Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

12 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Certainly wasn't the 3DO!! 
 

I loved the 3DO, it deserved a better fate but what do you expect with that launch price?

12 hours ago, Blarneo said:

And the 32X was more powerful than the 3DO. It did even worse.

ah no  but let's keep that for another thread.

 

Caught up on about 5 pages of post.  Some good drama lol

21 minutes ago, Alpha82 said:

I think A big problem Stadia will face that the internet infrastructure just isn’t built to sustain the speeds needed for this kind of gaming in most areas so you are going to end up with a ton of lag and down time. Also the possibility of data cap issues depending on your provider and the fact that you have to pay full price for games with nothing owned and if the service fails when Google shuts down the stadia service all the money you have put into it is gone and there will be no games to play because they have been sent into oblivion 

I agree, for examples I just moved and went from excellent fiber optic Internet service to re-branded DSL. If I was fine on Stadia at my old house would I be today after the move? Also on the go gaming sounds great except my most likely use case would be in hotels when traveling. However I am lucky if I can get some low res Youtube watching done on a lot of hotel connections. Finally as you mentioned Google has had a loooong history of floating out projects and then shutting them down. Give KilledByGoogle a scroll if you ever want to lose faith in a corporation's stick-to-itiveness.

About the PS5 and ultra-realistic graphics: I bought the PS1 and PS2 back in the day, but when the PS3 arrived I was already a retro gamer.

 

The Amico will be my first "current gen" home console since the PS2.

 

The PS4 surely looks much better than the PS3 with GTAV, Read Dead Redemption 2, The Last Guardian, Death Stranding and many others, along with a much better controller and cool looking graphics.

 

However, and this is the interesting part of my message, I believe photo-realistic graphics are not needed for 99% of the games. I am happy with PS1 graphics for most 3D titles except for maybe Shadow of the Colossus, which needs the extra polygons and textures.

 

I feel like 3D has killed many of the classic, tried and true gameplay formulas: graphic adventures, beat em ups, platformers... they don't feel the same when all the games control just like Mario 64. Analog sticks are great for driving games or space simulators, but they don't provide the precision of a digital crosshair.

 

If it was for me, all 2D games would be pixelated and all 3D games would have digital controls to add more precision. Take Tomb Raider as an example of how early 3D games are usually more like a game and less like movie: The blocky platforms are actually an important part of the level design.

 

I admire realistic 3D graphics, but I feel they should be used to create other types of experiences instead of these modern, imprecise 3D games that want to be movies. I would love to see a simulation of walking alone in the nature or a game where your only goal is to survive a natural disaster or terrorist attack. I believe realistic graphics would fit those experiences much better.

 

Going back to the Amico, I'm looking forward to play it with my family. I don't really mind violence in games, but the offline multiplayer is very difficult to find these days. I hope many people feel the same and the console sells millions... That would mean more games will be released for it.

3 hours ago, vprette said:

same for me

ps5 + amico looks the right combination.... I'm reading about stadia as well but not attractive because I wonder that they will have the usual violent games... apart windjammer 2... cannot say if stadia will be in the family games ring

Certainly not family friendly by default (Stadia Games List) Doom, Wolfenstein YB, Rage 2, Mortal Combat, Cyberpunk 2077, etc. Just a few that looks like Amico sort of titles like Get Packed, Just Dance 2020 and as you mentioned WindJammers 2. So pretty much like any other platform - family friendly if you actively curate all purchases.

There is always the thriving IntellivisionRevolution forum!

 

http://intvrevolution-forum.forumotion.com/f29-the-intellivision-forum

20 minutes ago, Rev said:

There is always the thriving IntellivisionRevolution forum!

 

http://intvrevolution-forum.forumotion.com/f29-the-intellivision-forum

I thought you had shut that down, is Eric7100 still alive on there?

T look like the Amico is going to be the first console to implement a number of things:

 

- First modern console to include more than one controller

- First console where you can use smartphones to play

- First 3D console that focuses on 2D gameplay

- First console release where anyone can ask any question directly to the CEO of the company

- First console where all the games have multiplayer modes (to be confirmed)

- First console where "family friendly" is a requirement

 

If anyone can name more "firsts", feel free to add them to the list.

