Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

2 hours ago, NTV said:

Interesting article about parents trying to play video games with their kids during this lock down. We need Amico now!

 

Allowing kids to be the guides, parents can form fun new connection through video games during these stay-at-home times

Seth Schiesel The New York Times Company

 

You have binged on “Paw Patrol.” You already have watched “Trolls World Tour.” • There must be something better — more interactive and fun — to do with your kids while stuck at home. Look at it as an opportunity to connect and build relationships with your children by doing something together: playing video games. • The trick, of course, is finding ones that you actually want to play without driving yourself crazy. • The first step: Find out what they are already playing. Express genuine, non-patronizing interest and you might find some common ground. If your kids already play, ask them to explain their game to you, no matter how inane or mysterious it might seem. Ask them to let you try it, under their guidance. You may be surprised at your response.

 

It’s likely that your kids are into at least one of the big three games popular with children — Fortnite, Roblox and Minecraft — each of which has hundreds of millions of players.

 

If your kids play Fortnite, in which 100 players battle until only one is left standing, you might find the game interesting to watch but you should have realistic expectations about actually playing with them. Fortnite certainly rewards teamwork, cooperation and strategic planning, but it also requires a level of reflexes, eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity beyond almost anyone who can remember the Clinton administration.

 

Roblox is not a single game but rather a platform for thousands of different mini games created by users. Some of those mini games are more manipulative than others in trying to extract real money from players. As with Fortnite, it is unlikely parents will have much fun with Roblox, though for a different reason: Much of Roblox is just simplistic.

 

Minecraft, however, probably has the broadest crossover appeal between adults and children of any video game, and for good reason. Minecraft’s basic formula — explore a newly created world, find materials, build structures — generates a cycle of discovery, creation and community stimulating enough for curious adults but accessible enough to captivate even grade-school children.

 

If your kids already play Minecraft, you should give them the opportunity to introduce you to a new hobby, as long as you can stand the blocky graphics.

 

If these options aren’t appealing, don’t give up. There are plenty of other choices that can engage both parents and children, both multi-user games played simultaneously and single-player games played as a team. And most are available for multiple systems.

 

One final piece of advice before the recommendations: Don’t let yourself be put off by cartoony graphics. Just as the best animated films are written to entertain both young children and their parents, games often use a similar sleight-of-hand: wrapping subtle play systems in simple images.

Yeah... we passed that article around the office (meaning e-mail!) a few weeks ago. 

The problem I had with the article was not the expression of the problem (which I talk about EVERY day) but the SOLUTION.

The rest of the article goes on to state that parents just need to bite the bullet and although they probably won't like the content and the complexity of the games their kids want to play... they should just try.

As you can see above... the article states you should just try playing Roblox & Minecraft with your kids.  Just give Fortnite a try... even if you despise the premise and you get killed often.

Basically.... try to force yourself to like stuff you find overly complex and aren't interested in. 

It's NOT the author's fault at all... they are just trying to get parents to go outside there comfort zone and that is commendable for sure.

This is EXACTLY why Amico needs to exist and EXACTLY the reason I created it in the first place.

Non-gamers shouldn't have to SUFFER in order to enjoy video games with others.  That's the entire point of Amico.

Yes... I agree.  We need it now!

14 hours ago, Michael Garvey said:

Good gravy... I just downloaded Earthworm Jim from GOG (I forgotten I bought it like a year ago on sale).

 

Trying to use my 8 bit do sn30 pro+ on this game is like trying to walk upstairs backwards using only my tongue. 

 

My goodness the crossbar doesn't work at all and the thumbstick only registers like 4 of the 8 way directions.  And standing still often makes Jim crouch and stand up it what can only be described as a spastic rendition of Pee Wee Herman trying to dance.

 

The game is probably the greatest game ever but thumbsticks aren't the way to go.

 

I know Tommy and the others didnt have anything to do with the port so I just mentioning that I cant (as yet) give a definitive thumbs up on this one.

 

Lol

 

😅

And when someone retorts "That already exists!"  "I can get that for free on mobile!"  "Just get a Pi!"  "You can just put these on Steam(or GOG)!"

Remind them just how janky some of those versions that exist actually are, how little TLC went into that Steam version because fewer than 500 people downloaded and the upkeep and ongoing peripheral support isn't worth their time.  How you need to configure settings, and download from multiple apps, that you may have to download torrents, and you better be an expert when downloading those torrents because a good number of viruses are hiding in plain sight for your computer.

Or how miserable the solely touchscreen controls crowding out the display on a mobile phone is.  Or how not out-of-the-box-ready syncing a controller to your phone is going to be.  Most of humanity works with a computer everyday.  Most of humanity also hates anything to do with the operation/configuration/IT-side of working with that computer.  And somebody's going to say that's a consumer-ready solution to playing any given game??

