Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

36 minutes ago, Starpaddler said:

Now you are just playing with us. 
 

Yes he is. 🙃

5 hours ago, GrumpyOl'Guy said:

I think (and this is just my humble opinion, looking at the arguments for/against) that most of the rational arguments against the Amico come from a hesitancy to pay the total on an unproven commodity. When points are thrown out to the effect of 'a person could always buy _____ for X amount...', I tend to interpret that as them saying they know what they can expect from the comparative purchase, and find that a safer investment of their money.

That's what it seems to say to me, at least. Shame too, because an argument like that seems to blatantly miss the intent of the Amico in the first place. The console could've easily just been put together on the cheap, packed in with some tweaked retro ports to appease us, and sent out for that initial price point, that was mentioned as a target two years ago, in a very different situation. Instead, the Intellivision team are trying to bring back the way gaming felt in years past, go in a direction that gaming (in general) has strayed from in the past couple decades.

 

I believe both OEB and Amico Oasis have recently put out videos that articulate what I'm trying to say better than I can, but I'll try nonetheless. I certainly haven't been this excited for anything video game-wise since my school days. A large part of that is because this all fresh, it's not the same thing. Every game I've played for the past few years has felt like a game I'd already played, or like how I wished another game has played. The Amico seems, even in its retro re-imaginings, to be trying to walk the line between a familiar game and a brand new experience, and doing it all with 'fun factor' in mind. They're not trying to join the high-tech race to be the nicest pre-built gaming computer, rather, they're focusing on innovation in the way you interact with the games, the console, and even the physical media. These thoughts have been a major selling point to me, and when I mention the system to coworkers, it's where I put the focus of my talk. I was actually talking to a computer science major yesterday about it. Didn't take but a minute to turn the conversation from:

 

HIM: So, what're the specs like?

ME: Honestly, it's not going to compete with next gen consoles. That is, however, intentional.

 

to this:

 

HIM: RFID for physical games?

ME: Which opens up the door for some interesting possibilities for what items could potentially allow you to download these games...

(It was here I'd mentioned a few of the ideas thrown around for physical media, like the mini carts and trading cards. I even postulated a hypothetical situation where a deal could be worked out with Mattel for a special edition Hot Wheels car for Sideswipers. I know there hasn't been any hard confirmation on that at all, but it's a fun guess to throw out there, and it got a 'that's so cool' out of the guy.)

 

Again, I must stress that my guess as to what people are getting at in broad price comparison arguments is just that - a guess. I must admit that I'd be pretty disappointed to be right in that guess, as well. To dismiss a product that people are devoting so much time, talent, and effort into producing is unfortunate. The Amico, in particular, seems to be doing its best to exceed any expectations set upon it by a gaming community who'd probably looked at it and said 'oh, a new flashback'. Probably a good reason not to market heavily to the dedicated console gaming public in the first place. Consumers who aren't so indoctrinated with the peculiarities of the video gaming world might be far more open to look at the overall picture of what this console will offer, rather than trying pigeon-hole it as a new version of an old thing.

 

Garbled rant done. Once more, thanks for those who endured reading it. Now, stupid question time.

For the time-and space leaderboards, will there be a chance of this going live in time for the FE to be shipped? I don't consider myself an overly competitive person, but I also don't consider myself an incredibly skilled gamer. Realistically speaking, the odds of me actually nabbing one of these would be highest when the pool is lowest, and I'm gunning to get just one (print out, frame, and hang on the wall be my computer. It's a little spot I keep some items that make for good conversation).

LOVE this post.  Everything you said is correct (and I mean EVERYTHING!) 

Yes.  Leaderboards will be ready at launch!

1 minute ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

LOVE this post.  Everything you said is correct (and I mean EVERYTHING!) 

 

Yes.  Leaderboards will be ready at launch!

 

 

Great to hear because I'm getting warmed up on my orginal intellivision. Im going to be ready to represent in my state. 

13 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

12 hours to go!!!!!!!!!

the reveal........could it be .................... Mr.A

and Tommy could of gotten away with it if it wasnt for us meddling kids

19 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

So bummed I missed this live today!  Hopefully you'll be doing it again.  Gonna start watching it a little later.  So cool!

 

 

Every Wednesday at around 5pm, you can catch the 1st ever Amico Dedicated Podcast... tonight was our first show of Amico All Access podcast.  Now I need to work on a logo and stuff, need to open paint..lol

So noon tomorrow you gonna mic drop and put the hardcore haters on the skids?!?!? Can’t wait to see this press release 😆😄

Just posting here on page 666 for no reason. Hail Satan! I mean, Amico!

Just now, popsicle said:

Just posting here on page 666 for no reason. Hail Satan! I mean, Amico!

