Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

13 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

It's going to be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

I will be holding you to this....we Canadians take that pretty seriously. 😂

On 3/19/2020 at 3:48 PM, Tavi said:

I found the Cornhole segment to be highly entertaining.

You could tell they both liked it, and were struggling to find some reason; any reason to dump on it.

'The Switch must have already done it, and done it better', oops it seems it didn't. Then the entertaining grasping of straws begins. 'Well, it's motion control, what if you accidentally throw the controller playing?'. As if Intellivision had never considered the need for a controller strap *eyeroll* 'Well, mobile offers similar gaming'. Similar titles, but certainly not even remotely similar gameplay I am expecting. A quick browse though the Google Play store shows titles that offer multi-player also have complaints about their matchmaking system.

My personal favourite 'But you can buy a Cornhole set for around 100$, so why buy an Amico?'. Skipping over the fact that it is quite safe to say the vast majority of people are not considering buying an Amico to play exclusively Cornhole on it, I challenge you to find any family that will set an actual fullsized Cornhole game up in their living-room and proceed to allow kids to then start tossing beanbags around the room. I hope they have exceptional insurance

Hating on the Amico and everything related to it seems to be their thing, but it is getting quite repetitive rather like watching 'Everything wrong with..' but they keep reviewing the same movie.

Yeah... I thought the funniest part was watching them stumble around trying to find a game to back up their statement.  But the best part is when they said there are already Cornhole mobile games that are the same thing with motion controls and throwing the bags (as he makes a mobile phone throwing motion).  Um... really?  So if you were playing Cornhole on a mobile device how exactly would you throw the bag when the screen is on the mobile device you can no longer see or aim? 

The other funny one (that you mentioned) is... "I can buy real Cornhole for $100 so no one is going to pay $250 to play Cornhole".  So... when did Amico become a $250 Cornhole only machine?  That's the only game you'll ever play on Amico?  But the other fact is that... um... what about the 300 MILLION people in the U.S. or 30 MILLION people in Canada who can't play Cornhole because it's freezing outside from November to March?  I wonder if they would be interested in playing a super cool and fun couch co-op (or single player) indoor version where you can unlock hundreds of items and places around the world together... or battling each other (or the computer) in VERSUS mode or TEAM mode, etc. 

It was kinda hilarious watching them grasping at straws to find a way to tear us down.... and then failing miserably.

🌽⭕  FTW!!

 

On 3/19/2020 at 3:41 PM, MrBeefy said:

People crap on Catan? I've never played it but never heard anyone crap on it.

They only allow that sort of thing on porn sites, unless it's on an episode of South Park.

On 3/19/2020 at 5:28 PM, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

I loved the latest reveal video.  Some games really shined.  Others, clearly are still in progress, like the disclaimer warned.  Altogether, I was happy with the update.  Thank you.

 

But... I do think including the Evel Knievel and Emoji Charades footage was a mistake.

 

They look like really fun games that I'm looking forward to playing, they ought to be on this platform.  Don't get me wrong.  Kudos to Intellivision for picking both up - that's good scouting/good featured games that'll hit a familiar, "that looks fun" note for a number of consumers looking at this on store shelves and seeing minute trailers on Hulu, Netflix.  And I thought Chris @The Atari Creepdid a great job discussing the issue in his video.  They're getting reworked to include multi-player co-op experiences, new modes, new levels, under-6 specific play modes.  Maybe other changes not discussed.  I think The Creep had a good response, I trust Tommy is sincere that these are being reworked, not ports - staying to that exclusive Only on Amico principle. 

