Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

1 hour ago, Atari_Master said:

Looking forward to it Pete.  Keep the videos coming.  😃

oh no sorry that was a joke, but maybe... seriously even I cannot talk that long...LOL

52 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

So here's a question for you and everyone else here!

 

In regards to Cloudy Mountain.  Would you like to see MORE action or keep it more of a searching around type of game (like the original).  I thought it would be a cool mixture to have some caves/mountains/map areas be more arcade style... meaning... lots of things to shoot and not having to worry about arrow count, etc.  But in other areas... it's more of a searching around type of experience and hearing the horrifying dragon breathing off screen.  I feel a nice mix of both would be welcoming.  I would be concerned if the entire game was too much like the original (more searching than fighting).

What is everyone's thoughts?  Try to think for the masses (not just your personal opinions... although I would be interested to hear that as well).

I would stick with some influences from classic AD&D as well. Classes potentially? Maybe there is a Dwarf Fighter, Elf Ranger, Human Cleric, etc. and then give them some unique items that drop that may make their playthroughs more unique? Instead of just arrows and random tools in the dungeons maybe there are swords, maces, etc. for the different AD&D classes, and maybe each one has an ability (healer, 3 arrow shot, etc). 

I would check out some gameplay videos of Slayer and Deathkeep on 3DO.

4 minutes ago, OEB_Pete said:

oh no sorry that was a joke, but maybe... seriously even I cannot talk that long...LOL

Oh, okay.  No worries.

16 minutes ago, popsicle said:

I'll echo that the anxiety followed by short frantic action was and is why this game is such a classic. The sound effects of the monsters in the fog of war coupled with dwindling arrow supply is what makes it so intense. You might offer a 'classic mode' that is very similar to the original (and just as short to complete) that keeps these same mechanics intact, but and also offer a campaign mode with health, buddies to rescue, new weapons, strongholds, caves, dungeons, quests, what have you. That's where some of the new action sequences can further develop. 

 

Wondering how multiplayer would work with this, unless split screen is on the table?

 

I can see the view zoom out a bit to allow players to surround monsters.  No split-screen, players should explore together.  In the original game you can shoot yourself, so be careful with friendly fire. 

The visual/audio clues to attack monsters in the dark is a key part of the game.  As is keeping track and finding ammunition; night stalker too.  The original intellivision AD&D is difficult to win at the highest level.  The Amico version should be challenging as well.

52 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

In regards to Cloudy Mountain.  Would you like to see MORE action or keep it more of a searching around type of game (like the original).  I thought it would be a cool mixture to have some caves/mountains/map areas be more arcade style... meaning... lots of things to shoot and not having to worry about arrow count, etc.  But in other areas... it's more of a searching around type of experience and hearing the horrifying dragon breathing off screen.  I feel a nice mix of both would be welcoming.  I would be concerned if the entire game was too much like the original (more searching than fighting).

What is everyone's thoughts?  Try to think for the masses (not just your personal opinions... although I would be interested to hear that as well).

 

 

It's a mixture of both. The fun in D&D is creating a character that you use to explore and exciting world. Fight monsters, find treasure, and build up your character to take on more powerful monsters. The fighting is exciting, but searching for treasure is an integral part of it. If you have just one without the other, the game loses a lot of its appeal.

45 minutes ago, LordRayken said:

Very disappointed in the latest trailer and I am going to be honest. rather than write something on reddit I will keep it here for tommy's sake because i am on his side, as i will reiterate, but i am not sure about this plan. i apologize in advance for the crudity of this argument or how much of a hater i seem like but i am always honest and hopefully tommy has a good argument for his own system and its price $.

 

Here is my point in the list below

 

https://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-tv-games-544460/

 

This is a list of 15 games for android tv. Every single game is currently more polished and feature complete than anything shown on the amico. Many and most games available on Android tv right now are totally free and come with your tv, it doesn't bode well for Amico, period.

 

Take a moment to think about these android games, many of which Tommy is probably open to porting to amico now that we have sen the latest trailer.

 

Now we know the Amico is doing something a cheap $30 dollar android box can do and playing on a TV isn't an argument. You just buy a nice controller like an xbox controller and you have access to all those games and way more.