It's actually page 669 ...

1 hour ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

LOVE this post.  Everything you said is correct (and I mean EVERYTHING!) 

 

Yes.  Leaderboards will be ready at launch!

 

 

Awesome !! I am most excited about the local leaderboards !!! Time to kick my families butt !!! Lol 😂 

20 hours ago, Intellivision Master said:

 

1 hour ago, theswede said:

So, it all sounded reasonable from his personal point of view, and that he had his mind set for the 150$ price point etc, but then he completely derail his whole argumentation in the last minute by saying that he recently spent 200$ on the original Intellivision, and that to him was a “great deal”, but a completely new system with reimagined versions of these games (among a lot of other new games) would not be worth 50$ more 😆

I can understand his argument in some ways. The price has gone up. Yes. The ballpark was 149-179.  I honestly thought it would end up $199.00 when all is said and done. When I heard they changed to capacitive touch screens in the controllers, I knew for sure it would go up a little more than that. Plus the onboard storage is going up. Either 32gigs on board or 16 gigs and an SD card. Possibly tripling the original amount that was going to be in the system. My guess is that the CPU/RAM configuration probably changed between then and now, after some extensive research and interviews with developers. We've never been told much about that aspect. Just that it will play fun games.  After adding all that up and tossing in the world situation on top of that. I still think it's a fair price. Will I be able to play the new Mircrosoft Flight Sim or the next Uncharted on the Amico? No. If you believe what we've heard, you will not be able to play the new Earthworm Jim on the xbox Series X or PS5. I'm sure that there will be other games that will be exclusive. Not just versions with different levels. Maybe even a game that stars a certain Reeses Pieces eating alien.

I can also understand the want of a Switch. There are some amazing games on that system. My family loves our Switch.  I don't think anyone believes the Amico will replace any of the main gaming systems. The Amico will compliment them.

I can also sort of understand the argument about the power vs price.  I just checked Best Buy, and for the same amount of money that you can purchase a Switch, if you can find one, you can get an Xbox one X. WAY more powerful. But Power does not necessarily mean more fun or a better system.  We've seen it proved after multiple systems have sold more than their more powerful counterparts.

In the end, a lot of the people on the forum have been sold on the games we've seen already. Some of the hints given as to other games that will come out. Tommy's direct Answers to us. A few of his hints that made us all ask the question that echos throughout these pages: Wouldn't that be something?  For me I was sold because he answered my question directly: Tempest and Adventure will make their way to the Amico. I know it won't be right away. But the thought of both of those games on a new system makes me happy. If a system has a game coming out that really captivates you. That is reason enough to buy that system. For Some it's a Mario or Zelda. For others it's Halo. Still others it's any one of a number of system sellers. I would say you can add Shark! Shark!, Moon Patrol, and others yet to be announced for the Amico.

8 hours ago, GrumpyOl'Guy said:

I think (and this is just my humble opinion, looking at the arguments for/against) that most of the rational arguments against the Amico come from a hesitancy to pay the total on an unproven commodity. When points are thrown out to the effect of 'a person could always buy _____ for X amount...', I tend to interpret that as them saying they know what they can expect from the comparative purchase, and find that a safer investment of their money.

That's what it seems to say to me, at least. Shame too, because an argument like that seems to blatantly miss the intent of the Amico in the first place. The console could've easily just been put together on the cheap, packed in with some tweaked retro ports to appease us, and sent out for that initial price point, that was mentioned as a target two years ago, in a very different situation. Instead, the Intellivision team are trying to bring back the way gaming felt in years past, go in a direction that gaming (in general) has strayed from in the past couple decades.

 

I believe both OEB and Amico Oasis have recently put out videos that articulate what I'm trying to say better than I can, but I'll try nonetheless. I certainly haven't been this excited for anything video game-wise since my school days. A large part of that is because this all fresh, it's not the same thing. Every game I've played for the past few years has felt like a game I'd already played, or like how I wished another game has played. The Amico seems, even in its retro re-imaginings, to be trying to walk the line between a familiar game and a brand new experience, and doing it all with 'fun factor' in mind. They're not trying to join the high-tech race to be the nicest pre-built gaming computer, rather, they're focusing on innovation in the way you interact with the games, the console, and even the physical media. These thoughts have been a major selling point to me, and when I mention the system to coworkers, it's where I put the focus of my talk. I was actually talking to a computer science major yesterday about it. Didn't take but a minute to turn the conversation from:

 

HIM: So, what're the specs like?

ME: Honestly, it's not going to compete with next gen consoles. That is, however, intentional.

 

to this:

 

HIM: RFID for physical games?

ME: Which opens up the door for some interesting possibilities for what items could potentially allow you to download these games...

