Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

14 hours ago, Tarzilla said:

I really like the look and feel of Night Stalker but one picky thing really bugs me. The robots are too close to the 60s Lost in Space robot, especially when you already have two distinctive robots in your inventory to draw from:

 

 

The guy on the right side is a 3d model I made and 3d printed a couple years ago but why not use these two robots from the classic cover instead of the ones in the demo?

And how about official action figures of them? 😉

I LOVE that the robots look like the robot from Lost in Space (robot B9). I commented earlier and even suggested using Robby the Robot in one level maybe, as he also appeared in Lost in Space (Robby played an evil robot in 2 episodes).

If the Lost in Space robot isn't permanent and just a place-holder, hopefully it can make an appearance in at least one level.

52 minutes ago, AtariSociety said:

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.

When I play classic Night Stalker, I usually play it on the Aquarius also.  The original Intellivision version is great, of course, but I've always found it a bit sluggish even on the fastest setting.  The Aquarius version feels just right to me, and I'm pleased to see that the Amico version seems to be paced similarly.  The Aquarius version also solved the problem of not being able to move and shoot at the same time (because the Aquarius hand controllers generate different Gray codes with fewer conflicting values).  The fire buttons do take some getting used to, but with practice, you can actually use both controllers simultaneously, moving with one hand and firing with the other.

I'm amazed at what I've seen so far of the Amico version of Night Stalker, and I especially love the multiplayer mode!  I'm looking forward to trying it!

13 hours ago, MrBeefy said:

Oh I agree that UIs should be simpler. But preference doesn't mean inability. Wife was hesitant with the controller but was stoked to try Battlefront 2. She does fine with it. Preference doesn't mean can't.

 

Unless your data is suggesting that women aren't as capable as men to use more complex controllers! 🤣🤣🤣

 

But more seriously, preference doesn't mean inability. I prefer a SNES controller to anything else. Doesn't mean I can't play an Xbox, PS, Painline, or Intv controller. Some PC games can have really difficult controls too.

I think for non-gamers, a standard xbox or Playstation can look intimidating, with 12 or more buttons. Add in complicated gaming menus (have you seen the video options in some PC/console games?) and it can look overwhelming to non-gamers. An Amico controller looks familiar - a good part of the controller is a large screen, just like people are used to these days, and the rest of the controller is a large dial and 4 side buttons and that's it. I imagine it would look very welcoming to a non-gamer as opposed to something with a D-pad, 2 thumb sticks, and a dozen+ buttons and triggers.

Sure young people can easily pick up a controller and figure it out, but non-gaming parents?

1 hour 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 hope so too, otherwise it could be a train wreck playing with the controller held horizontally.

Now that the Aquarius has been mentioned... Interesting name for a video game system.

What do you think are the consoles (and non-PC 8/16 bit computers) with better and with worse names? I should open a topic about this, but we have to make time until the Skiing video...

16 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Thanks for following and contributing!  There will be other opportunities to get in on the Vintage Woodgrain so no worries there!  The Founders Edition stuff is gone... but you'll get an opportunity to get a Vintage Woodgrain before they go on sale to the general public.  Thanks again for being interested in what we're doing.

 

 

You are stuck with us.. We are all like a bad rash..  Thanks for taking time out of your schedule to answer all of our questions! 

1 hour ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

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.   

The horizontal layout on amico is not an improvement if you want to use the two physical buttons with one hand and the disc with the other.  Games will likely be designed to focus use of the touchpad so the physical buttons become secondary.

--------------

Aquarius Night Stalker controller layout is not ideal.  You might be better off using the Aquarius keyboard.

The best way to play Intellivision Night Stalker is to emulate and cross-map the buttons so you can run and shoot at the same time.  You can use any modern game controller you like.  The ibm pc night stalker version is interesting with various start options; and controls a bit like arcade Berzerk. 

Looking forward to seeing the unique touchpad controls with Amico Night Stalker.

1 hour ago, save2600 said:

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 know Tommy has said it depends on the game (makes sense if you are using the display for, say, a hand of cards - supporting portrait mode may not be worth it). Of course a lot of games probably *will* support multiple ways to to hold it. That brings up a question - have any other controllers really ever been designed to support multiple orientations for lots of games? I am sure there is probably a few Switch or Wii party games examples here & there but was there ever a controller really meant to support different orientations before? I can't think of any but my console history knowledge is like 10% of a lot of AtariAgers.

