Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

25 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Yes.  E3 is more for the hardcore gamers.  But that wasn't the real reason we went.  The reason is that E3 is the place where all of the big box retailers and distributors from around the world gather to do deals for 2020.  That was our main focus.  Showing a few of the top industry journalists and analyst was a bonus... and the hardcores all loved it... which is a GREAT sign considering they aren't even our initial target market. 

 

 

Thanks for clearing that up.

I assume the guy from game informer who said he liked playing the games was in the closed session trying the games, but was the guy with the beard who responded “yeah, I don’t know. It’s weird.” (LOL). Neither he nor the guy on the left seemed to have anything to say about the playing experience itself.

I’m just uncertain what the left and middle guy were using as a basis of their opinion - speculation or actual experience with the console. Same with the bombcast guys. 

3 hours ago, Swami said:

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

I assume the guy from game informer who said he liked playing the games was in the closed session trying the games, but was the guy with the beard who responded “yeah, I don’t know. It’s weird.” (LOL). Neither he nor the guy on the left seemed to have anything to say about the playing experience itself.

 

I’m just uncertain what the left and middle guy were using as a basis of their opinion - speculation or actual experience with the console. Same with the bombcast guys. 

The Bombcast guys never saw anything... and as they said in their podcast they felt that if we had the big journalists there that THEY should have seen it then.  They laughed in the podcast saying that if they were invited then the top folks clearly weren't asked (and they were serious).  Ego much?  

The bearded dude in the middle never saw it, clearly doesn't know anything about it and just looked like he didn't want to like it (even though he knew nothing about it).  These are the types of folks I just don't understand.  They dismiss things without even getting information and doing a little homework.  Super lazy if you ask me... but then again... that's pretty much what the majority of video game "journalism" has become.

The guy on the left was there.

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

The Bombcast guys never saw anything... and as they said in their podcast they felt that if we had the big journalists there that THEY should have seen it then.  They laughed in the podcast saying that if they were invited then the top folks clearly weren't asked (and they were serious).  Ego much?  

The bearded dude in the middle never saw it, clearly doesn't know anything about it and just looked like he didn't want to like it (even though he knew nothing about it).  These are the types of folks I just don't understand.  They dismiss things without even getting information and doing a little homework.  Super lazy if you ask me... but then again... that's pretty much what the majority of video game "journalism" has become.

 

The guy on the left was there.

 

 

What gets me is that there are 2 other attempts at marketing new/retro systems out there that have yet to produce anything (Atari and Coleco) ... but because these guys were not invited to an exclusive showing, they instead bash it and make it seem like trash or as if it's all lies.  Meanwhile.. you and IE have an actual working unit with several games on display for invited guests to see and give real opinions on....which they have and it's ALL positive! 

Sounds like modern journalism at it's best... just give an opinion even it's false or fake.

Can't wait to see the latest trailer!   Hopefully soon!

3 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

The Bombcast guys never saw anything... and as they said in their podcast they felt that if we had the big journalists there that THEY should have seen it then.  They laughed in the podcast saying that if they were invited then the top folks clearly weren't asked (and they were serious).  Ego much?  

The bearded dude in the middle never saw it, clearly doesn't know anything about it and just looked like he didn't want to like it (even though he knew nothing about it).  These are the types of folks I just don't understand.  They dismiss things without even getting information and doing a little homework.  Super lazy if you ask me... but then again... that's pretty much what the majority of video game "journalism" has become.

 

The guy on the left was there.

 

 

Yeah, I listened to the Amico part on from Game Informers again. There was a sense of cluelessness about them all that is difficult to pinpoint, like they were all clueless for different reasons. Like, the bearded guy, who was supposedly a big Intellivision fan, being unable to verbalize what Intellivision games he liked; Or the host, who said he knew nothing about the original Intellivision or Missile Command. The guy on the right seemed very optimistic, but the host seemed to be more "yeah, but its not going to be like what we're used to" while beardo was completely like "I can't make sense of anything I'm not used to." Then there is this vague sense of post-crash vs pre-crash rivalry. It really was like the opposite of investigative reporting.