The same people will reply that the NES/SNES Classics were a great idea because they took all the fuss/trouble out of configuring, out of "just get a Raspberry Pi and download it all!".. and they're right.  It is easier.  It is convenient and market-friendly and sold well because of that.  They just won't extend the line of thinking to products they don't want to see succeed.  Some serious cognitive dissonance.

1 hour ago, Steven Pendleton said:

I think the biggest thing with the Vectrex is that vector display. I have never used a Vectrex and I'm too young to have seen vector displays in general, but it seems that the screen itself is one of the features of the system that stands out the most.

I have a real and original Star Wars arcade cabinet AND the 1UP Arcade unit as well.  1UP arcade did a GREAT job in recreating the vector x/y monitor.  All able to be done in software with effects.  It's not bad and the new stuff is way better (and most important... way more reliable!) technology.

1 hour ago, Intellivision Master said:

 

HAHHAHAHAHA!!!

He's the best!

11 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Yeah!  Thanks for the support and glad you like the music! 
Without saying too much... if you like the Electronic Opus album... you're probably really gonna like "the game".

 

Confirmed:

10 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Without saying too much... if you like the Electronic Opus album... you're probably really gonna like "the game".

An upcoming release? I'll camp outside of my computer for it, since Tower Records isn't around anymore (and the rest of them are shut down as "non-essential")! 

1 hour ago, theswede said:

And I can’t wait to be able to leave snarky comments in every forum/YT video about how bad idea it is since the Amico have much cooler games with better graphics 😜

HAHAHHAHAHHAA!!!!!!!!!

Wouldn't That Be Something™!!!!

14 hours ago, sanguinesonata said:

 

 

i just really hope that in your desire to make the console "accessible" to everyone, you don't end up gelding it to the point where it becomes a total pansy machine. 😡

52 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

It's a valid concern and one we're aware of.  But don't worry, once you play a game like Night Stalker you won't be thinking that at all.  

 

 

Actually this is something I've been... not exactly concerned with but still concerned with. Does that make any sense? I'm not sure if it does, but maybe you'll understand what I mean. Good to see that someone addressed it, and that you've been working on it. I'll gladly playtest stuff for you, of course.

44 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

Yeah I do remember the vector arcade machines I played Red Baron, Asteroids & Battle Zone and it is hard to recreate that feel even on a high resolution TV. They were, in effect, an analog display with nearly infinite resolution (at least to the human eye). This is opposed to a typical CRT which display TV by driving the beam into a series of set rows. Now a days, they have physically created a grid of pixels to recreate the way TVs were driven but if a new console came out with vector graphics on a TV, I don't think I would be interested. Probably some what Good-Old-Days Syndrome but for me it just would not be the same and also would have no appeal over just a remastered Atari collection or something (i.e. a $15 software purchase).

Yeah, I guess this is the type of thing that people mean when they say you want a real Vectrex and not an emulator if possible, and also what I would hope to be addressed in a new Vectrex.

44 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Better and more reliable screen, bigger screen, color screen, maybe a touch screen?, online capability (for downloading new games and leaderboards), thinner overall (maybe by about 30%) and definitely 2 controllers!  Wouldn't change the controllers much though.  They are part of the charm.  Would also have about 20 or so games on board... to provide super value.  Would be great if we could get the retail price around $149.

I've heard the screens die on them. I wonder how long it will be before the last one dies and we won't be able to fix it because the parts needed would be gone as well. I don't know a whole lot about the Vectrex, though. The Genesis and to an extent the PC Engine (not really the SuperGrafx yet, though) I can tell you a whole lot about, but the Vectrex is not something I'm really knowledgeable about. I do know that the thing is decently large because of the screen, which likes to die, and that's about it aside from the general information that an internet search can tell you. Reading about hardware and actually having the real thing in your hands to use are completely different. Still, these would be welcome upgrades to the Vectrex, especially the color screen. I've been seriously considering buying a Vectrex for a few months now, and so far the price and fragility have been major deciding factors in my not purchasing one yet.

7 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

Confirmed:

And... You didn't replace "Electric Company" with "Blarneo's".😪

58 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

I think you could/should still do a vector display (pretty much required for the Vectrex, I think). Not using CRT technology which is pretty much unavailable now (maybe some niche military/industry uses them) and not to mention they are huge & heavy. However lasers have become cheap, commodity items. You could project onto a little built in screen (basically a phosphor coated sheet of plastic/glass) or maybe even project onto a wall to give it 'big screen' appeal. Make this so Tommy, you know, in all of your extra, spare time

@RxScram!!!   Get on this!!!

29 minutes ago, Steven Pendleton said:

Yeah, the stuff you can do with vector graphics is really awesome, and since it's just a bunch of lines, it can be upscaled easily. With advances in modern display technology, we could see something extremely impressive, I think, and I'm very curious to see what would happen if Tommy decided to get the Vectrex and tell it "RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE!".