 

Why is the amico going to cost $250.00 dollars?

 

Why is this not a cheap android unit with the ability to add two controllers on for like 40-50 dollars?

 

If you are giving me the argument moms and old people will not use android tv, they will also not use a priority/proprietary system that costs $250 or $270 for pink or purple. If they will tell me why they wont use android TV but will use amico.

This is the question that a lot of people ask.  Or you could ask, why spend $250 on Amico when a PS4 is going to be available this holiday for $200 with pack in games?

Why spend $200 on a PS4 when a deck of cards is practically free and offers limitless games you could play for free?

It's not apples to apples. I think Amico appeals to a lot of us (more so than Android TV or Apple TV) is because it's offering a very specific, very focused way of playing. It's a console built around multi-player/family fun. Every game can be played with more than one player.  Every Amico comes with two controllers, and you can add more controllers by using smartphones if you have to.  The games are already curated so that the console doesn't become a home to shovelware.

Amico isn't for everybody. If you're looking simply for the most powerful, most graphically advanced console, Amico isn't it. If you want big, open 3D worlds with tons of stuff to do, Amico isn't for you. You provided a link to the "15 best games for Android TV." And that's the problem. You can't know what the good games are without having to go down the rabbit hole and search for them. You can't figure out which games are multiplayer unless you do an extensive test.  Amico's aim is to be a simple place where you won't have to do all that. 

For me, Amico is to replace the Nintendo Wii that is still next to my TV because it offers games that my whole family can play together. Games like Just Dance or Wii Sports are the exact kind of simple, fun, family games that everyone can play and have fun with.  I think there are a bunch of people in the world looking for something like that.

6 minutes ago, 1001lives said:

I would stick with some influences from classic AD&D as well. Classes potentially? Maybe there is a Dwarf Fighter, Elf Ranger, Human Cleric, etc. and then give them some unique items that drop that may make their playthroughs more unique? Instead of just arrows and random tools in the dungeons maybe there are swords, maces, etc. for the different AD&D classes, and maybe each one has an ability (healer, 3 arrow shot, etc). 

 

I would check out some gameplay videos of Slayer and Deathkeep on 3DO.

 

 

1st person dungeon crawler ftw!!!!!

I absolutely LOVE these types of games.  Even better when there is turn-based combat.

My favorite is Etrian Odyssey.

Hey Tommy,

Any thought to outreaching the etrian odyssey creators and have them do a similar game on Amico. 

Now that the 3DS is being phased out there isn't a system with another screen to make your map on.

It could be part of the 3rd wave of games coming out in 2022 or 2023.

1 hour ago, LordRayken said:

Very disappointed in the latest trailer and I am going to be honest. rather than write something on reddit I will keep it here for tommy's sake because i am on his side, as i will reiterate, but i am not sure about this plan. i apologize in advance for the crudity of this argument or how much of a hater i seem like but i am always honest and hopefully tommy has a good argument for his own system and its price $.

 

Here is my point in the list below

 

https://www.androidauthority.com/best-android-tv-games-544460/

 

This is a list of 15 games for android tv. Every single game is currently more polished and feature complete than anything shown on the amico. Many and most games available on Android tv right now are totally free and come with your tv, it doesn't bode well for Amico, period.

 

Take a moment to think about these android games, many of which Tommy is probably open to porting to amico now that we have sen the latest trailer.

 

Now we know the Amico is doing something a cheap $30 dollar android box can do and playing on a TV isn't an argument. You just buy a nice controller like an xbox controller and you have access to all those games and way more.

 

Why is the amico going to cost $250.00 dollars?

 

Why is this not a cheap android unit with the ability to add two controllers on for like 40-50 dollars?

 

If you are giving me the argument moms and old people will not use android tv, they will also not use a priority/proprietary system that costs $250 or $270 for pink or purple. If they will tell me why they wont use android TV but will use amico.

Hi!,

Thanks for your comments.  I don't think you're a hater at all.  I always welcome dialogue and concerns and appreciate the respectful way you engage.  So no worries.

My response to your concerns would be the following.