However.  They didn't need to be shown.  I presume Tommy really wanted to show the variety, really wanted to showcase the scope of games being worked on.  But these were the same clips those developers published for their games back in 2015.  Back in 2017.  Which I'm completely fine with including that footage when you're showcasing the games in general marketing, or just showcasing that game.  But including it with this earliest batch to the pre-general public audience was a mistake.  It excited us, but as soon as it came out that these games are already out and the footage was identical to IGV and GameCake's trailers for their games - it casts this issue.  There was no indication that these games are pre-existing and being retooled, customized for Amico.  We know that because we're on this forum.  But it's another throwaway dismissal on every Amico video that pops up for some time.  A kernel of doubt with a reference video to say "see, they're just putting free mobile shovelware on a $250 box!"  If we only had 21 games, if we didn't know there was an Evel Knieval or Emoji Charades game, we'd be just as happy.  Tommy's told us a dozen times there's so much undiscovered great games out there, I'd love to see them.  But a video disclaiming that the footage was "Incomplete Early Work In Progress Game Demos" suggests to the viewer these are incomplete games.  These are Amico's works in progress.  Technically, those two games are as well.  But we're seeing footage from their current incarnation.  Zero footage from either reflected updated work.. just a teaser for us that these are in the pipeline.  Just struck me like an unforced error. 

 

PLEASE be careful with these.. class of re-tooled ports(?) and showcasing them.  It's one thing that Pat or Ian has a new favorite talking point (hit on ad nauseum in his premiere chat with his fanbase and in the video's comments).  Meh.  And haters are going to have an easy avenue for dismissing the system as a sham.  But if that story is picked up by a games journalist or a larger channel with more influence - if that was NintendoLife pointing out, not doing its homework, that Amico just steals mobile games and passes them off as their own.. it's a PR fiasco requiring a whole lot of Tommy-time devoted to addressing a headache Intellivision didn't need to have.  Remember underdogs, a whole helluva lot of the gaming community is happy to see this fail.  Don't give them cheap shots.

 

Still excited. 

 

 

 

Hi!,

Thanks for your comments and perspective.  I love all your posts and really respect your opinions.

I would respectfully disagree that we shouldn't have shown the games.  Like you said... you were excited to see them when you didn't know they existed in a previous form.  I totally understand where you're coming from in regards to not showing the same clips as their previous trailers... but like you mentioned... there was a big disclaimer at the front of the video saying exactly what the trailer was.  The reason I showed Skiing so much is because it's the closest one to being complete (and I haven't even shown 4 player Ski Cross mode yet!!).  But again... I totally understand and respect your point when you say... if we only had 21 games everyone still would have been happy.  Point taken and your probably correct!  But it was important for me to show a clear party game and a license from the 70's/80's that wasn't video game retro based.  This is a trailer we use for our retailers as well.  Showing those 2 titles were actually somewhat important in our mission for that particular trailer.  But again... totally understand and respect what you're saying.

I don't worry about what folks like Pat & Ian say.  They have ZERO impact on anything we do.  I get more people messaging me saying what complete idiots and bitter losers they look like (their words, not mine) than the 5 - 7 negative comments I scrub from our YouTube videos.  I don't care if they continue to take cheap shots.  It means nothing.  They are literally the exact opposite of our target market!  They are single elitist hardcore Nintendo fanboys.  You couldn't get a more opposite person than the folks we are going to cater to.  And that's okay.  Not everyone is going to love the system.  And as much as I find it ironic that they care nothing of gameplay and decide to tear apart graphics as much as they do (considering how in love with old graphics they are)... they have zero ability to make a difference to our sales. 

Thanks again for the comments and discussion.  Really appreciate and respect your point of view.

On 3/19/2020 at 5:44 PM, Hwlngmad said:

