Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

6 hours ago, mr_me said:

If you don't have 3d graphic acceleration hardware, 3d polygons is definitely slower.  Even with the hardware it might still be slower.

It's been a long time since I played original Doom but I recall the background being full 3D, with texture mapping, but the objects, e.g. enemies, being flat scalable sprites.

 

There were lots of games on PC, before Doom, that were full 3D, eg. Stellar 7, Stunts, 4D Boxing.  PCs didn't have 3D hardware at the time, all the 3D had to be done in software but that doesn't mean it's not 3D.

 

For me, 2.5D means fake 3D like Zaxxon.  Doom definitely has a full 3D world (even if the walls are a simple z projection) but other components are not 3D.  I'd call Amico Night Stalker 2.5D because the 3d look is all 2d tricks.  Others use the term 2.5D to mean partial 3D or limited 3D but that doesn't explain how much or little 3D there is.  For Amico they're saying 2.5D, in some cases, even if everything in the game is 3D.

Agreed that there were games before Doom that were full 3D.  However, many of them sacrificed graphical detail to do it.  Stunts and 4D Boxing are good examples of this.

As for the term 2.5D, the first time I ever heard it used as a term was specifically for the game Doom.  I'm sure the term was used on other games before that.  Also, whether Doom is considered 3D or 2.5D is controversial.  It mainly comes down to whether simple Z projection that prevents over/under movement (or the flat scalable sprites) is a deal-breaker for being full 3D or not.

The main point is that the term 2.5D has different meanings to different people (as you list above).

1 hour ago, Juice said:

Big Juice man, I haven't commented for a while. Now that it has been like what a week since the gameplay trailer would you say it's done more damage than good because I see more skepticism for the Amico probably than ever. Hopefully with the next YouTube video you could repair and show what this thing really has to offer. I myself am confused. The VIP orders are going to be available soon so they got to show something and quick. 

I feel like the people watching the trailer at this point are predominantly people who know the Intellivision name (mostly because they played the system as kids but also some that are into gaming and found out about it via some gaming media coverage).  Because of this, I think IE is targeting these videos and the VIP pre-order to the Intellivision brand fan as almost a "thank-you" gesture.  For that audience, I think the trailer did a good job of showing why we should be interested in it.  It does, however, assume some knowledge of what the system is/isn't.  My guess is that the people disliking the system have come into it with a different expectation (i.e. a console that competes with the big 3) and so the trailer is disappointing to them because they had the wrong expectations going into it.  We've seen this with many youtubers, where the initial announcements had them skeptical but those who actually keep an open mind come around to the idea of it and start embracing the system (or at the least, stop bashing it for things it is not trying to be).

I don't think any real damage has been done at this point.  The audience is still very small.  I do think at the very least, people are slowly starting to pay attention to the Amico instead of being completely oblivious to its existence or outright dismissing it - which should be a good thing.  There is still a ton of time to put out additional videos to help educate people on what this system actually is, to capture an even larger audience, and for any negative initial opinions from this trailer to be changed.

45 minutes ago, Juice said:

You see it's this type of comment that's going to get us nowhere. it's a faulty logic because you could use the same argument against us, so are you saying that those who don't like Pat the NES Punk new video that we're just not liking it to create friction? Because it has a similar ratio. "Haters gonna hate" is a cop out, if someone's going to argue one point you got to argue it back. Show them what's up, and not just say oh you're just a hater. 

Sorry you are upset for my using the term haters. Tommy tried to “argue” something as simple as getting their facts right (thats pretty black and white in my book), to which they were not interested (in my opinion resolution of which would reduce friction, and what is their upside to that given their ultimate objective)?  For the record, I do not hate Pat and/or Ian (how could I, I don’t know them), and they are free to form and discuss their opinions; its when the deviate from and twist facts, have no interest in trying to resolve false things they've promoted, and ”hate” (think that is a fair word here) and badger on the system that they apparently know very little about. 