I do have to admit I dislike the Intellivision, ColecoVision and 5200 button setups and prefer something like the Famicom or Super Famicom NTT Data controller for the disc, 4-button and keypad design, which could also be fairly rotatable. I have heard rumors an alternative controller is under consideration. I see the ColecoVision community is making a new ColecoVision controller that is reminiscent of the Famicom NTT controller.

4 minutes ago, IMBerzerk said:

What gets me is that there are 2 other attempts at marketing new/retro systems out there that have yet to produce anything (Atari and Coleco) ... but because these guys were not invited to an exclusive showing, they instead bash it and make it seem like trash or as if it's all lies.  Meanwhile.. you and IE have an actual working unit with several games on display for invited guests to see and give real opinions on....which they have and it's ALL positive! 

 

Sounds like modern journalism at it's best... just give an opinion even it's false or fake.

 

Can't wait to see the latest trailer!   Hopefully soon!

It doesn't seem like they have been made aware of any of the positives, although I have noticed the most vocal tend not to read them. I think they've only heard the rumors of gloom and doom from the hard-core post-crash community.

9 hours ago, Swami said:

It doesn't seem like they have been made aware of any of the positives, although I have noticed the most vocal tend not to read them. I think they've only heard the rumors of gloom and doom from the hard-core post-crash community.

Much of the negatives are coming from those that think this is just going to be a retro-console money grab, and are not taking into consideration that other than the Switch, Sony and M$ are the only other options for home game consoles which again are really all about FPS and MMP games that don't take the family unit into consideration.  The Switch has a few fun family style games, but it's more like a tablet and mostly based on taking the unit with you while sitting in the back of a car/plane on long rides... which isn't very 'family' orientated.

This is a new console, which will have the ability to play retro versions and new games.  From what it looks like, it won't be tied down to specific character/logo/signature style games.. meaning Mario this, Mario that.  It will give many opportunities to new games, with new ideas and new developers.   It's not an ATGames throwback, or a beautified Retropie mock-up... its a genuine, brand-new console based on a popular model from the 80's.   I just don't see why some of these simple-minded nay-sayers can't approach it from that opinion.  They have NO idea what it's like other than those same pics we saw and an introduction video we all have access to.  Until something else is released with tangible evidence that shows what it will look and play like... maybe the opinion should be 'wait and see' rather than 'I know it all and it looks like crap'.   Piss-poor journalism at it's best. 

Everything anyone has said about the Amico that has ACTUALLY SEEN IT is all positive and opens the doors to many options to many people that have been waiting for something like this SINCE the post-crash of 1984.   Me.. I'm buying it regardless.  I think the amount of effort and passion that has been put into this project deserves the support of a purchase (if not multiple) so hopefully that money goes into further development and other additions/versions of this console.

17 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

The reason is that E3 is the place where all of the big box retailers and distributors from around the world gather to do deals for 2020.  That was our main focus.

 

I know it is too early to announce anything but what was the general impression of the big box buyers? To me the Amico seems really retailer friendly with a good price point (half or less than next gen consoles), family friendly positioning, checks the retro gaming box - because that is hot right now, plenty of color options for exclusives and of course the accessories (where most retailers make their money). Stuff like the extra controllers, extra controller charging docks (if you are doing those) & physical games (figurines?) - especially since the other guys are leaning into all digital which is going to cut retailers out of that segment. Plus from the renders all of that stuff seems pretty small and shelf friendly (it’s all about sales per inch when it comes to shelf space). Seems like you are positioned pretty well to attract sales outlets.

13 hours ago, IMBerzerk said:

What gets me is that there are 2 other attempts at marketing new/retro systems out there that have yet to produce anything (Atari and Coleco) ... but because these guys were not invited to an exclusive showing, they instead bash it and make it seem like trash or as if it's all lies.  Meanwhile.. you and IE have an actual working unit with several games on display for invited guests to see and give real opinions on....which they have and it's ALL positive! 