Edited September 8, 2019 by IntelliMission

- First console where you can use smartphones to play

PS4 does this already with board and card games.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

T look like the Amico is going to be the first console to implement a number of things:

 

- First modern console to include more than one controller

- First console where you can use smartphones to play (ColecoJoe is right on this one)

- First 3D console that focuses on 2D gameplay

- First console release where anyone can ask any question directly to the CEO of the company

- First console where all the games have multiplayer modes (to be confirmed)

- First console where "family friendly" is a requirement

 

If anyone can name more "firsts", feel free to add them to the list.

Here is my list - feel free to correct any mistakes in a comment.

 

- First console sold in major retailers with a sub $189 launch cost (consoles launch costs & 2013 dollars) ("major retailers" because of some Chinese consoles)

- First console where all digital software titles are less than $10

- First modern console where all games are curated for quality (I don't consider the Playdate a console because it doesn't hook to a TV)

- First console which requires game balancing for weaker players as an option (to be confirmed)

- First console with integrated game interactive LED lighting on the console & controllers (at least I can't think of any)

- First modern console with no DLC, In-App Purchases, Loot Boxes or Ads

 

Edited September 8, 2019 by GrudgeQ

1 hour ago, ColecoJoe said:

PS4 does this already with board and card games.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree but that is more of an exception. The Amico will be able to do it on all games. 

25 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

I agree but that is more of an exception. The Amico will be able to do it on all games. 

I am not sure that *all* games will be practically playable with a cell phone (not sure on the motion controller games in particular). However how about this?

 

- First console where most games are playable via a free cell phone app as a controller

Edited September 8, 2019 by GrudgeQ

3 hours ago, Steve Jones said:

I thought you had shut that down, is Eric7100 still alive on there?

 

Not many people go, maybe I should change the URL and revive it. 

Quote

< redacted >

Is AppleTV considered a console? It doesn't fall on my console radar because of it's lack of a gaming focus - maybe your opinion is different. Funny how I never see it in the list of gaming consoles.

 

The whole point of this list is just a somewhat fun attempt to itemize what is different about the Amico. Some people - including you obviously - seem to not know much about it. It is obviously under strong development with working hardware and software which was playable at E3 - doesn't sound "all talk" to me. It is unproven to me, however John Riggs got time with the demo unit at E3 and gave it a strong endorsement, so your "unproven" concept is kinda suspect. The one thing you got right is it isn't released yet so it is "unreleased" - congratulations 1.5 out of 3 is your score (I gave you 1/2 a point for "unproven").

 

The rest of that statement is a personal slur on me or a failed joke. Not appreciated and/or take some improv classes - you need it.

 

A lot of what makes the Amico interesting is how it is a hearkening back to the early days of consoles with no DLC or add-ons, multiplayer, a lot of family friendly content, etc. So yeah I personally consider it "modern retro" with a mixture of modern features but retro software and philosophy. So basically it isn't modern in all senses now however I definitely think it qualifies as a gaming console and thanks to the one question you got right - it is coming out next year so that is pretty much the definition of modern if not futuristic.

 

As far as "everyone curates for quality" - really? By quality you means successfully executes on our platform and doesn't obviously contain spyware if we (possibly) check? Your idea of quality is FAR different than my own.

5 hours ago, Loafer said:

ah no  but let's keep that for another thread.

Wow. Nice passive aggressive way to shut me down to prevent me answering you.

41 minutes ago, Blarneo said:

Wow. Nice passive aggressive way to shut me down to prevent me answering you.

nonono!  not meant that way at all good sir, I just didn't want to derail this Amico thread with non Amico stuff. I think they prefer it that way, so my intention was maybe we should make a "why I think 3DO was one of the best every systems" thread

 

edit: also not a mod so you can ignore me totally! 

Edited September 8, 2019 by Loafer

6 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

About the PS5 and ultra-realistic graphics: I bought the PS1 and PS2 back in the day, but when the PS3 arrived I was already a retro gamer.