(It was here I'd mentioned a few of the ideas thrown around for physical media, like the mini carts and trading cards. I even postulated a hypothetical situation where a deal could be worked out with Mattel for a special edition Hot Wheels car for Sideswipers. I know there hasn't been any hard confirmation on that at all, but it's a fun guess to throw out there, and it got a 'that's so cool' out of the guy.)

 

Again, I must stress that my guess as to what people are getting at in broad price comparison arguments is just that - a guess. I must admit that I'd be pretty disappointed to be right in that guess, as well. To dismiss a product that people are devoting so much time, talent, and effort into producing is unfortunate. The Amico, in particular, seems to be doing its best to exceed any expectations set upon it by a gaming community who'd probably looked at it and said 'oh, a new flashback'. Probably a good reason not to market heavily to the dedicated console gaming public in the first place. Consumers who aren't so indoctrinated with the peculiarities of the video gaming world might be far more open to look at the overall picture of what this console will offer, rather than trying pigeon-hole it as a new version of an old thing.

 

Garbled rant done. Once more, thanks for those who endured reading it. Now, stupid question time.

For the time-and space leaderboards, will there be a chance of this going live in time for the FE to be shipped? I don't consider myself an overly competitive person, but I also don't consider myself an incredibly skilled gamer. Realistically speaking, the odds of me actually nabbing one of these would be highest when the pool is lowest, and I'm gunning to get just one (print out, frame, and hang on the wall be my computer. It's a little spot I keep some items that make for good conversation).

Well now.. You said this much better than I!!!! I just posted a similar reply that I was typing up. Having to deal with life.. Typing.. Dealing.. Well said!

1 hour ago, jaybird3rd said:

It's actually page 669 ...

Let's all just pretend it's page 666 😈🤘

19 minutes ago, woobman said:

 

I can understand his argument in some ways. The price has gone up. Yes. The ballpark was 149-179.  I honestly thought it would end up $199.00 when all is said and done. When I heard they changed to capacitive touch screens in the controllers, I knew for sure it would go up a little more than that. Plus the onboard storage is going up. Either 32gigs on board or 16 gigs and an SD card. Possibly tripling the original amount that was going to be in the system. My guess is that the CPU/RAM configuration probably changed between then and now, after some extensive research and interviews with developers. We've never been told much about that aspect. Just that it will play fun games.  After adding all that up and tossing in the world situation on top of that. I still think it's a fair price. Will I be able to play the new Mircrosoft Flight Sim or the next Uncharted on the Amico? No. If you believe what we've heard, you will not be able to play the new Earthworm Jim on the xbox Series X or PS5. I'm sure that there will be other games that will be exclusive. Not just versions with different levels. Maybe even a game that stars a certain Reeses Pieces eating alien.

 

I can also understand the want of a Switch. There are some amazing games on that system. My family loves our Switch.  I don't think anyone believes the Amico will replace any of the main gaming systems. The Amico will compliment them.

 

I can also sort of understand the argument about the power vs price.  I just checked Best Buy, and for the same amount of money that you can purchase a Switch, if you can find one, you can get an Xbox one X. WAY more powerful. But Power does not necessarily mean more fun or a better system.  We've seen it proved after multiple systems have sold more than their more powerful counterparts.

 

In the end, a lot of the people on the forum have been sold on the games we've seen already. Some of the hints given as to other games that will come out. Tommy's direct Answers to us. A few of his hints that made us all ask the question that echos throughout these pages: Wouldn't that be something?  For me I was sold because he answered my question directly: Tempest and Adventure will make their way to the Amico. I know it won't be right away. But the thought of both of those games on a new system makes me happy. If a system has a game coming out that really captivates you. That is reason enough to buy that system. For Some it's a Mario or Zelda. For others it's Halo. Still others it's any one of a number of system sellers. I would say you can add Shark! Shark!, Moon Patrol, and others yet to be announced for the Amico.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well yes and no. Ive got both the switch and xbox one x.  And for anyone that has a switch and wants to accomplish local coop like the Amico has to spend alot more. My switch with 3 controllers and 2 games set me back $540 $580 if you include a 4th controller (corded) even more for wireless.  So ever time I hear people on YouTube say I can get a switch or xbox for that price isn't looking at the whole picture.  Sure my 2 intial games smash bros and Mario kart are great titles if you are into them. My son wanted them I'm not particularly interested in them. They feel too much like the last generation.  So I feel like I'm buying the same game again.  Now add 4 more games to match the 6 included in the Amico and you quickly are into the $1000 price point.  And this is pretty much the same with xbox or playstation.

The Amico is literally a 1/4 the price of the other systems unless you just want to play by yourself. 