Apologies to all, but I gotta say that some of games Pat and Ian highlighted seemed to address concerns that I had.  For example, the stunt cycle / Evel Knievel game.  For me, that looked fun and all, but something that I probably could easily find on my mobile device and not something particularly really note worthy.  This is probably due to the fact that I have played a game called Trials Fusion on the PS4, which has a lot of gaming elements the stunt cycle game seemed to have, but with a lot of modern touches, graphics, and fairly easy to play, difficult to master elements to it from the time I had with it.  Sorry, while there are some games that look really cool and interesting, I just wasn't really impressed with what I saw and felt underwhelmed.  Granted, perhaps there is a lot more to come that will be better difference makers in my eyes, but if I had $225 to $250 to spend on a new console, I probably would try and get a product from one of the big three, particularly if the Xbox One X goes down to that price as that (especially if they still have a Forza Horizon 4 bundle) would be really tough for me to turn down as opposed to what the Amico is offering.  However, different strokes for different folks as I really do hope Tommy, Intellivision, and the Amico can help to shake up the industry to where AAA titles are de-emphasized a lot and more family friendly, pick up and play, easy to learn difficult to master games become more of the norm.  Just my opinion and not here to hate or rain on anyone's parade.

Yo,

No worries.  Not every game is going to be for everyone.  Consider that although you found and liked Trials Fusion (me too!)... most casual folks may not have.  And a LOT of people from our generation have very fond memories of Evel Knievel.  You should see some of the e-mails and social media messages we get!  People LOVED it and it brought back so many fond memories of their childhood. 

I'm sorry that you were underwhelmed by the trailer... but honestly... I think what we're offering is very difficult to capture in a gameplay only trailer.  This is exactly why the next 2 MEET AMICO trailers coming over the next 10 days will show off what the controllers can do in a group setting.  People who don't play video games or just mobile gamers loved the trailer and thought everything looked great.  You referenced getting Xbox One with Forza Horizon 4... graphically epic game!  Love it!  But you can't race with 4 people in the same room at the same time.  And don't forget needing 3 more controllers. 

Thank-you for your honesty and hoping we do well!!  It really means a lot.  I hope I'm not coming across as trying to debate you or say you're incorrect, etc.  Not my intention.  Just wanted to give you my thoughts as well (although of course skewed and biased!)

Thanks for engaging! 

On 3/19/2020 at 6:16 PM, 1001lives said:

It gave me the idea that there is actually a decent amount of potential in mobile games that I would never be interested in because I don't like playing games on my phone and it sucks as a controller. But there may be some great mobile games out there I would actually really enjoy if I had a separate controller and I was able to play them on my TV. 

Yeah... it kinda cracks me up when folks use the argument... 

"These games look like games that 93% of all people in the world play and enjoy!  These guys are idiots!  No one is going to buy this thing!  WHO IS THIS FOR?!?!?"

Ironic eh?

I'm going to buy every game the Amico puts out.

I don't care if Tommy knows that or not.  I'm doing it because I love to collect and think It'd be cool to have a complete set.

I'm thinking of starting an Amico only channel on YouTube.  My kids have equipment and they said they'd help me with the production.

I think it'd be fun to play and rate 1 game a week.

I'm going to wait until we know almost everything about the system (which would've been at E3) since I kind of want it to be less speculation and more about the games.

I kind of want to collect all we know in one place on YouTube and have links to Pete, TJ and the Creep to promote their channels. Also promote this forum. Also other's channels (sorry if I missed any I'm new to these things)

I don't know if it will work out but my sons and I will have fun together and I'll certainly learn a lot from them.

🙂

On 3/19/2020 at 6:20 PM, AtariSociety said:

Overall the platform is what excited me.. the people behind it.. @Tommy Tallarico seems a very genuine and passionate CEO and that goes a long distance for me.  

 

Thanks TJ!

This sometimes works against me with some folks as well.  People HATE ME and Amico because I dare say that we're trying to do something different or better than what currently exists.  They can't stand it and it's always the basis of their argument.  THIS IS ALREADY BEING DONE!!!  HOW DARE THEY SAY THEY CAN DO IT DIFFERENTLY OR BETTER!! THEY AREN'T NINTENDO, SONY OR MICROSOFT!!

