How to hold an amico controller?

This is a fantasy list (so no worries about licensing or whatever) to promote discussion - however some good stuff in here like Beam Rider

So many games out there that need a 2nd life on the Amico!

21 minutes ago, Serguei2 said:

Probably a stupid or a non-sense question but ...

 

How to hold an amico controller?

I’m anxious to hold it and see which way feels more natural to me. That is the one thing I didn’t like about my brothers Intellivision growing up...the controller and how it felt in my hands. The disc/pad didn’t bother me or the buttons. Loved the overlays but holding the original, to me, was uncomfortable. 

From what interviews I’ve seen Tommy do, the new Amico controller can be used vertical or horizontal. But hearing people talk about it and even seeing demos can’t compare to having it in your hand and playing it! 
 

Im a huge Nintendo fan but detested the N64 controller. All Nintendo’s other systems I liked the controller and it felt natural while playing it. Controllers make a huge difference so I’m wondering how the Amico controller will best be held!
 

9 hours ago, mr_me said:

It will be one of the free games preloaded on the system.  A lot of people got the cartridge free back in 1982 as well.

I remember Tommy telling us there will be no licensed games included with the console.  With that being mentioned, I think you meant Astroblast not Asteroids...

14 minutes ago, MarioMan88 said:

I’m anxious to hold it and see which way feels more natural to me. That is the one thing I didn’t like about my brothers Intellivision growing up...the controller and how it felt in my hands. The disc/pad didn’t bother me or the buttons. Loved the overlays but holding the original, to me, was uncomfortable. 

 

From what interviews I’ve seen Tommy do, the new Amico controller can be used vertical or horizontal. But hearing people talk about it and even seeing demos can’t compare to having it in your hand and playing it! 
 

Im a huge Nintendo fan but detested the N64 controller. All Nintendo’s other systems I liked the controller and it felt natural while playing it. Controllers make a huge difference so I’m wondering how the Amico controller will best be held!

Yeah this is definitely something I am looking forward to actually getting in my hands and trying out. Compared to the OG controller, it so much more rounded without the hard ridges and chopped off corners of the original - the hand feel is going to be totally different. I am guessing for me - landscape, disc on the right but it may vary by game - certainly for the motion control ones.

11 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Holy Crap!  I just noticed that we have 26 members in here recently!  That's gotta be a record for this thread.

 

Thanks for coming everyone!!!!!!!!!!!

Gotta get back to Intellivision Skiing notes.  Can't wait for everyone to see this!!  Lots of work still to do... but gonna be super cool when it's done.

 

 

Probably Amico takes more attention as a new video game system.

What do we have on New Atari Console that Ataribox? thread?

People complains Atari does not keep their promises, tacos, Atari Hotel, no real updates, ...

Most of us, are not interested at these subjects.

At least here, Amico means business. Real business. With updates, new screenshot games, new videos, ...

That's what people are looking for.

1 hour ago, Serguei2 said:

Probably a stupid or a non-sense question but ...

 

How to hold an amico controller?

It's a good question.  The Amico controller is designed to be held horizontally like any modern controller with two shoulder buttons.  But it can be reversed for right or left handed players. 

It can also be used vertically like an intellivision or colecovision controller but unfortunately the side button placement are more like colecovision than intellivision.  And Intellivision side buttons should be use with fingers although some use their thumb.  Orientation depends on individual game programming supporting it.

It's also designed to be used one-handed for motion control, has a wrist strap, like a wii controller.  Or dual disc with a controller in each hand.

I'm looking forward to seeing videos with people using the touchpad interface.  The touchscreen will be a big part of some Amico games.

38 minutes ago, atarifan88 said:

I remember Tommy telling us there will be no licensed games included with the console.  With that being mentioned, I think you meant Astroblast not Asteroids...

Yeah Amico Astrosmash is expected to be preloaded for free. There were no Asteroids or Astroblast cartridge free offers in 1982 like there was for Astrosmash.  My post should be deleted/edited to not cause confusion. 