While we wait for the J Allard announcement, here's a song to celebrate the 666th page: Fantomas - The Omen (Ave Satani).

5 hours ago, woobman said:

Well now.. You said this much better than I!!!! I just posted a similar reply that I was typing up. Having to deal with life.. Typing.. Dealing.. Well said!

Thank you, and hope all is well.

What is everybody talking about 669?

Sounds like a sex position with the devil.🤭 

7 hours ago, CurlyQ said:

Let's all just pretend it's page 666 😈🤘

 

 

There’s a footnote that says it may be 616, rather than 666. 😆😈 Great song, though. 🙂

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say today’s announcement is not J Allard. Why?  I just don’t think Tommy would say the following if it was:

”Wouldn't That Be Something™?

Hahahha!! 

Damn... that would be epic!!  Imagine!  The guy who got Microsoft on the internet, created XBOX, XBOX Arcade, XBOX 360! (and Zune)

And although J is a friend... it's unfortunately not J.

I really don’t think he would say this if it was indeed him. I think we are all going to be in a shock when the announcement hits. Whether it is J Allard or someone else, I think we are all going to be saying, “Now isn’t that something?”

Looking forward to the announcement Tommy!

20 minutes ago, Craig Parker said:

I’m going to go out on a limb here and say today’s announcement is not J Allard. Why?  I just don’t think Tommy would say the following if it was:

 

”Wouldn't That Be Something™?

Hahahha!! 

Damn... that would be epic!!  Imagine!  The guy who got Microsoft on the internet, created XBOX, XBOX Arcade, XBOX 360! (and Zune)

 

And although J is a friend... it's unfortunately not J.

 

I really don’t think he would say this if it was indeed him. I think we are all going to be in a shock when the announcement hits. Whether it is J Allard or someone else, I think we are all going to be saying, “Now isn’t that something?”

 

Looking forward to the announcement Tommy!

 

The problem is that the "clues" he dropped don't add up to anyone. He said it was a person on a very specific list, and none of them fit the criteria... except maybe J.  Then of course Tommy let it be known he was intentionally misleading. J does fit the description the best, and it would definitely be a mic drop moment. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

8 hours ago, Relicgamer said:

Well yes and no. Ive got both the switch and xbox one x.  And for anyone that has a switch and wants to accomplish local coop like the Amico has to spend alot more. My switch with 3 controllers and 2 games set me back $540 $580 if you include a 4th controller (corded) even more for wireless.  So ever time I hear people on YouTube say I can get a switch or xbox for that price isn't looking at the whole picture.  Sure my 2 intial games smash bros and Mario kart are great titles if you are into them. My son wanted them I'm not particularly interested in them. They feel too much like the last generation.  So I feel like I'm buying the same game again.  Now add 4 more games to match the 6 included in the Amico and you quickly are into the $1000 price point.  And this is pretty much the same with xbox or playstation.

The Amico is literally a 1/4 the price of the other systems unless you just want to play by yourself. 

I started to ramble..   I never did get to that point!!! Thank you.. Dang life getting in the way again!!! Missed the Founders Edition due to that. But luckily I'm under 1900 for my VIP! Can't wait!  All Hail SATAN Amico!

17 minutes ago, vongruetz said:

The problem is that the "clues" he dropped don't add up to anyone. He said it was a person on a very specific list, and none of them fit the criteria... except maybe J.  Then of course Tommy let it be known he was intentionally misleading. J does fit the description the best, and it would definitely be a mic drop moment. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I must have missed the part where Tommy let it be known he was intentionally misleading and I’m not questioning that as I do believe you. You are right that no one else fits the criteria given the clues so I don’t see how it could be anyone else other than J. If it is indeed J, I would be very happy with the new addition but I would be disappointed that we were purposely lied to. 

21 minutes ago, woobman said:

I started to ramble..   I never did get to that point!!! Thank you.. Dang life getting in the way again!!! Missed the Founders Edition due to that. But luckily I'm under 1900 for my VIP! Can't wait!  All Hail SATAN Amico!

Good thing is your not alone I ramble alot too. And it seems everyone on here does too. Your in good company lol

In June last year Hans Ippisch said he was looking forward to work with Ed Fries and David Perry, so those two are onboard already. Who it's gonna be then? Allard? 

16 minutes ago, N0mi said:

In June last year Hans Ippisch said he was looking forward to work with Ed Fries and David Perry, so those two are onboard already. Who it's gonna be then? Allard? 

All I know is that it's been 12 hours since Tommy said "12 hours"....  

2 minutes ago, vongruetz said:

All I know is that it's been 12 hours since Tommy said "12 hours"....  

I was thinking same thing, hoping around noon we get some announcement 😁