45 minutes ago, jaybird3rd said:

When I play classic Night Stalker, I usually play it on the Aquarius also.  The original Intellivision version is great, of course, but I've always found it a bit sluggish even on the fastest setting.  The Aquarius version feels just right to me, and I'm pleased to see that the Amico version seems to be paced similarly.  The Aquarius version also solved the problem of not being able to move and shoot at the same time (because the Aquarius hand controllers generate different Gray codes with fewer conflicting values).  The fire buttons do take some getting used to, but with practice, you can actually use both controllers simultaneously, moving with one hand and firing with the other.

 

I'm amazed at what I've seen so far of the Amico version of Night Stalker, and I especially love the multiplayer mode!  I'm looking forward to trying it!

Oh... I did not know I could use both controllers... Well Hells Bells... I will try that next round.  hahaha

TJ

3 hours ago, Serguei2 said:

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

 

How to hold an amico controller?

While this is a good and legitimate question, I couldn't resist being a smart-a$$...

10 hours ago, MadZiontist said:

 

 

Yeah, I think he just needs to smile more.

I'd be afraid if he smiled more...

Questions about the many tests you have probably done on batteries.

1) To maintain the best possible lifespan, is it preferable that the battery is completely discharged before charging it ?

2) How long does it take to get a full charge ?

3) Does the controller charge faster while Amico is turned on, or is it the same as if Amico remains in standby mode ?

For my part, it is certain that I will buy all the different colors of controllers ! No one will use their cellphone to play at my house ! 😉

Thank you.

TonyTGD has agreed to make an account on here and post his grievances with Tommy and the Amico Youtube. 

Hopefully Tommy can lay his issues to rest personally. 

This should be good... 🤡🤡

15 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

OK... someone just sent me this and I gotta talk about this.  I'm going to try and be as respectful as possible here and I hope others will do the same.

 

Watch the section of the video below and I think you can start to understand why folks like Pat & Ian are so against what we're doing and why some of the haters exist.

Watch how hard they try to make their point that the world doesn't need a casual system because the other 3 systems already do that.  Look at the fire and passion in their eyes and facial expressions as they try to convince anyone listening that EVERYONE can EASILY use the menu screens and controllers of the top 3 systems. 

Watching this shows you why some folks are just not getting it.  These guys have become so hardcore in their thinking that they actually think that everyone in the world will find a PS, XBOX or Switch controller super easy and that 8 buttons is absolutely NO PROBLEM. 

I'm not going to make fun of them here, but it is super interesting to me how completely ignorant they are to folks who aren't like them.  It's literally mind-boggling.

And that's okay that they feel that way.  The more they take this path... the more people will start to understand their distaste for what we're doing.  But honestly... I've never heard such naive statements.
 

Totally okay to think that way yourself... but to tell folks that the rest of the world doesn't find the modern era stuff confusing at all... is just... well.... incorrect.

Yes... there are TONS of casual games on the PS, XBOX & Switch... and yes... the majority of the people who play video games have zero interest in playing them on those machines.

 

It all comes back to this statistic...

 

200 million hardcore gamers...  3 BILLION people playing hyper casual or casual or edutainment on mobile.

Astonishing that the data doesn't sink in for some folks.  But at least it gives a good insight as to why they don't believe anything like Amico could ever be popular.

Interesting stuff.  Would love to hear others thoughts after checking out the section of the video below.

 

p.s.  Also super interesting to me that Atari is now claiming their system is for the "casual" players.  Hilarious considering it is exactly the opposite and more hardcore than the Switch, PS & XBOX.

 

 

 

You know teenagers...all angst and rage over marketing terms. And, yes, there are lots of casual games on the ps3/4/Xbone/switch but the casuals aren’t buying them to play them. Like you said, their narrow mindset leads them to believe if they don’t play casual games on the Switch, they won’t on any other console. 

I wont get Into the irony of their thinking about Atari supposedly not winning the 80s console wars or only old people being interested in Atari. 

10 hours ago, MadZiontist said:

 

That's the joke 😁

Oh. Whoosh! Haha.

12 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

Questions about the many tests you have probably done on batteries.

 

1) To maintain the best possible lifespan, is it preferable that the battery is completely discharged before charging it ?

 

2) How long does it take to get a full charge ?

 

3) Does the controller charge faster while Amico is turned on, or is it the same as if Amico remains in standby mode ?