Have to admit, was disappointed with the decision to move the side buttons away from the familiar vertical grouping, but sounds like there was plenty of research and testing done that showed people strongly preferred holding the controller horizontally.

That said, I hope some of the classic games allow you to choose which way you want to hold it. Ie: turn it one way and the keypad screen flips, disc re-orients, etc. 

35 minutes ago, save2600 said:

Have to admit, was disappointed with the decision to move the side buttons away from the familiar vertical grouping, but sounds like there was plenty of research and testing done that showed people strongly preferred holding the controller horizontally.

 

That said, I hope some of the classic games allow you to choose which way you want to hold it. Ie: turn it one way and the keypad screen flips, disc re-orients, etc. 

In the 80s there were no "shoulder buttons" yet. Now that we have a more modern control scheme, shoulder buttons are almost a necessity, keeping the buttons so close together just to hearken back to the original didn't make a lot of sense. 

With the actual recessed shoulder buttons the Amico has a lot more of a foundation for standard control schemes in games. 

Edit: also forgot, some ports like Castle Crashers and other Amico appropriate games will benefit a lot from a more standard scheme (no triggers but shoulder buttons will be great).

2 hours ago, Serguei2 said:

Probably a stupid or a non-sense question but ...

 

How to hold an amico controller?

I look forward to getting to try the new controllers.

My only use of "disc" style controllers dates back to friends house in say 1979/1980 using their Intellivision... and now in 2019 with my Mattel Aquarius controller.  I kind of like or can get used to a disc for movement... will be interesting how my mind deals with shooting with the buttons.  

I have only played one game so far... Night Stalker on the Aquarius, and I had issues trying to use the buttons on top to shoot in correct directions.  Maybe after longer game play my muscle mind memory could get used to knowing what to push but for now I have to look before shooting... and that means I die all the time.. haha.  Slow shooter.  But the movement part I liked with the disc so look forward to using that on Amico.

TJ

45 minutes ago, save2600 said:

Have to admit, was disappointed with the decision to move the side buttons away from the familiar vertical grouping, but sounds like there was plenty of research and testing done that showed people strongly preferred holding the controller horizontally.

 

That said, I hope some of the classic games allow you to choose which way you want to hold it. Ie: turn it one way and the keypad screen flips, disc re-orients, etc. 

I was more enthusiastic as I found the vertical layout still playable (Coleco and Atari 7800 placement) - I don't know which hold I prefer honestly.  But it does seem to be quite a natural placement for the horizontal hold.  Perhaps a downgrade for the vertical crowd.  Big improvement for the horizontal.  From every mention Tommy's made, the games are designed to be held to your preference.  Motion control games will have an intended hold though: vertical with disc on top.

You have fellow company here among those somewhat disappointed with the shift, but I honestly believe we'll see a mod community pop up in no time with an alternate placement of the buttons for classic familiarity.  Maybe a Blue Sky Rangers project to assist as a separately purchased controller.  Otherwise, a side income opportunity for somebody in the community.   

20 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

I found the interview quite interesting due to the contrast between Tommy and Vara Dark, but yeah, she complained too much about the censorship. Tommy had to answer the same question about 6-7 times.

 

Apparently, she strongly opposes any form of censorship in video games and this is why, even if she will buy an Amico because she is a huge board game fan, she made the M-rated games the main theme of the interview.

She pushed this issue multiple times, but it was like she just wasn't getting what Tommy was saying. As he said, he's building Disneyland, and you don't put a strip club or a bar in Disneyland, simply because of the crowd you're aiming for. She kept focusing on the Amico censoring content, but that's not really what they're doing. Amico is saying if you want that kind of content then fine, but the Amico is not for you then. But if you want 100% family-friendly content with fun, quality games that are easy to pick up and play, then that's what the Amico is going for. She kept mentioning setting restrictive filters but as Tommy said that's problematic, doesn't always work, and is something else to have to figure out how to set. With Amico you don't have to worry about it.