Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

56 minutes ago, Michael Garvey said:

4) What were the 4 or 5 games from last year's E3 that weren't working out?

 

5) Are those games on the back burner or are they totally in the trash?

 

6) What is the Snafu with Snafoo?

You have so many questions Michael, that if Tommy had to choose, here are 3 questions from you that have my vote. 👍

3 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

You have so many questions Michael, that if Tommy had to choose, here are 3 questions from you that have my vote. 👍

I believe the MOST important ones are:

 

1) How is John Alvarado holding up?

 

2) Did you take my recommendation and take him out to lunch before this crisis hit?

 

3) Will RxSram be able to attach more cyborg parts to John so he can fly or go to space?

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Rich didn't talk much cause I get so excited that I just keep going and going and going.

 

 

 

Two words... 

Energizer..... Bunny!

😋

I often get that remark made about me.... once I get started... look out!

haha

TJ

2 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

And one HECKUVA Hardware guy at that!!

 

 

Being humble is a great trademark of someone that knows quite well how to get stuff done and it being a great product.

TJ

On 3/22/2020 at 6:49 PM, mr_me said:

Keyboard Components are rare but so is finding someone today that had one in 1982.  Was it mail ordered from Mattel?  If you got it from a store, which one, in what city?  What did you think of it at the time?

Yes, I ordered the Intellivison Keyboard Component via mail order directly from Mattel as there were no local stores in Ohio selling them. If I recall right, they were only sold in a few American cities. I also purchased the 40 column printer from them too, which you can see in the photo on the left side in front of the TV.

 

It was a very well built piece of equipment and it had a really nice full stroke keyboard. The cassette was unique as it was able to index specific locations on the cassette tape itself. The only exclusive software I had for it was Basic and I spent hours on it learning basic programming. Never got good at it but it gave me an understanding of how programing logic works.

 

Since Mattel decided to discontinue it, I unfortunately took them up on their buy-back offer. The interesting thing is the 40 column printer was not included in the buy-back so I got the Ohio Attorney General involved and Mattel ultimately refunded my money on that too.

4 minutes ago, AtariSociety said:

Being humble is a great trademark of someone that knows quite well how to get stuff done and it being a great product.

TJ

Hey TJ,

 

When are you going to have a video with Tommy.

 

Not a interview but maybe a staring contest, or you could take that "allergy medicine " and just rap with the man, man, or maybe you could play ping pong with him (like you hit the ball toward your camera and he has someone at his house off camera throw him a ball and he hits it)  itd be great if they were two different colored ping pong balls to so it would totally break any kind of immersion right from the start.

 

Keep up the great work.

 

🙂

14 minutes ago, Michael Garvey said:

Hey TJ,

 

When are you going to have a video with Tommy.

 

Not a interview but maybe a staring contest, or you could take that "allergy medicine " and just rap with the man, man, or maybe you could play ping pong with him (like you hit the ball toward your camera and he has someone at his house off camera throw him a ball and he hits it)  itd be great if they were two different colored ping pong balls to so it would totally break any kind of immersion right from the start.

 

Keep up the great work.

 

🙂

Hah!  Love all those ideas.

If my internet was not so sucky... I would have done it long ago.

Unfortunately with satellite internet I am quite shackled to what I can do... so no streaming of video... no Skype... no VOIP... non of that.

I will come up with something one day though... and yeh... could include some vegan allergy meds!

hahaha

TJ

3 hours ago, Swami said:

I think all the 2D games and 2.5D renditions of the simpler 3D games. Tommy has been saying since the beginning that it cannot do 3D, so I am not sure why Lord Rayken picked a 3D one as a benchmark. I suspect this is what traditional hardcore gamer fans are using as a base level 3D that the Amico cannot do due to a lack of 3D to pick something impossible for it to achieve, despite plenty of 2D cartoon graphics in plenty of popular recent video games.   It’s pretty clear Tommy was right a year ago that modern hardcore gamers would pick apart the processor limits. 

According to the faq on the Amico website, the Amico is capable of 3D.  We're not talking realtime photorealistic 3D modeling but something simpler.  Amico Auto Racing might be 3D.  Amico Night Stalker is not, it's fake 3D but done very well.  Both games have nice looking graphics.  As has been said it's really the gameplay that matters.  And the controllers will be a key part of that experience.

 

For games like cornhole and bowling I don't know if it's easier for programmers to render in 3D or fake it.  Regardless of how it looks, it's most important that the motion control is done right so it's not gimmicky and requires realistic throwing action.  Not quite rocket science but close.