On 3/19/2020 at 6:43 PM, LePionnier said:

If everything goes as planned, the interview Tommy Tallarico had with ReviewtechUSA will be available on Monday. Obviously, I will put the link to you as soon as I see it. 🙂

I just did an hour long interview with the Dorkalicious folks.  They were very lukewarm on one of their recent Amico videos so I reached out to them.  After the interview I asked them if they still felt the same way.  They said no and that they totally understand what were doing and who were targeting.  Really cool interview and I reveal some things. 

Should be up this weekend I would imagine.

Of course this goes back to yet another weak lie that the haters love to whine about.  They say that any YouTuber who has seen or played Amico or has spoken to me and has anything nice to say about it... has CLEARLY been bribed by me or given Intellivision mugs, hats & t-shirts.

Such a weak lie and argument.  Then again... same 10 folks with the same lame and easily debunked excuses.

On 3/19/2020 at 6:46 PM, supahwally said:

I agree that Tommy and the team should maybe be more selective, as others have suggested the trailer did provide ammo for haters to hurl.

 

However, I don't play mobile games, nor do the people I showed the trailer to.  They loved the 2 games 'ported' from mobile platforms.  I liked Evel Knievel.  None of us have ever seen them before and they looked fun.  2015 is forever ago to an 8 year old and I have a hard time believing a kid that age would be familiar with something that came out when they were 3 or 5.  It's either fun or not, just like a vintage Intellivision title.

 

The target market for this system is NOT people who are looking for it now, it's not people who frequent gaming forums or are currently searching 'Intellivision Amico'.  It's not the people on this forum, or those thinking about gaming all day long on and posting on youtube.  I've never heard of any any of these forums and websites that people seem very concerned about tearing the system down-why would I expect a Nintendo focused website to favorably review the Amico trailer anyway?  It does not matter so much what is said right now-especially by people with an obvious bias or personality issues. 

 

The target market does not know it's coming.  Did families wait in anticipation for the Wii, or did it catch everyone off guard?  Nintendo was dead, remember?  Maybe there will be a make or break moment of publicity for the Amico, but this isn't it. 

Nailed it!!

I feel the same way.

6 minutes ago, Michael Garvey said:

I'm going to buy every game the Amico puts out.

 

I don't care if Tommy knows that or not.  I'm doing it because I love to collect and think It'd be cool to have a complete set.

 

I'm thinking of starting an Amico only channel on YouTube.  My kids have equipment and they said they'd help me with the production.

 

I think it'd be fun to play and rate 1 game a week.

 

I'm going to wait until we know almost everything about the system (which would've been at E3) since I kind of want it to be less speculation and more about the games.

 

I kind of want to collect all we know in one place on YouTube and have links to Pete, TJ and the Creep to promote their channels. Also promote this forum. Also other's channels (sorry if I missed any I'm new to these things)

 

I don't know if it will work out but my sons and I will have fun together and I'll certainly learn a lot from them.

 

🙂

Get on that channel you would do awesome, plus the more people celebrating retro gaming and Amico the better!  My channel name idea for you would be "Amico Army"

1 minute ago, OEB_Pete said:

Get on that channel you would do awesome, plus the more people celebrating retro gaming and Amico the better!  My channel name idea for you would be "Amico Army"

Oh you know I'll be reaching out to you.

Maybe you could even give me tips on how to play Super Metroid. 

😄

On 3/19/2020 at 7:07 PM, CurlyQ said:

 

WOW! Pat and Ian REALLY put a HEAVY-DUTY beat down on the Amico. Was it warranted? They certainly did raise a lot of valid insights and concerns. There appeared to be a couple of possible gems in there BUT also some potential hit and miss stinkers as well.

 

I wonder how many people (after watching the latest reveal video) are now reconsidering purchasing the upcoming VIP Pre-Orders edition? Time will tell.

 

Games I am excited for so far: Skiing, AD&D, Car Racing Game, Nightstalker.

 

I would love to hear your perspective on which one were "stinkers" and why.  Is it possible to have fun playing a game without state of the art graphics?  What about playing a game with other people who are really enjoying themselves?  Not trying to be confrontational... just looking for you to expand and be a little more specific about your comment.