 

Sounds like modern journalism at it's best... just give an opinion even it's false or fake.

 

Can't wait to see the latest trailer!   Hopefully soon!

Yeah... we're structuring the new trailer to give people a real idea of what our goals are AND showing the actual machine for the first time (not just renders) and of course... gameplay!

There are going to be about 15 games in the trailer I think.  All super quick cuts though... we are still in the "tease" mode. 

Realistically... the trailer may be beginning of August.  I want it to be as perfect as possible and have WOW factor. 

13 hours ago, Swami said:

Yeah, I listened to the Amico part on from Game Informers again. There was a sense of cluelessness about them all that is difficult to pinpoint, like they were all clueless for different reasons. Like, the bearded guy, who was supposedly a big Intellivision fan, being unable to verbalize what Intellivision games he liked; Or the host, who said he knew nothing about the original Intellivision or Missile Command. The guy on the right seemed very optimistic, but the host seemed to be more "yeah, but its not going to be like what we're used to" while beardo was completely like "I can't make sense of anything I'm not used to." Then there is this vague sense of post-crash vs pre-crash rivalry. It really was like the opposite of investigative reporting.

 

I do have to admit I dislike the Intellivision, ColecoVision and 5200 button setups and prefer something like the Famicom or Super Famicom NTT Data controller for the disc, 4-button and keypad design, which could also be fairly rotatable. I have heard rumors an alternative controller is under consideration. I see the ColecoVision community is making a new ColecoVision controller that is reminiscent of the Famicom NTT controller.

I agree with your Game Informer assessment.

In regards to our controller.  Once you have a chance to play it... you'll find that everything you thought... is different.  That's all I can really say at this point. 

3 hours ago, IMBerzerk said:

Much of the negatives are coming from those that think this is just going to be a retro-console money grab, and are not taking into consideration that other than the Switch, Sony and M$ are the only other options for home game consoles which again are really all about FPS and MMP games that don't take the family unit into consideration.  The Switch has a few fun family style games, but it's more like a tablet and mostly based on taking the unit with you while sitting in the back of a car/plane on long rides... which isn't very 'family' orientated.

 

This is a new console, which will have the ability to play retro versions and new games.  From what it looks like, it won't be tied down to specific character/logo/signature style games.. meaning Mario this, Mario that.  It will give many opportunities to new games, with new ideas and new developers.   It's not an ATGames throwback, or a beautified Retropie mock-up... its a genuine, brand-new console based on a popular model from the 80's.   I just don't see why some of these simple-minded nay-sayers can't approach it from that opinion.  They have NO idea what it's like other than those same pics we saw and an introduction video we all have access to.  Until something else is released with tangible evidence that shows what it will look and play like... maybe the opinion should be 'wait and see' rather than 'I know it all and it looks like crap'.   Piss-poor journalism at it's best. 

 

Everything anyone has said about the Amico that has ACTUALLY SEEN IT is all positive and opens the doors to many options to many people that have been waiting for something like this SINCE the post-crash of 1984.   Me.. I'm buying it regardless.  I think the amount of effort and passion that has been put into this project deserves the support of a purchase (if not multiple) so hopefully that money goes into further development and other additions/versions of this console.

 

Absolutely spot on and beautiful post.  I agree 100%!

2 hours ago, GrudgeQ said:

I know it is too early to announce anything but what was the general impression of the big box buyers? To me the Amico seems really retailer friendly with a good price point (half or less than next gen consoles), family friendly positioning, checks the retro gaming box - because that is hot right now, plenty of color options for exclusives and of course the accessories (where most retailers make their money). Stuff like the extra controllers, extra controller charging docks (if you are doing those) & physical games (figurines?) - especially since the other guys are leaning into all digital which is going to cut retailers out of that segment. Plus from the renders all of that stuff seems pretty small and shelf friendly (it’s all about sales per inch when it comes to shelf space). Seems like you are positioned pretty well to attract sales outlets.