15 minutes ago, AtariSociety said:

Hah!  Love all those ideas.

If my internet was not so sucky... I would have done it long ago.

Unfortunately with satellite internet I am quite shackled to what I can do... so no streaming of video... no Skype... no VOIP... non of that.

I will come up with something one day though... and yeh... could include some vegan allergy meds!

hahaha

TJ

I have a great idea.

 

Pretend to be streaming but you record your parts and Tommy records his part (separately) Then every time Tommy answers a question it's a different time of day, place in his house and he's wearing different clothes. 

 

Hahahahaha

 

I'm sure Tommy could then put the two recordings up side by side and "fake" an live interaction. 

 

It'd be so ridiculous it could possibly work!!!!

@AtariSociety

 

By the way, when are you going to work for Tommy?

 

🙂

 

I need a guy on the inside to get me a signed photo of John Alvarado and I believe you may just be that guy (dangles some vegan allergy medication in front of TJ).

6 minutes ago, Michael Garvey said:

@AtariSociety

 

By the way, when are you going to work for Tommy?

 

🙂

 

I need a guy on the inside to get me a signed photo of John Alvarado and I believe you may just be that guy (dangles some vegan allergy medication in front of TJ).

LOL.  

 

I do enjoy the in-house videos that Tommy did.  Mr John Alvarado seems to be a cool bloke... like the rest of the lot.  All cool dudes.

 

TJ

Hi everyone,

 

Been lurking for a while (mainly enjoying the conversation and little bits of information as time goes on), but wanted to pop on and actually say something on the subject.

 

First, thank you all for being so active on the forum, and just keeping the banter going in general. It's been a welcome distraction as things get more stressed daily in the world.

Honestly, it's that sentiment that sort of steers toward why I've been so intrigued by the Amico. Growing up, I just loved gaming. Video games, card games, tabletop... if people were playing, I wanted in. Over time, the combination of work/family/just life in general has eroded a good bit of the time and drive to play, limiting me to focus more on my favorites. Still, as I suppose nostalgia will do, I can't help but think back to those older days...

 

One of my favorite NES title was Blades of Steel (jokingly, I always appreciated that the loser of a fight got sent to the box), but I'm not  a huge hockey fan.

Playing Columns on the Sega Master System was how I enjoyed riding out a spring shower, wanting to get back to the interrupted game of whiffle ball being played outside minutes earlier.

Talking over party strategies for Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord and the first Final Fantasy made for more interesting debate than our rudimentary early Magic: the Gathering decks at school.

Unwinding with the family (my parents & brother) playing games like Anticipation on a Friday evening was the best way to start the weekend (ok, maybe not the BEST, I was slow at inputting the letters)

 

I can honestly say, partially due to my own devices, and partially due to changing times, gaming just isn't like that for me anymore. I do my thing, the Mrs. does hers. Playing Pokemon with my son has its moments, but I truly treasure the times he wants to play Galaga (an arcade cabinet that I'd probably fed a house's down-payment's worth of quarters into. Thank goodness I've got it on console now). Humble brag, my boy's 5 and can set up a chess board. I also enjoy that, though he tends to get mad if I take his knights.

 

Sorry, got lost in my own ramble. What I mean to say is that, when I'd first heard of the Amico, I was vaguely intrigued. I remember a friend of mine's dad picking up the Intellivision Lives compilation for PS2, and we played that one weekend while working on a D&D campaign. For the record, the complexity of play in Thunder Castle, combined with its well styled fantasy setting, made me an instant fan. Probably played that for most of my turns that weekend. The Arthurian legend geek in me just couldn't put it down. So, I started paying a bit more attention as time went on, and the things that have resonated with me have less to do with any tangible aspect of the console or the games themselves, but rather that it hearkens back to a time where gaming culture felt like an extended family. A time where there was always time to play. Where a person might have a 'favorite' game, but playing a different game with others was no big deal, because they were all fun. You just showed up, got to gaming, and loved every second.

 

As a final question, I wanted to ask something about the upcoming baseball title. Using another old favorite of mine, R.B.I. 2, as reference on this. I always felt like that game (and R.B.I. 3) hit about the sweet spot for me as far as options go - default lineups played well enough, but taking a few seconds to optimize a lineup could make all the difference (like holding back an infielder with 15 HR to pinch hit when the opposing pitcher looked to be tiring, for example). I also enjoyed the fact that playing opponents in the same league would just move you to random opponents after each game (like a mini-season), but and inter-league match up would take you to a best-of-seven series (I'm a Pirates fan: it's the only way I was going to see the Series!)