Why would anyone "reconsider" getting the VIP Edition because of the trailer?  Everyone heard about it for the first time at the end of the trailer!  The only folks who knew about it were the handful of people in here. 

What I can tell you is that we've been getting about 500 new e-mail sign-ups a day to learn more about the VIP's.  I can tell you that not a single person has asked for their $100 refund on the Founders Edition since the trailer dropped.

So there ya go.  Question answered. 

The 4 games you mentioned are some of my favorites as well!  Good taste!  Interested in knowing the ones you disliked... but more importantly... why.

Thanks!

On 3/19/2020 at 7:21 PM, ASalvaro said:

do Pat & Ian not know this console is still 7 MONTHS away?? it's like looking at an Ultrasound of an unborn baby and saying "ewww this kids going to be ugly!"..just wait and relax and have faith in Tommy..these games will get better and better as we approach launch 

Oh trust me... they have ZERO faith in me.

5 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I just did an hour long interview with the Dorkalicious folks.  They were very lukewarm on one of their recent Amico videos so I reached out to them.  After the interview I asked them if they still felt the same way.  They said no and that they totally understand what were doing and who were targeting.  Really cool interview and I reveal some things. 

 

Should be up this weekend I would imagine.

 

Of course this goes back to yet another weak lie that the haters love to whine about.  They say that any YouTuber who has seen or played Amico or has spoken to me and has anything nice to say about it... has CLEARLY been bribed by me or given Intellivision mugs, hats & t-shirts.

Such a weak lie and argument.  Then again... same 10 folks with the same lame and easily debunked excuses.

 

 

OMG too funny, How do they explain me then, I have a tiny little channel, never met Tommy, bought a ton of merchandise with my canuck funny money and discovered Amico all by myself.  I will always make Amico videos I don't care if Amico only sells 100000 units or 100 Million. I don't care if niche YouTube Retro Elitist hate on it or love it.  It makes no matter as I believe in the concept, the retro re-imagined love for the history of games, the family/friends focus and the fact that he promised to make me Pitfall.  jk

23 hours ago, Swami said:

I would agree the big three and perhaps some PC game companies would not show 30% done games or the mobile version of a game they are going to re-do 6-7 months ahead of time, but if someone does, it's no reason to lose your sh%t. It just goes to show you can't please some people, because they gripe that they want more info on what the console will be a year ahead of time, and you can see from what IE has leaked that other companies are jumping on board. But, IE goes ahead and shows some early info on what's coming out and they get "it looks so-so", the graphics aren't good enough, the game play isn't enough like the original (Ian on Astrosmash and Moon Patrol). A LOT can change in five months. I'd also reiterate my earlier comments that its bogus to say playing on a phone vs a TV or playing with 2 people vs 4 or "throwing" the "bag" at nothing with phone motion and then looking at your phone or playing with ads and in app purchases is equivalent. It really seems like reaching on their part. Also, like the the big deal they made of the Switch having a handful of games you can play with 4 players (but only 2 player out of the box) is the same as being able to play multi-player with every game. Its really starting to seem like avoidance on their part.

 

 

Great post.

Avoidance, ignorance, ego and tribalism. 

Yeah... the big 3 wouldn't show unfinished footage for sure.  But we're not them.  If we had 20 million people on our mailing list and social media... we could be a little more discreet as well.  But we don't.  And it's important that we build from the ground up in a grass roots kind of way.  Showing the process of building the machines and games is a very different approach... but one that we can do because of who we are and how we're approaching everything.

23 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

Perhaps I'm a simple person.

I liked the trailer.

I see no problem with any of the games.

I will be preordering on March 31st.

I guess I'm just simple.

 

 

 

 

Also John Alvarado is great.

John Alvarado says "hi!" and he hopes you have a great weekend.