Absolutely stunningly HUGE!!  It went even better than we expected or would have anticipated.  So many incredible announcements coming later this year. 

You are 100% correct... big box retailers only make around $5 - $10 for a $400 PS4, XBOX One or Switch.  $5 - $10!!!!  The markup is in the software (100% mark up in fact).  And now a lot of the manufacturers are going digital.  The only reason the stores carry the machines is so they can make the money on accessories and software.  So what happens when the software portion is gone??  I can tell you from personal meetings and experience... the retailers are NOT happy. 

Intellivision on the other hand is the opposite!  We are EMBRACING retail where the others are moving away from it.  We are doing huge exclusive deals with the biggest retailers IN THE WORLD.  And our margins are a LOT better so it's a win/win for everyone.  The retailers LOVE US.

Again... we are doing things completely different than the others... so folks who know nothing about what we're doing can keep complaining about a system they've never seen... but here at Intellivision HQ... we are very confident that a lot of folks are going to be surprised at how serious and big this will be. 

 

3 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I agree with your Game Informer assessment.

 

In regards to our controller.  Once you have a chance to play it... you'll find that everything you thought... is different.  That's all I can really say at this point. 

 

 

Hmmm. The reason I bring this up again after it was mentioned a few months ago is that the two game informer guys who were invited to your meeting seemed to really dislike the buttons, even after using the controller and being positive about the games themselves. 

1 hour ago, Swami said:

Hmmm. The reason I bring this up again after it was mentioned a few months ago is that the two game informer guys who were invited to your meeting seemed to really dislike the buttons, even after using the controller and being positive about the games themselves. 

I don't know how much stock I would put into any twitch stick gamer's view of the controller. Remember the Wii controller? It was literally a TV remote with most of the button missing. So 'ergonomic' that you couldn't physically reach the buttons on the top and bottom of this lumpy stick without using 2 hands or re-positioning. Plus the optional joystick plugged into the bottom of this stick so you awkwardly ended up with a two handed monstrocity. Even that didn't stop people from buying 100 million of them.

I am not saying that Intellivision can just ignore ergonomics - it has to be a decent layout and not hurt your hands with extended play. Plus even more important is must be responsive and not flake out over the wireless connection (those would kill the system).  However this controller is going to be different for gamers (but perhaps more natural for non gamers). If you are used to the PS4 or XBox style controllers you will have to get used to it and I doubt that will happen with a 30 seconds hands on. Plus now that Intellivision has working hardware they can do even more testing because they are still over a year out and don't need to go into manufacturing tomorrow. I mean they got to get it 'right' but 'right' doesn't necessarily mean traditional controller 'right'.

13 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

I don't know how much stock I would put into any twitch stick gamer's view of the controller. Remember the Wii controller? It was literally a TV remote with most of the button missing. So 'ergonomic' that you couldn't physically reach the buttons on the top and bottom of this lumpy stick without using 2 hands or re-positioning. Plus the optional joystick plugged into the bottom of this stick so you awkwardly ended up with a two handed monstrocity. Even that didn't stop people from buying 100 million of them.

 

I am not saying that Intellivision can just ignore ergonomics - it has to be a decent layout and not hurt your hands with extended play. Plus even more important is must be responsive and not flake out over the wireless connection (those would kill the system).  However this controller is going to be different for gamers (but perhaps more nature for non gamers). If you are used to the PS4 or XBox style controllers you will have to get used to it and I doubt that will happen with a 30 seconds hands on. Plus now that Intellivision has working hardware they can do even more testing because they are still over a year out and don't need to go into manufacturing tomorrow. I mean they got to get it 'right' but 'right' doesn't necessarily mean traditional controller 'right'.