 

What kind of features might we expect to see from the upcoming Intellivision Baseball? I'm curious to know where it will land on the arcade/sim gauge, and am personally very excited to play!

Thank you all for enduring this post. Off to ice my fingers now...

1 hour ago, Michael Garvey said:

@RxScram

 

A question or two for you if I may....

 

Do you ever dream or hope to one day go to Mars yourself?

 

If you were to go to Mars, would you try to re-create the "Office Space printer scene" on that Mars Rover?

For the longest time, I dreamt about doing just that... but, what kid doesn't dream of going into space? In my adult life, not so much.

 

Why would I want to do the office space printer scene on the rover? They have all been some of the most incredible, durable, and amazing machines ever built by man. Spirit and Opportunity had 90 day mission warranty. They made 6 and 14 years, respectively. Well above the call of duty.

 

The curiosity rover had a 2 year warranty, and is still going very strong 8 years after landing. More than likely, its wheel treads will breakdown before anything else.

 

The mars 2020 rover (officially named Perseverance now) is essentially using the Curiosity chassis, and was scheduled to launch summer of this year. I imagine that may change and be delayed a couple of years until the next launch window, given Covid-19. This is the rover I worked on.

@GrumpyOl'Guy

 

I really like your post.  It had a nice feel and flow to it and I felt like you spoke from the heart.

 

Most everyone here is nice and welcoming and I for one can't wait to read you next post.

 

🙂

2 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

@RxScram

 

A question or two for you if I may....

 

Do you ever dream or hope to one day go to Mars yourself?

 

If you were to go to Mars, would you try to re-create the "Office Space printer scene" on that Mars Rover?

 

47 minutes ago, RxScram said:

For the longest time, I dreamt about doing just that... but, what kid doesn't dream of going into space? In my adult life, not so much.

 

Why would I want to do the office space printer scene on the rover? They have all been some of the most incredible, durable, and amazing machines ever built by man. Spirit and Opportunity had 90 day mission warranty. They made 6 and 14 years, respectively. Well above the call of duty.

 

The curiosity rover had a 2 year warranty, and is still going very strong 8 years after landing. More than likely, its wheel treads will breakdown before anything else.

 

The mars 2020 rover (officially named Perseverance now) is essentially using the Curiosity chassis, and was scheduled to launch summer of this year. I imagine that may change and be delayed a couple of years until the next launch window, given Covid-19. This is the rover I worked on.

Somehow these posts led me to find this: 

 

 

It made me think about a possible type of photography/exploration/STEM game kids might like. They could travel to a planet in another galaxy and explore it in a rover or drone.  Maybe have 1-5 different devices as controllers. Take pictures of landscape, life-forms, storms, etc. Might be some hostile plants or goo they have to knock out with the flash on the camera or a sleep spray. Sampling items, like with an arcade crane machine, using a controller. Might have to avoid or navigate storms with another controller. Manage solar charging, etc. Get scores for how good each one does. There could be four or five regions of the planet to explore.

 

Also, you could also having different players operate different parts of the crane/claw to cooperate together. That might even be a game in itself.

18 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

 

This is an excellent idea for a game, if perhaps not for the Amico. I wish Google Maps had a "Random" function that placed you in an unknown street or road that could be anywhere in the world. There must be a way to play this "game" by yourself using the Google Maps API or some random URL generator programmed in Visual Basic. If not, you can always have a friend or family member choose a mysterious location for you. Once there, the only problem would be how to ignore Google's onscreen indication of your address. 🧐

 

I mean, think about it: Street View, random location, no text indications, try to find where the fork you are. It sounds fun, right? It's like an ultra advanced version of the early "3D" labyrinth games. 🙃

It already exists

 

https://www.geoguessr.com/

 

Basically drops you in google maps street view and you have to guess where you are on the map in the lower left. After about fifteen minutes or so I figured I was in Australia or New Zealand. Then I hit on this sign. The big challenge is to NOT use the internet. I've been to villages in Russia on a highway between Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk. I've spent whole nights on one map before.

 

this video from what I clipped from it has some bad information and I was hoping to engage him in discussion but sadly comments are turned off and he uses discord for that which I don’t have maybe someone else could at least let him know education games will be coming but as mass marketing hasn’t started yet those have not been shown 

Inspired by OEB_Pete's video, I've decided to post my interest/excitement ranking for each game in the latest gameplay trailer.  I'm using a 0-5 scale where 
0 = not interested at all
1 = looks ok but probably would only purchase if it goes on sale
2 = I'm interested and may purchase but probably after the others
3 = A likely purchase
4 = A definite purchase
5 = Reserved for the few I'm most interested/excited in

 

Ecco: 4 - never played the original but could see this being a fun game to play with the kids.