40 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Yeah... I thought the funniest part was watching them stumble around trying to find a game to back up their statement.  But the best part is when they said there are already Cornhole mobile games that are the same thing with motion controls and throwing the bags (as he makes a mobile phone throwing motion).  Um... really?  So if you were playing Cornhole on a mobile device how exactly would you throw the bag when the screen is on the mobile device you can no longer see or aim? 

 

The other funny one (that you mentioned) is... "I can buy real Cornhole for $100 so no one is going to pay $250 to play Cornhole".  So... when did Amico become a $250 Cornhole only machine?  That's the only game you'll ever play on Amico?  But the other fact is that... um... what about the 300 MILLION people in the U.S. or 30 MILLION people in Canada who can't play Cornhole because it's freezing outside from November to March?  I wonder if they would be interested in playing a super cool and fun couch co-op (or single player) indoor version where you can unlock hundreds of items and places around the world together... or battling each other (or the computer) in VERSUS mode or TEAM mode, etc. 

 

It was kinda hilarious watching them grasping at straws to find a way to tear us down.... and then failing miserably.

 

🌽⭕  FTW!!

 

 

 

 

The clip of the "Bean Bag Tossing game" (which is what I will call it going forward) actually made me think that I'm looking forward to more use of the motion control features of the Amico controllers. I still love using the Wii controllers to play Baseball on Wii Sports. 

23 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

Wait

 

I went to YouTube and ALL the ads I get when scrolling down the page are for bean bag toss and cornhole products.

 

Google stop looking at my Amico watch list!!!!!

I'm surprised you weren't getting hammered with Stadia ads!!!  That's all I've been seeing!

22 hours ago, jaybird3rd said:

I agree.  I haven't watched the CUPodcast video, but from the critical comments I've seen about the trailer so far, people seem to be forgetting that the games shown in the trailer are still very much works in progress.

 

I can only imagine how frustrating it must be for IE to invest this much time and effort into the games so far, and to show their work in this trailer, only to see it receive such an offhand dismissal from critics whose imagination stops at saying "bah, these are nothing but mobile games!"  Nevertheless, I hope that the criticisms are useful, either as corrective feedback, or at least as a "preview" of the kinds of counterarguments they are likely to hear from others as they expand their marketing to broader audiences.

It's annoying for the time I take to watch their drivel and read some of the asinine single white hardcore gamer elitist comments.  Then I go back and starting reading all the positive stuff... which is about 97% of the rest. 

21 hours ago, Swami said:

I can't help thinking he expected this and it wasn't for the haters as much as the fans and more open-minded. I think it may offer advice on how to advertise the games in the fall. I think it would help to show something for the games that lets people know this isn't something they've seen before, isn't something that can be played with an NES controller or dual shock and is better in a living room with a TV than on a phone, although that last one seems obvious.

Yep!  All that stuff will be coming with our national roll-out to non-gamers later this year.

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I didn't even bother commenting or engaging on that one.  It would have just given him a big boner and the thought of that made me wanna vomit.

 

😩 🤢🤮

 

 

😋

 

I agree!   Hey... did you see your God of football went to Tampa Bay... AFC is going to look a bit different... J...E..T... ah.. forget it..we always suck...

LOL!

9 hours ago, GrudgeQ said:

OEB Pete did a good trailer breakdown video - I like how he divided the scores into retro, family fun & (occasionally) intrigue:

 

 

OEB Pete... literally the EXACT OPPOSITE of Pat & Ian.  Hahhaha!

5 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

John Alvarado says "hi!" and he hopes you have a great weekend.

 

 

 

I really feel you need to get John to autograph something for Michael. 😊

6 hours ago, Crusader71 said:

Hi Tommy, congratulations for the video clip, I liked it, many interesting games.  On why some people speak badly of things they don't know and have never tried, I think there can be several reasons: mania for protagonism, envy, need for acceptance etc .. But there is one thing that unites them all, the  ignorance.  Come on Tommy, good job!

Thank-you for your feedback.

Forza Italia!