 

You seem to have very small hands if you can‘t use a Wiimote with one hand.

11 minutes ago, Intymike said:

 

You seem to have very small hands if you can‘t use a Wiimote with one hand.

If you can hold the wiimote with thumb ready for the D pad and hit the '2' at the bottom without serious stretching or repositioning than yes you have larger hands than me or your thumbs bend back more than 90 degrees. They basically just put rarely used buttons down there - but that doesn't make it a good design.

44 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

I don't know how much stock I would put into any twitch stick gamer's view of the controller. Remember the Wii controller? It was literally a TV remote with most of the button missing. So 'ergonomic' that you couldn't physically reach the buttons on the top and bottom of this lumpy stick without using 2 hands or re-positioning. Plus the optional joystick plugged into the bottom of this stick so you awkwardly ended up with a two handed monstrocity. Even that didn't stop people from buying 100 million of them.

 

I am not saying that Intellivision can just ignore ergonomics - it has to be a decent layout and not hurt your hands with extended play. Plus even more important is must be responsive and not flake out over the wireless connection (those would kill the system).  However this controller is going to be different for gamers (but perhaps more natural for non gamers). If you are used to the PS4 or XBox style controllers you will have to get used to it and I doubt that will happen with a 30 seconds hands on. Plus now that Intellivision has working hardware they can do even more testing because they are still over a year out and don't need to go into manufacturing tomorrow. I mean they got to get it 'right' but 'right' doesn't necessarily mean traditional controller 'right'.

 

If the idea is that modern controllers are too difficult to understand, then it seems it should not be replaced with one you “have to get used to”. 

Just now, Swami said:

If the idea is that modern controllers are too difficult to understand, then it seems it should not be replaced with one you “have to get used to”. 

Humans develop 'muscle memory' which is where your brain adapts so that certain movements and positions are rapid and 'mindless' (require less brain processing power). Very handy when making things, painting, driving, gaming - any repetitive action. So if you are used to a two stick, double shoulder button controller then, yes, moving to a controller that isn't in that layout is going to require re-learning. Just like you had to do when you moved from a D pad and a trigger button controller to that fancy new one. Ever get  a new car and keep turning on the turn signal without meaning to or brake too hard after getting the brakes replaced? Was the turn signal layout 'hard' or the brakes job not done right? Nope you have to learn to adjust. Simple & new doesn't mean easy & immediate if you know something totally different.

1 hour ago, GrudgeQ said:

Humans develop 'muscle memory' which is where your brain adapts so that certain movements and positions are rapid and 'mindless' (require less brain processing power). Very handy when making things, painting, driving, gaming - any repetitive action. So if you are used to a two stick, double shoulder button controller then, yes, moving to a controller that isn't in that layout is going to require re-learning. Just like you had to do when you moved from a D pad and a trigger button controller to that fancy new one. Ever get  a new car and keep turning on the turn signal without meaning to or brake too hard after getting the brakes replaced? Was the turn signal layout 'hard' or the brakes job not done right? Nope you have to learn to adjust. Simple & new doesn't mean easy & immediate if you know something totally different.

As long as it doesn’t get dubbed the painline controller II. 😁

21 hours ago, Swami said:

 

I do have to admit I dislike the Intellivision, ColecoVision and 5200 button setups and prefer something like the Famicom or Super Famicom NTT Data controller for the disc, 4-button and keypad design, which could also be fairly rotatable. I have heard rumors an alternative controller is under consideration. I see the ColecoVision community is making a new ColecoVision controller that is reminiscent of the Famicom NTT controller.

Having the keypad or touchscreen in the middle like the ntt controller would be difficult to reach for action control when horizontal. 

3 hours ago, Swami said:

Hmmm. The reason I bring this up again after it was mentioned a few months ago is that the two game informer guys who were invited to your meeting seemed to really dislike the buttons, even after using the controller and being positive about the games themselves. 