1.  Controllers & set-up:  You mentioned that anyone can just hook up an Xbox controller and play on their TV.  That right there is a non-starter for most average people.  They hate modern controllers and the fact that they can't just play right out of the box is a huge problem.  Think of all the steps the average person needs to take in order to get Android TV up and working and controllable.  Much different than just hooking up an HDMI cable and plugging something in.  

2.  Graphics:  You mentioned how much better the graphics look... but what we're doing (and the people we're attracting and selling to) don't care about graphics... and quite frankly PREFER things are more simple in nature.  This is an absolute fact that we have proven time and time again in our focus testing.  You'll notice in our trailer that the more arcade or "gamer" style games do have more detailed graphics (Night Stalker, Armor Battle, Astrosmash, Breakout,  Auto Racing, etc.).  But games like Shark! Shark!, Skiing, Cornhole have the graphic style pulled back and more simple, colorful and not as detailed.  We are doing that on purpose and for a reason.  We understand the data and research and it makes sense.  You put a photo realistic bowling game with an Xbox controller next to a bright cartoony one with a simple controller... and which one do you think the non-gamer or grandparent will pick?  I know the answer. 

3.  Playability and design:  I went through every trailer on the link you sent and with maybe the except of 1 or 2 games... there isn't much for a non-gamer there at all.  The library is very much focused on hardcore gamers.

4.  Co-Op:  Out of that library in the link... I didn't see much couch co-op.  And would they need to purchase 4 Xbox controllers in order to play with tactile feedback?  Or do they have to control everything with just their phones?  Not the greatest for the types of games they are showing.

Anyway... those are my thoughts as to why we are so much different than something like Apple Aracade/TV and Android TV.  I personally don't think that non-gamers are going to be drawn to something like that.  But they will be drawn to Amico.  But hey... I'm clearly biased... so interested in hearing from others in here what their thoughts are.

Thanks for the dialogue and appreciate that you are on my side in hopes of success.  Thanks!

58 minutes ago, IMBerzerk said:

Mindset of the current Gen of gamers... A little of both. The original got kinda boring with lack of monsters.  Just please consider creating mazes with curves and a multiple of assorted monsters.   From what it looks like, it looks great with torches on walls...etc.  but pick up a D&D Monster Manual and go through it. Probably some good ones in there to add in that will be a lot of fun to kill, run from...etc 

 

But I'm in for a mix...best choice...not too easy though... shouldn't be an arcade game 

Nice avatar!  Just noticed it now. 

29 minutes ago, popsicle said:

I'll echo that the anxiety followed by short frantic action was and is why this game is such a classic. The sound effects of the monsters in the fog of war coupled with dwindling arrow supply is what makes it so intense. You might offer a 'classic mode' that is very similar to the original (and just as short to complete) that keeps these same mechanics intact, but and also offer a campaign mode with health, buddies to rescue, new weapons, strongholds, caves, dungeons, quests, what have you. That's where some of the new action sequences can further develop. 

 

Wondering how multiplayer would work with this, unless split screen is on the table?

 

No split screen.   Remember Gauntlet.  Like that... except the camera can pull out a bit if someone lags or goes in the opposite direction.

20 minutes ago, 1001lives said:

I would stick with some influences from classic AD&D as well. Classes potentially? Maybe there is a Dwarf Fighter, Elf Ranger, Human Cleric, etc. and then give them some unique items that drop that may make their playthroughs more unique? Instead of just arrows and random tools in the dungeons maybe there are swords, maces, etc. for the different AD&D classes, and maybe each one has an ability (healer, 3 arrow shot, etc). 

 

I would check out some gameplay videos of Slayer and Deathkeep on 3DO.

 

 

Took 3 minutes in that video before getting to actual gameplay.  Something you'll NEVER see on Amico!!

2 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Took 3 minutes in that video before getting to actual gameplay.  Something you'll NEVER see on Amico!!

 

 

Haha!! I noticed I had to skip through to the gameplay and then the video ended.

HERE is a better video. Obviously nothing this complex, but I try to imagine this from a top down Amico perspective.