 

For my part, it is certain that I will buy all the different colors of controllers ! No one will use their cellphone to play at my house ! 😉

 

Thank you.

 

Lithium-ion batteries last many years if they are properly stored. Usually, a Lithium-ion battery does fine near full charge or down to 50% charge if stored long term. 

NEVER discharge a lithium ion battery completely. It is incredibly bad for the battery and can kill it completely. In laymen's terms, Li-ion depends on charge moving back and forth in the battery. With no charge, the ions can freeze and never be restarted moving again. 

The Amico controllers will last you 4, 5, or 6 years if they are standard li-ions. Everything on the Amico is probably going to be standard parts. I have PlayStation 3 controllers that are still fine because I have used them frequently.

If they are standard li-ions in the 2200-4400mah range we're talking 5-6 hours with screen brightness on full and I'm sure the controllers will charge at the same rate if the console is turned on or in standby. 

And finally I am assuming (if standard battery in the 2000-4000mah range) it'll take a few hours to fully charge them on the system or plugged in.

8 minutes ago, Swami said:

I wont get Into the irony of their thinking about Atari supposedly not winning the 80s console wars or only old people being interested in Atari. 

I'm 43. I'd stay at an Atari hotel. Not because of any nostalgia - I never had an Atari as a kid - but because I'm into anything game related. I think they fail to see this. I mean how many folk wear Atari t-shirts and caps? And not one of them is "old".

These two fail to realise that not everyone is like them. Sadly a lot of these YouTube "celebrities" seem to think the world revolves around them. 

1 hour ago, IntelliMission said:

Now that the Aquarius has been mentioned... Interesting name for a video game system.

 

What do you think are the consoles (and non-PC 8/16 bit computers) with better and with worse names? I should open a topic about this, but we have to make time until the Skiing video...

Top 5 fav console names:

1. Gamecube

2. PlayStation

3. Dreamcast 

4. GameBoy

5. Intellivision 

3 minutes ago, MarioMan88 said:

Top 5 fav console names:

 

1. Gamecube

2. PlayStation

3. Dreamcast 

4. GameBoy

5. Intellivision 

I love the names Wonderswan and Jaguar, but they didn’t do very well. 

Then there’s the Telstar Marksman and Ranger. Proper console names like John Wayne would play. 

14 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

For my part, it is certain that I will buy all the different colors of controllers ! No one will use their cellphone to play at my house ! 😉

 

Thats right, no cellphones here either. That leads to my next question: is there going to be additional charging docks available if I need to recharge more than two controllers at the same time? I suppose other options are usb-cords or just switch controllers when first ones are fully charged.

 It's been tough trying to decide which color Amico to go after. I think the Vintage Woodgrain looks the best, but it has little nostalgic value for me (I grew up with an INTV II and Atari 2600 Jr.). They all look dope really. I'm leaning towards Glacier White though. What I was hoping we'd get was an INTV II based design. Grey in that shiny plastic casing with a black "bumper" and a red pin stripe. 😎

4 minutes ago, Swami said:

I love the names Wonderswan and Jaguar, but they didn’t do very well. 

 

Then there’s the Telstar Marksman and Ranger. Proper console names like John Wayne would play. 

I was gonna put a tie for 6 with Jaguar/Lynx as I totally dig those cool cat names for 90’s Atari consoles..and yea. They flopped 😩

17 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Thanks!

I noticed that you posted something about the Oof sound not being the same as in the original Messiah game.  FYI... the sound that Roblox has distributed to over 400 million people around the world has my MetaData on the sound.

 

Yes... the clip you used from Messiah had in-game digital delay.  But it doesn't mean it's not the same exact .wav file.  Just wanted to make you aware.

Thanks.

 

Yeah. I heard Roblox will remove the OOF sound.

Here my topic Tommy was talking about.

11 minutes ago, MinerWilly said:

Thats right, no cellphones here either. That leads to my next question: is there going to be additional charging docks available if I need to recharge more than two controllers at the same time? I suppose other options are usb-cords or just switch controllers when first ones are fully charged.

2 of the 3 USB ports on the system can also be used for charging so 4 controllers can charge from system 

9 minutes ago, Serguei2 said:

Yeah. I heard Roblox will remove the OOF sound.

 

Here my topic Tommy was talking about.

 

I know they did a survey earlier on possible new sounds but since Tommy said he thinks they could have an agreement in place in a few weeks it may not come to that