 

Again, I've not seen the Vectrex or any other vector display to my knowledge in person, so I'm not sure what exactly is lost when playing the Vectrex on an emulator like the MiSTer or some software emulator, but I have heard that it is something that should absolutely be played on the real thing if possible because of the screen.

I find it's the shadowing and glow that gets lost... but as I mentioned... they've been able to recreate really well in software these days.

20 minutes ago, Blarneo said:

Admit it! 'Dude Looks Like A Lady' was about you, wasn't it? That Vince Neil line was just a misdirection.😈

 

Oh' you like it, like it, like it!🤩

5 minutes ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

NES/SNES Classics

Those things are crap, though. The thing is that the average consumer doesn't know that, so they sell well. They are cute, ESPECIALLY the Japanese Mega Drive Mini, which is by far the best aesthetically, but that's about it. Here is mine! Cute, but technically crap, sadly.

4 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

 

I have a real and original Star Wars arcade cabinet AND the 1UP Arcade unit as well.  1UP arcade did a GREAT job in recreating the vector x/y monitor.  All able to be done in software with effects.  It's not bad and the new stuff is way better (and most important... way more reliable!) technology.

 

 

That arcade game is really cool. I played it a few times on Rogue Squadron 3 since I've never seen it in real life. I might have to dig out my Wii and RS3 now.

3 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I find it's the shadowing and glow that gets lost... but as I mentioned... they've been able to recreate really well in software these days.

Yeah, Amico Breakout, right?

11 hours ago, Saldo said:

We go to Springfield every February and spend a long weekend to go to the Northeast RV show at the Eastern States Expo Center.  We always have a great time.  One of my best friends (known him since elementary school) managed a Friendly's while we were in collage.  Always loved going there to eat, he would jack up the syrup on my orange sodas for me! I also loved the Fribbles.  All of the Friendly’s shut down in NY decades ago.  My daughter went to college at Montserrat College of Art in Berverly, MA and we would pass that big Friendly’s sculpted hedge along the Mass Turnpike near Springfield.  We looked into it and realized Friendly’s was still around and there is one about 1/2 mile from Eastern States.  We always do a lunch there every time we go.

 

Sorry for the ramble!

Just wanted to correct, there still are Friendly's in NY.  None in the vicinity of Newburgh, and the number was about five times what it is now, back in 2008 before a major round of closings with the last Recession.  But we have plenty here around NYC and LI, north of Albany and in Central NY/Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier.

May have to head out to LI to get a Fribble now.

8 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

I find it's the shadowing and glow that gets lost... but as I mentioned... they've been able to recreate really well in software these days.

Good point and if you did your own console then the real key would be the graphic libraries & drivers so you could get a good, consistent look on every game. Never one to sit on my "Good Old Days" so I need to check out the 1UP Arcade cab - I had no idea people were re-doing this stuff.

16 minutes ago, Intellivision Master said:

Sounds really awesome Tommy.  I'm all in.  Take my money now.  By the way will the new Vectrex be able to play original carts & the homebrews?  There are a lot of homebrew games for this system.  

Yikes!  I feel like I've just been put in a time machine and gone back 2 years!  

Except this time I'm going to completely crowdfund it, make sure it's NOT for families (wait til you see how cool all the blood and gore look on in vector style graphics!), will take pre-orders and NOT refund or return money and will definitely not sell any merchandise for fans and especially not outreach to people to talk about it.

Phew!  I just saved myself a BUNCH of time.

2 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Yikes!  I feel like I've just been put in a time machine and gone back 2 years!  

 

 

Except this time I'm going to completely crowdfund it, make sure it's NOT for families (wait til you see how cool all the blood and gore look on in vector style graphics!), will take pre-orders and NOT refund or return money and will definitely not sell any merchandise for fans and especially not outreach to people to talk about it.

 

Phew!  I just saved myself a BUNCH of time.

 

I can't wait for the vector graphic themed hotels & vector graphics virtual casinos!

2 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Yikes!  I feel like I've just been put in a time machine and gone back 2 years!  

 

 

Except this time I'm going to completely crowdfund it, make sure it's NOT for families (wait til you see how cool all the blood and gore look on in vector style graphics!), will take pre-orders and NOT refund or return money and will definitely not sell any merchandise for fans and especially not outreach to people to talk about it.

 

Phew!  I just saved myself a BUNCH of time.

 

 

 

 

 

How Dare You!?

2 hours ago, Blarneo said:

Can I start my wishlist on this?

A 10" flatscreen with a MS Surface type table stand and a paper white type matte finish to the glass... this appears extra sharp to the eyes. A gray filter over the screen to cancel out the "not really true black" appearance of LCD monitors.