Every week or so another person comes along posting on the forum asking about things answered dozens of times although I suppose those answers end up somewhere back on page 376 to 765 ... somewhere in there. I also here some folks who’ve been around here a long while come back with the same imagined issue several months after bringing it up before🤔. I expect this to go on until release, honestly, as most people continue to be baffled that Amico would want to or be able to change things from the way they are now. In addition there are actually lots of examples showing exceptions to the cynics view of the “way things are. “ 

One vexing thing to modern console gamers is how IE is not trying to impress them. The other is that they aren’t revealing most of their marketing until mid-summer, so the trailers intended for the Intellivision fans are getting misconstrued. 

46 minutes ago, IntelliMission said:

Juice, you said that the trailer did "more damage than good" and that Intellivision Entertainment needed to "repair" the negative image projected. Somebody replied with the like-dislike ratio, proving that you were wrong.

 

Considering that you were also proven wrong with the FE (you didn't think it was going to be that successful)... Will you ever get tired of being proven wrong? 😇

 

Oh and by the way, Tommy, I am with you and I have ordered 20 Founders Editions already but... Sorry and I don't want to sound like a hater but I am very disappointed with everything you have shown so far. I will continue to buy more and more Amicos because I am crazy like that, but you really must improve. *not_a_hater mode off 🙃

no I didn't say it's done more damage than good I said would you say it's done more damage than good. I was asking a question.

and I'm glad you brought up the founder's edition because I was proven wrong and I was happy to be proven wrong, don't forget I bought one of the things. remember I'm for this thing but I'm always going to give my honest opinion, since I got here I always do that and when I'm wrong I'll be happy to be proven wrong. I prefer Atarisociety's response because it was more than they are just haters. For myself the gameplay footage didn't sway me either way didn't make me like it less and didn't make me like it more. I think they should only show Amico footage though and not footage from other videos cause that gave the most fuel to the people who are against this thing, and even made people who are backing this thing a little skeptical

1 hour ago, Juice said:

You see it's this type of comment that's going to get us nowhere. it's a faulty logic because you could use the same argument against us, so are you saying that those who don't like Pat the NES Punk new video that we're just not liking it to create friction? Because it has a similar ratio. "Haters gonna hate" is a cop out, if someone's going to argue one point you got to argue it back. Show them what's up, and not just say oh you're just a hater. 

You sound like a Hater!

I do think one area where IE may not be able to compete with mobile for children is some of these iPad touch screen games where kids can touch the screen object with their fingers. I know they will have the controller touch screen and motion control and what not, but it’s a lot less interactive/immersive experience, IMHO. Things like the TV boxes are even worse and less interactive and immersive than the Amico, unless you dump it on an 14” touchscreen monitor they can lay on the floor and muck around with. 

2 minutes ago, Swami said:

I do think one area where IE may not be able to compete with mobile for children is some of these iPad touch screen games where kids can touch the screen object with their fingers. I know they will have the controller touch screen and motion control and what not, but it’s a lot less interactive/immersive experience, IMHO. Things like the TV boxes are even worse and less interactive and immersive than the Amico, unless you dump it on an 14” touchscreen monitor they can lay on the floor and muck around with. 

That is where Amico II, Amico Part Deux, Amico 2, Amico TT, Amico 5-3.... haha comes in.

Maybe a larger controller option for the kiddies... size of a iPad Mini... just for kids or people with fat fingers.

😋

TJ

4 minutes ago, AtariSociety said:

That is where Amico II, Amico Part Deux, Amico 2, Amico TT, Amico 5-3.... haha comes in.

Maybe a larger controller option for the kiddies... size of a iPad Mini... just for kids or people with fat fingers.

😋

TJ

Deluxe controller!!!! It could be made extra big. Unfortunately it means you would probably be playing Cornhole like Ollie in Hoosiers. 😜

6 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

Deluxe controller!!!! It could be made extra big. Unfortunately it means you would probably be playing Cornhole like Ollie in Hoosiers. 😜

 

Yeah, and the Amico wood grain edition would be $350, unless it’s the Amico portable. 

1 minute ago, Swami said:

Yeah, and the Amico wood grain edition would be $350

Yeah the charging spot would only hold the one deluxe controller.