The guys were saying when holding the controller horizontally the side buttons are in awkward spots.  That does look to be the case, so a vertical orientation should be the way to go.

---------

Regarding E3 and retailers, what those guys like to hear is marketing budgets and national advertising.  I'm guessing they were satisfied with what they heard with Amico.

16 minutes ago, mr_me said:

Having the keypad or touchscreen in the middle like the ntt controller would be difficult to reach for action control when horizontal. 

 

Actually, I don't think it is. You just slide your hand from the buttons around the back of the controller to the keypad. With an Intellivision controller, you have to move your hand up above the controller to reach the buttons or slide your thumb down and across from the buttons. I guess we'll have to wait and see, though as apparently, the Amico controller is mysteriously different from both.

4 hours ago, Swami said:

Hmmm. The reason I bring this up again after it was mentioned a few months ago is that the two game informer guys who were invited to your meeting seemed to really dislike the buttons, even after using the controller and being positive about the games themselves. 

No... they never played any of the games with the actual controller.  They only played with mobile devices hooked up.  And the guy on left (at around 44:00 in the video) did say he liked the controller.  But the guy on the right did NOT play with our controllers.  We had a lot of different set-ups back there and the idea was showing that games could be played with our controllers or mobile devices.  We had 2 Amico controllers and 2 mobile devices for each machine.  They played with the 2 mobile devices. 

 

3 hours ago, Swami said:

If the idea is that modern controllers are too difficult to understand, then it seems it should not be replaced with one you “have to get used to”. 

It really depends on the game.  We've had tons of people play the games.  Hardcores, little kids, folks who never played a game before, casuals, old/young/boy/girl/men/women, etc., etc.  Not a single person has ever complained about the controller while playing.  It may be hard for folks to wrap their head around at this point (without playing it yourself)... but until you see the way the games are and some of the secrets we have yet to reveal with the touch screen... it's really tough to judge or try to form an opinion.

But trust me... the way the games are being made... the controller is amazing and the games we're doing can NOT be done on any other platform.

 

49 minutes ago, Swami said:

Actually, I don't think it is. You just slide your hand from the buttons around the back of the controller to the keypad. With an Intellivision controller, you have to move your hand up above the controller to reach the buttons or slide your thumb down and across from the buttons. I guess we'll have to wait and see, though as apparently, the Amico controller is mysteriously different from both.

Impossible for small kids.  We tried a few versions like that.  Didn't work and made the controller way too wide.

11 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

It really depends on the game.  We've had tons of people play the games.  Hardcores, little kids, folks who never played a game before, casuals, old/young/boy/girl/men/women, etc., etc.  Not a single person has ever complained about the controller while playing.  It may be hard for folks to wrap their head around at this point (without playing it yourself)... but until you see the way the games are and some of the secrets we have yet to reveal with the touch screen... it's really tough to judge or try to form an opinion.

But trust me... the way the games are being made... the controller is amazing and the games we're doing can NOT be done on any other platform.

 

this is just my point of view, and I see reading around that my point of view is peculiar, but I did like a lot the original controller, and I gonna like the new one for the same reason. While teh action buttons are not very much ergonimic, I found the disc wonderful.... I love the overlays.. I never undestood the hate against intv controller...

4 hours ago, vprette said:

 

this is just my point of view, and I see reading around that my point of view is peculiar, but I did like a lot the original controller, and I gonna like the new one for the same reason. While teh action buttons are not very much ergonimic, I found the disc wonderful.... I love the overlays.. I never undestood the hate against intv controller...

I agree.

I also find that the people who hate the original Intellivision controller either never played it... or had an Atari.  It's hard to find folks who actually owned an Intellivision who hated the controllers.  I know there are some out there of course (mainly because they had an Intellivision II)... but it certainly wasn't the majority in my own personal experience.

And I personally much preferred the original Intellivision controllers to the stiff Atari stick or the horrible Coleco ones.  Although I did LOVE the sports grip Super Action joystick controller for Coleco.