When it comes to maybe adding unique classes - perhaps the running man can wear a little elf hat when he's the "Elf Ranger" or carry around a little hammer when he's the Dwarf Fighter or have a cape when he's the Human Cleric, etc.

Just thought about something for that etrian odyssey style game.

The graphics could be like the cloudy mountain but in first person.

The person who is "walking" would have a compass on their controller while another person would have the map and another person would have the bag of supplies. 

Then instead of turn based it could be like Eye of the beholder were you have people in front and people in the back row.

Different players would have different jobs (healer, ranger, magic user, tank, fighter)

Keep it simple and frantic but still have mazes to get lost in.

42 minutes ago, MonsterSky said:

I would like everything to remain intact and improved the sense of anxiety that was felt during the exploration, being very careful with the sounds and the tracks in order to understand in advance if and what danger was hiding around the corner.

 

In my opinion I see it complicated to "justify" areas with frenetic action and unlimited arrows that mix with more exploratory areas and perhaps with limited resources, they might even seem two different games.

 

Keeping the "role playing" soul of Cloudy Mountains I think is the best choice.

I agree with MonsterSky. A more frenzied arcade mode, while would be exciting, would be at the expense of building up anticipation, which i felt to be at the heart of the original. If had to pick one style over the other, I’d pick anticipation (anxiety) and go with the less is more approach. That being said if both styles could be integrated, thats a win for everyone.  

55 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

What is everyone's thoughts?  Try to think for the masses (not just your personal opinions... although I would be interested to hear that as well).

More action encounters would spice things up during co-op sessions. I think it's a smart move to add a lot more action. 

Hi Tommy, is IE running up against any walls with licensing due specifically to the $10 max target per game (digital download)?  It would be great for all involved to get some huge IP’s like Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark, specifically), Star Wars, etc, but could see those games getting priced out due to licensing negotiations. Would exceptions to the targeted max cost be considered to pull in these types of block buster themed games?

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

So here's a question for you and everyone else here!

 

In regards to Cloudy Mountain.  Would you like to see MORE action or keep it more of a searching around type of game (like the original).  I thought it would be a cool mixture to have some caves/mountains/map areas be more arcade style... meaning... lots of things to shoot and not having to worry about arrow count, etc.  But in other areas... it's more of a searching around type of experience and hearing the horrifying dragon breathing off screen.  I feel a nice mix of both would be welcoming.  I would be concerned if the entire game was too much like the original (more searching than fighting).

What is everyone's thoughts?  Try to think for the masses (not just your personal opinions... although I would be interested to hear that as well).

 

 

Tommy I would mix it up and do both!  Maybe base it on a level by level basis (i.e. the mountains, caves and areas closer to home be an easier arcade style, then the closer you get to the end, the more difficult it would be which would make you have to count arrows.  So you would be ramping up difficulty as the game went on.  What do you think?

For me, Cloudy Mountain must be different from Night Stalker !

If you want to mix two style, should be 60% anticipation, and 40% action.
Discovering a specific place that you know when you will be there it will have plenty of actions.

In your maze, you know that when you open a specific door ( action will take place, like some games they have puzzles reaching some rooms, etc. )

When done right, it is possible to have 2 different styles of play.

Just one example, that you have to look only 1 minute from the video, it's Evoland. ( Cool game by the way ! )

In cave, you have battle in a classic RPG style like Final Fantasy, and when outside you have a Zelda type of play !

So it's possible to mix something !

So I don't want Cloudy Mountain to be only Arcade/Action mode !

I want it to be more exploration and anxiety, ( 60 to 66 % of the game ), but reaching some areas with more action it's okay with me. (And great )

But if you have to decide only one mode, I want to be classic mode instead of action mode ( for this particular game )

Thank you. 😃

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

  1 hour ago, popsicle said:

I'll echo that the anxiety followed by short frantic action was and is why this game is such a classic.

The hiss of the snake that may or may not be in the next cavern you are about to light up.  That increased my anxiety 10 fold everytime.  Tommy, please don't let this one turn into Final Fantasy 25.

13 minutes ago, YerOut said:

The hiss of the snake that may or may not be in the next cavern you are about to light up.  That increased my anxiety 10 fold everytime.  Tommy, please don't let this one turn into Final Fantasy 25.