A deep enough casing to provide adequate bass in the 3 channel DTS speaker system. Also mini plug & Bluetooth for my own speakers.

Clicky joystick controllers that can somehow be recharged on the back of the unit. The New Geo Mini has very nice looking 4 button thumbstick controllers. Perhaps take inspiration from them.

 

 

Oh' yeah! Whatever this color of Bimmer is, the Vectrex should have as an option.

 

Or better yet. Build the Vectrex into the Bimmer's dashboard screen system!

The only thing ive seen that comes close to vector graphics today is a lazer projector I saw that the company ended uo building games for. It was amazing and it had color and sharp lines. I cant remember the company but it wasn't cheap like are $600 or more.  It did have drawbacks they could suffer from blurry images if the fps high or too many images at the same time.  I own a vectrex and its a totally different experience.  I dont think any lcd could mimic it properly. 

16 minutes ago, Intellivision Master said:

 

How is Pete getting his haircuts? 

I'm starting to look like one of those balding, long haired folk singers guesting on a 70s variety show.

18 minutes ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

And when someone retorts "That already exists!"  "I can get that for free on mobile!"  "Just get a Pi!"  "You can just put these on Steam(or GOG)!"

 

Remind them just how janky some of those versions that exist actually are, how little TLC went into that Steam version because fewer than 500 people downloaded and the upkeep and ongoing peripheral support isn't worth their time.  How you need to configure settings, and download from multiple apps, that you may have to download torrents, and you better be an expert when downloading those torrents because a good number of viruses are hiding in plain sight for your computer.

Or how miserable the solely touchscreen controls crowding out the display on a mobile phone is.  Or how not out-of-the-box-ready syncing a controller to your phone is going to be.  Most of humanity works with a computer everyday.  Most of humanity also hates anything to do with the operation/configuration/IT-side of working with that computer.  And somebody's going to say that's a consumer-ready solution to playing any given game??

 

The same people will reply that the NES/SNES Classics were a great idea because they took all the fuss/trouble out of configuring, out of "just get a Raspberry Pi and download it all!".. and they're right.  It is easier.  It is convenient and market-friendly and sold well because of that.  They just won't extend the line of thinking to products they don't want to see succeed.  Some serious cognitive dissonance.

Totally 100% true!  You absolutely NAILED IT!

I've said this before (and I'll reiterate again)... the #1 thing we find in all of our focus group testing and research data is that people want SIMPLICITY when it comes to gaming.  And NOT just the games themselves!  But the set-up and discovery as well.  It's literally at the top of every list and test we've done.  SAFE content is right behind it... but always #2.  Price is actually way down on the list!

Now ask yourself if setting up STEAM and multiple controllers on a PC and then hooking it to the TV in the living room (for an average mom in middle America) is SIMPLE.  Ask yourself is the Nintendo e-shop is simple (and figuring out which games are couch co-op and how many controllers you'll need to play said games).  Ask yourself what hyper-casual or edutainment games that you can play WITH others exist on the Switch.  These reasons are exactly why mobile DOMINATES.  As much as a pain in the ass it is (i.e. microtransactions, in app purchases, zero curation, no tactile controls, SOLITARY, etc.) it still has simple games and it's simple to use (just download what you want and hit the icon to start!). 

Now... imagine a world where all the BAD stuff that people don't like about mobile existed.

Enter....  Amico!

22 minutes ago, Intellivision Master said:

 

GOD!!  This guy is such a SHILL!!

Oh wait... I've never sent him any merchandise.  Damn.... I'll need to FIX THAT!!

17 minutes ago, Steven Pendleton said:

Yeah, Amico Breakout, right?

Great example!

15 minutes ago, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

Just wanted to correct, there still are Friendly's in NY.  None in the vicinity of Newburgh, and the number was about five times what it is now, back in 2008 before a major round of closings with the last Recession.  But we have plenty here around NYC and LI, north of Albany and in Central NY/Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier.

 

May have to head out to LI to get a Fribble now.

WOW!!  Cool.  I gotta go visit one when I'm back there!

Fribble!!   Hahahhaa!!  Haven't heard that word in a very long long time!!

I wonder if they still have the Jim Dandy!  (It's like their banana split thingy).

And did you guys ever remember that during the summer time they would do those sherbert watermelons???  It was green on the outside (lime I'm presuming) and raspberry on the inside... but with chocolate chips to represent the "pits/seeds". 

Those were LEGENDARY!!

My favorite thing to get at Friendly's though was the Mint Chocolate Chip & Buttercup Crunch on a sugar cone with chocolate sprinkles!  The Mint Chocolate Chip had to be on top though to maximize the sprinkle area along with the chips already in there.  

I'd break my vegan diet for a day for that!  (I also break it when I'm in Italy!... but not with meat... just dairy).