1 hour ago, AtariSociety said:

Yeh I am not in the hater or not crowd... but from what I see... @Tommy Tallarico has explained what the goals of the Intellivision Amico are... and yet people keep glossing over that and keep pushing that they don't like it or whatever.  Intellivision is not not going to change from their main goal... these folks should see that by now.

Now if maybe if these folks start referencing that here are the goals of Intellivision and why they feel Amico is not living up to those goals, then that makes more sense to me.  They don't like it, it happens... but to keep ripping on it knowing the goals of the company does not make sense to me.  At that point it seems to become a haters gonna hate because they are not taking into any consideration the goal of the product in question.

Amico has these goals... if you feel what we are putting out still does not meet those goals, then tell them why... Maybe Intellivision can then work on improving.

Competing against Xbox, Nintendo, Sony, etc... is not what IE is going for.

TJ

The main concerns are not hardcore vs. Casual though, those who are still stuck on that are in the wrong. but to use Pat and Ian as an example because they seem to be the the most famous people against this. They can come off as jerks but there's a few criticisms that I think they have a point  such as how looking down at a screen on a controller while trying to play a game on a TV has never been convenient or worked well. they are going after casuals I get it but that's why my biggest concern is the gameplay. I get that a bunch of YouTubers have said it was fun but forgive me I don't trust anybody especially YouTubers lol. since your phone can be a controller it would be cool if there was a way for them to make a demo where it was on a computer screen or tv where you can try it out for yourself using your phone as the controller before you buy it or for the people have already bought it can get some reassurance. I know they have the Moon patrol demo but that's in the form of a mobile game.

Can't  wait until tommy drops the misle command meet the amico video today.  Having withdrawals  from amico content...needs out intellifix

2 hours ago, Juice said:

No that's not all that I saw, I'm fully aware of the "haters" which is a way over used term these days used to discredit someone's opinion and why is everything Justin Bieber all of a sudden? everything has "haters", but no I saw comments from people who are seeing this for the first time. And read an article. Not everyone is pat and Ian and let's not pretend like everyone is. you mentioned Amico fans but yes they already have those people they need to bring more people in and keep in mind I'm not against the Amico, and actually don't like when they give fuel to the "haters" I want something to be shown that will blow us all away. They say they have something and I want to see what it is lol.

Sorry if I misunderstood your post. I am not sure if the next trailers will be a super 'wow' moment but showing the controller in use will help a few people overcome their doubts. After the Atari VCS many people are taking a wait & see approach - and you can hardly blame them.

31 minutes ago, Juice said:

The main concerns are not hardcore vs. Casual though, those who are still stuck on that are in the wrong. but to use Pat and Ian as an example because they seem to be the the most famous people against this. They can come off as jerks but there's a few criticisms that I think they have a point  such as how looking down at a screen on a controller while trying to play a game on a TV has never been convenient or worked well. they are going after casuals I get it but that's why my biggest concern is the gameplay. I get that a bunch of YouTubers have said it was fun but forgive me I don't trust anybody especially YouTubers lol. since your phone can be a controller it would be cool if there was a way for them to make a demo where it was on a computer screen or tv where you can try it out for yourself using your phone as the controller before you buy it or for the people have already bought it can get some reassurance. I know they have the Moon patrol demo but that's in the form of a mobile game.

I’d agree that is at least a legitimate concern, however I trust the developers (and IE) will be taking this under consideration.  This would not mater for turn based, board, card or other non frenzied type games, and assume that for the fast parts of the fast type games we may have to rely on muscle memory, much like we did 40 years ago with Mattel’s Intellivision.  One of the limitations of current cell phones is lack of textile feedback, and a concern I have had with the current controllers as well. Was disappointed that the textile bump in the screen was found to not make the trade (functionality vs. cost), but Tommy says they have further plans to address this, and he’s given no reason for us to doubt him (and quite the contrary, IMHO)

38 minutes ago, Juice said:

The main concerns are not hardcore vs. Casual though, those who are still stuck on that are in the wrong. but to use Pat and Ian as an example because they seem to be the the most famous people against this. They can come off as jerks but there's a few criticisms that I think they have a point  such as how looking down at a screen on a controller while trying to play a game on a TV has never been convenient or worked well. they are going after casuals I get it but that's why my biggest concern is the gameplay. I get that a bunch of YouTubers have said it was fun but forgive me I don't trust anybody especially YouTubers lol. since your phone can be a controller it would be cool if there was a way for them to make a demo where it was on a computer screen or tv where you can try it out for yourself using your phone as the controller before you buy it or for the people have already bought it can get some reassurance. I know they have the Moon patrol demo but that's in the form of a mobile game.

I think they are hardcore vs casual and the fact that most information is being held back until mid-summer. It’s not in the wrong, it’s just that no one seems to know these concerns have been answered several times before. 

Hi Tommy. While I am waiting the "Meet Amico Missile command " video, guess what ...  I am looking older video ...   lol

I have a question about Astrosmash. No matter the answer, there will be happy people and some disappointed !

1) We saw 4 levels last week. Is it like the classic game, reaching a certain amount of points the levels are upgrading without stoping playing,

or it's now more like Moon Patrol and Night Stalker with each levels ending before beginning a new one.

2) Can I ask one more question about this game. I'll try not to have 20 like a certain Michael Garvey ... lol

I am really happy that Asteroids now have boss fights.

Can you tell us if Astrosmash will have boss fights too ! ?  🙄

3 minutes ago, LePionnier said:

Hi Tommy. While I am waiting the "Meet Amico Missile command " video, guess what ...  I am looking older video ...   lol

I have a question about Astrosmash. No matter the answer, there will be happy people and some disappointed !

 

1) We saw 4 levels last week. Is it like the classic game, reaching a certain amount of points the levels are upgrading without stoping playing,

or it's now more like Moon Patrol and Night Stalker with each levels ending before beginning a new one.

 

2) Can I ask one more question about this game. I'll try not to have 20 like a certain Michael Garvey ... lol

I am really happy that Asteroids now have boss fights.

Can you tell us if Astrosmash has boss fights too ! ?  🙄

 

I'm mentioned in someone's post!!!!

So happy.

😄😆

Watch "YET! 3/25/20: Drunkle Vader, Intellivision Amico, Simon Pegg, Rita Wilson, Wonder Woman 1984, Wendys" on YouTube

YET! At the 3:10 mark talks about the Amico. 

He says some very interesting things about who he thinks should be excited for the system.

5 hours ago, LePionnier said:

An article from today talking about Amico.

https://kidscreen.com/2020/03/25/intellivision-goes-retro-to-get-kids-back-in-the-game/

Nice! I suspect we'll be seeing a lot more like this through the summer.

27 minutes ago, haplo13 said:

Nice! I suspect we'll be seeing a lot more like this through the summer.

Great article. Seems on target. If these are gonna keep popping up, Tommy may need to roll out the summer teasers/announcements a little earlier to give folks the right idea. 

Tommy, I'm 63 years old.  When will the video drop as I can't keep it up much longer?

7 minutes ago, YerOut said:

Tommy, I'm 63 years old.  When will the video drop as I can't keep it up much longer?

 

Yer really 63 and still give a shit about this stuff? My interest wanes by the year and I'm "only" 48.  

On a serious nut... perhaps in the futures, Amico should come with a little blue pill with every purchase. Can see the tag line professing long controller battery life now: Amico... stays up for as long as you do.   🤣

1 minute ago, save2600 said:

Yer really 63 and still give a shit about this stuff? My interest wanes by the year and I'm "only" 48.  

 

On a serious nut... perhaps in the futures, Amico should come with a little blue pill with every purchase. Can see the tag line professing long controller battery life now: Amico... stays up for as long as you do.   🤣

my interested and enthusiasm seems to be growing as I get older and I am about to be 54.

Enthusiasm to wrench on my old VWs is now going away and I grow tired of busting knuckles I guess.

So playing video games and tinkering with old computers is really getting me excited again.

TJ

Pretty good.

Makes sense.

TJ