SafeCracker: 3 - never played the original but the idea seems interesting.

Pool: 2 - For me, this game really comes down to how good the controls are.

Auto Racing: 4 - looks fun.  again controls will be key

Shark Shark: 4 - my family plays this on the flashback.  I'm hoping the karma engine helps even up the chances when I play with the kids.

Cornhole: 5 - This game looks fantastic and fun to play. Our family really loves motion control games.

Breakout: 3 - I've always been a bit indifferent to breakout games but this does look fun and I think the kids will like it.

Astrosmash: 3 - I like the original but wasn't fanatical about it.  I lump this into a similar bucket as breakout.  

Hotwheels type game: 5 - I'm really intrigued by this game.  I think it looks like it could be loads of fun.  Definitely want to see more.

Armor Battle: 2 - For me this game comes down to how well it evens out the skill level and what fun/unique weapons it has.  The more I see, the higher this score could go.

Bomberman clone: 3 - Never played Bomberman.  The clip looked a bit chaotic but I can see potential for this to be a good couch co-op game.

Pong: 2 - Probably a game my kids will enjoy more than me.

Recording game: 5 - Party games will likely be a big hit in our household.  The sillier the better for my kids.

Missile Command: 3 - Again, never played the original. On par with Breakout and Astrosmash for me.

Evel Knievel: 4 - This games looks like it could be a lot of fun.  No one in my family is going to care that it is a mobile port.

Farkle/Dice: 3 - We like playing the real version of Farkle.  Will the Amico version be enough to make us go digital?

Skiing: 4 - Looks like a lot of fun.  I can see this one getting a lot of playtime for our family.

Biplanes: 4 - Absolutely loved the original biplanes so that alone has me really excited for this.  I can't wait to see more!

Emoji guessing game: 5 - Another party game so will be a hit with us.

Asteroids: 3 - Another on par with Breakout, Astrosmash, and Missile Command.

AD&D: 5 - Loved the original.  New one looks like it stayed pretty faithful to the gameplay.  Can't wait!

Moon Patrol: 3 - Liked this game as a kid.  Really wanting to see the co-op modes before I give it a higher score.

Night Stalker: 5 - I think I am most excited for Night Stalker (well, maybe tied with AD&D).  Couch co-op looks like a ton of fun on this.
 

Edited March 24, 2020 by haplo13
Better formatting for mobile

So tommy when i mentioned an idea for a wrestling game. Especially with the official sequel to techno  games wrestlefest  retromania  wrestling

 

 

I forgot a great over the top arcade fighter that could be updated for amico

 

Wrestlemania the arcade game.  It was mortal kombat with some differences plus no blood as it was a family friendly arcade game.

 

For amico you can add tag team wrestling

Also 3 ir 4 way tornado tag match. And 4 corners tag match

Ladder  match and cage

 

And royal rumble or even a user only 8 man battle royal

 

 

If you say get a wwe license o would utilize mostly past stars from the over the top character era of wwf from the 80s 90s  toss in a few modern names

 

Call it legends of wrestlemania the arcade game.

 

 

Edited March 24, 2020 by Nolagamer

12 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

  At least they can go try out the Evel Knievel game before declaring it's the worst looking game ever.

 

 

Actually I never have seen either the Evel Knievel game or the Emoji charades before. If they are ports great...its allowed as long as they are Amico friendly/special. They weren't my favorites in the trailer...HOWEVER...they were my wife and daughter's favorites! Skiing as well for all of us!

 

Tommy I know you said you were looking at things like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Any chance of a Family Feud game as well? Any chance they could be made to use the microphone to give answers in voice?

 

Cheers  

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

Oh oh Tommy is asking for more questions.

 

"Oh oh Mr Carter. Oh oh pick me"

Holy crap... I really opened the floodgates eh?  

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

1) How is John Alvarado holding up?

 

His moustache is still curly... so that's a good sign.

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

2) Did you take my recommendation and take him out to lunch before this crisis hit?

 

Yep!

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

3) Will RxSram be able to attach more cyborg parts to John so he can fly or go to space?

 

Only after 10/10.  We him on planet Earth for now.

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

4) What were the 4 or 5 games from last year's E3 that weren't working out?