 

And the ability to shoot blind.  If you tracked well, you get off the first clean shot, if you tracked unwisely the arrow could come back and hit you. Still makes me laugh to this day. 

15 minutes ago, YerOut said:

The hiss of the snake that may or may not be in the next cavern you are about to light up.  That increased my anxiety 10 fold everytime.  Tommy, please don't let this one turn into Final Fantasy 25.

 

Wait FF 25 is already out????

I missed everything after FF14. 

I hope they are still naming the protagonist after weather phenomenon. 

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Thanks.  I appreciate it.   That's the saddest part about what they do.  They lie to people about me in order to create controversy so more people will click on their videos.  They know exactly what their doing and have admitted that they hope Amico fails because when they were bashing on Coleco they were "making the most money".  How disgusting.  

But the worst part is that they turn folks against us based on made up lies.  And people don't see it because they refuse to engage with me as they know what they are doing. 

 

For folks who may not know what I'm referring to.  I posted an unlisted video (which still remains private and unlisted as it's not my intention to put it out to the world) in response to the first run of Pat & Ian videos trying to play the victim and telling everyone that I "attacked" them on Twitter.  I did not.  

Of course they have watched the video and of course will never reference it because it makes them look bad and shows off who they really are and what they're doing.

Why do you think they refuse to speak with me about it?  They'll say that it's because they shouldn't need to talk to anyone about a product... that our website and trailers and press releases (that they say they never read... yet have read on air) should tell them everything.  But the reality is they won't do it because they know I would get the best of them and expose them for what they are trying to do.  Make money off of tearing something down in hopes that it fails.  And their audience eats it up not knowing the real story.  Look at the pure hatred in Ian's voice and expressions in their last Amico bashing video.  So worked up over us.  Ask yourself why that is.

 

It's long (about an hour), but here's the link if anyone is interested.  You tell me what you think after watching it.  See if it lines up with their "narrative". 

 

p.s.  What Coleco game are you working on?  I'm a big Home Brew collector of Intellivision, Vectrex & Coleco so will definitely look out and support your work!

 

 

That was a good video Tommy.  Thanks for sharing.  You really tried to explain things to Pat & Ian but they just didn't want to hear it.  You can't win for losing.  It's like you're damned if you do and damned if you don't.  Perhaps one day Pat & Ian will open up and finally allow an interview.

Seriously though a small rpg would be great.

It would have to be like an action rpg with multi-player aspects but it would be cool if every day you played as the child of the previous day's characters.

Think Rogue Legacy for the children.

They'd gain abilities based on your previous day's play style.

And it would be like a timer like 15 minutes to 30 minutes a time.

That way it wouldn't overwhelm casuals but in the long run hardcore games could get their rpg depth "fix" because the game would be cumulative over days and days.

Tommy - watching some of the video to Pat and Ian. You're very polite to them and lay things out openly and honestly. If anything the video response you made makes them look like little kids hiding in their room saying bad things.

Anyone else watch Tommy's response video and just thought "what if I could reach out and grab that Amico that's behind him...I mean it's clearly on because I can see the light...wonder if Tommy would notice my hand reaching passed him to take that controller..."

4 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

So here's a question for you and everyone else here!

 

In regards to Cloudy Mountain.  Would you like to see MORE action or keep it more of a searching around type of game (like the original).  I thought it would be a cool mixture to have some caves/mountains/map areas be more arcade style... meaning... lots of things to shoot and not having to worry about arrow count, etc.  But in other areas... it's more of a searching around type of experience and hearing the horrifying dragon breathing off screen.  I feel a nice mix of both would be welcoming.  I would be concerned if the entire game was too much like the original (more searching than fighting).

What is everyone's thoughts?  Try to think for the masses (not just your personal opinions... although I would be interested to hear that as well).

 

 

More Zelda like. The original Cloudy Mountain is good, but it's good for that time in gaming. It is slow compared to today's standards. I think you could look at Link to the Past as a great blend of exploration and action. I think Cloudy Mountain could be a great IP if it pushes a little further from its almost 40 years old counterpart.

I mentioned sprites in the independent thread for the same reason.