I'd rather not say at this point.  Still may resurrect them in the future.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

5) Are those games on the back burner or are they totally in the trash?

Not sure yet.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

6) What is the Snafu with Snafoo?

We weren't happy with the graphics and framerate.  Doing a rehaul.  Hoping to still have it for launch.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

7) What are the top three games for Amico out of Germany that you are excited about?

That I'm personally excited about...  Moon Patrol, Skiing & Shark! Shark!... and Cornhole too!  So that's 4.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

8 )  You said of Fox n Forest "wait till you see the sequel ". Is that a phase 2 game ( meaning 2021) or a phase 3 game ( meaning 2022)?

 

Potentially on launch!!

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

9) Will you have the first Fox n Forest on the Amico?

Our version will be very similar to the original but with new characters, completely new graphics, better and more audio, new types of gameplay, levels, controls, etc.  Kinda like what we're doing with Evel Knievel.  It's AMAZING!!!

 

Great team.  Love those guys.

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

10) You stated older Intellivision games will be a phase 2 or 3....will we see other system's older games around that time?  Will we perhaps get a retro market for older games in year 3 or are you wanting to stay away from that area?

Would just focus on Intellivision first.  Could see other retros later... but not on the "to do" list at this point.  Could happen.

 

 

 

2 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Holy crap... I really opened the floodgates eh?  

 

 

 

 

His moustache is still curly... so that's a good sign.

 

 

 

Yep!

 

 

 

Only after 10/10.  We him on planet Earth for now.

 

 

I'd rather not say at this point.  Still may resurrect them in the future.

 

 

 

Not sure yet.

 

 

 

We weren't happy with the graphics and framerate.  Doing a rehaul.  Hoping to still have it for launch.

 

 

 

That I'm personally excited about...  Moon Patrol, Skiing & Shark! Shark!... and Cornhole too!  So that's 4.

 

 

 

 

Potentially on launch!!

 

 

 

Our version will be very similar to the original but with new characters, completely new graphics, better and more audio, new types of gameplay, levels, controls, etc.  Kinda like what we're doing with Evel Knievel.  It's AMAZING!!!

 

Great team.  Love those guys.

 

 

 

Would just focus on Intellivision first.  Could see other retros later... but not on the "to do" list at this point.  Could happen.

 

 

 

Your awesome .

 

I honestly didnt think I would get such in depth answers.

 

You always amaze.

 

But I still like John Alvarado the best.

 

😃

5 hours ago, vongruetz said:

Close.  The correct answer is "Joust."  But thanks for playing.

 

Also would have accepted FIFA '98 or God of War II.

 

And BurgerTime.  Actually, you had some great games.  I never had an SNES (as I was a Genesis kid) but I totally respect this list... except for Metal Gear. Earth Worm Jim is much better  

 

Thanks for sharing.  

Crap.  I totally forgot to add Earthworm Jim.  I try not to mention any of my own games I worked on.  But here would be the list of my favorite games I've worked on...

 

Earthworm Jim 1 & 2

Tony Hawk Pro Skater

Guitar Hero

Madden Football

Spider-Man (PS1)

Disney's Aladdin (Genesis)

Prince of Persia

Metroid Prime

 

Honorable mention:  Unreal Tournament & Advent Rising

 

If anyone is interested in seeing a complete list of the games I've worked on, you can check it out here:
https://www.tallarico.com/videogames
 

 

OH CRAP!!  I FORGOT ROBLOX!!!!!!!!!!


OOF!!

 

😂

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

Oh oh...

 

More questions:

 

11) When will we see some Yars' Revenge footage?

2021

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

12) Will there be a cooking game for Amico?

Yes.  Some edutainment/kid stuff on launch.  More casual gamer stuff next year.

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

13) Have any of your upcoming concerts been delayed or canceled?

Yes.  All of them. 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

14) Do androids dream of electric sheep?

 

I'm not sure.  John Alvarado would know.

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

15) "Do you know how much damage this bulldozer would sustain if I just let it roll over you? "

 

Mr. Prosser would say:   "None at all!"

 

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

16) When can we expect the OEB Pete collaboration?

We are recording Wednesday!!  So probably out on Thursday!

 

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

 

17) Are you climbing the walls or chilling out?  Or both? (Not at the same time mind you)

 

I don't really have a "chilling out" gear.  Never have... but especially now.  Always doing something Intellivision related at this point.  20 hours a day... 7 days a week.

 

 

5 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

This forum starts with you admitting you were a lurker for a long time.....

 

🤔

 

🤣😂

Ya got me there!

😛