 

The Amico will be my first "current gen" home console since the PS2.

 

The PS4 surely looks much better than the PS3 with GTAV, Read Dead Redemption 2, The Last Guardian, Death Stranding and many others, along with a much better controller and cool looking graphics.

 

However, and this is the interesting part of my message, I believe photo-realistic graphics are not needed for 99% of the games. I am happy with PS1 graphics for most 3D titles except for maybe Shadow of the Colossus, which needs the extra polygons and textures.

 

I feel like 3D has killed many of the classic, tried and true gameplay formulas: graphic adventures, beat em ups, platformers... they don't feel the same when all the games control just like Mario 64. Analog sticks are great for driving games or space simulators, but they don't provide the precision of a digital crosshair.

 

If it was for me, all 2D games would be pixelated and all 3D games would have digital controls to add more precision. Take Tomb Raider as an example of how early 3D games are usually more like a game and less like movie: The blocky platforms are actually an important part of the level design.

 

I admire realistic 3D graphics, but I feel they should be used to create other types of experiences instead of these modern, imprecise 3D games that want to be movies. I would love to see a simulation of walking alone in the nature or a game where your only goal is to survive a natural disaster or terrorist attack. I believe realistic graphics would fit those experiences much better.

 

Going back to the Amico, I'm looking forward to play it with my family. I don't really mind violence in games, but the offline multiplayer is very difficult to find these days. I hope many people feel the same and the console sells millions... That would mean more games will be released for it.

with very few exceptions i never did like 3d games 

If Tommy is still around I have a few questions for him.

 

Is there a reason you chose not to include the personal attack against Ian in your video when you had previously referred to him as the “long-haired dude”? That part is strangely omitted from the video when Ian and Pat start mentioning things got personal. Why? 

 

Also, what is your definition of a hardcore gamer? You seem to be on a mission to rail against the de facto “hardcore gamer” and I wonder why that is. If I collect a lot of retro and am passionate about it doesn’t that make me a hardcore retro gamer? You mention inclusion in your video to Ian and Pat about coming together to work towards fighting against public perceptions of games yet seemingly want to exclude a portion of gamers. Why?

 

It seems there are two lines of info/knowledge when it comes to the Amico, inside and public. Is it your or the company’s responsibility to make sure messaging stays on point? 

 

I say this because if Pat and Ian or anyone who has inside info that they can’t share publicly is simply telling their fans to “trust me”, which isn’t the most positive way to disseminate info or fight against skepticism. It makes outsiders feel like they don’t have an in with the company or that some aren’t worthy of such info.

 

Inside info doesn’t help public perceptions when it’s of no use to public consumers trying to make an informed decision. It feels like you are way ahead of where you should be promoting this console and that there should be real marketing behind it that currently isn’t there.

 

You’ve mentioned on here you built your website in a single day via Wix. I’m sure you know better than anybody that brand association and marketing needs to be on point at all levels. Sure you have a website, but it’s not polished, has scant info and doesn’t put the system in the best light. If someone google searches for the Amico and comes across the site for the first time, do you feel it’s satisfactory for what you are trying to accomplish with the console. People shouldn’t have to go to outside sources for info on the console, every minute detail and update should be on the site. We shouldn’t get a fact here on AtariAge or have another YouTuber mention something for the first time. All info should be posted to the website FIRST and then shared accordingly. The mixed messaging does not help the Amico in my opinion.

 

You also mention Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft don’t give out info on their own consoles 14 months ahead of launch which is true, but those companies have a track record in the console industry. At one time yes Intellivision was up there but it doesn’t hold the cache it once did, so it’s unfair to suggest the Amico has the same clout as Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft currently do, that’s not the case today. 

 

Clearly you are passionate about the console and I admire that certainly, but I think maybe taking a step back and refocusing how information is shared directly with fans would go a long way to staying on brand and on point. 

 

Best of luck. 

11 minutes ago, ASalvaro said:

with very few exceptions i never did like 3d games 

 

3D was always great for racing games or space sims. 3D platformers can be good (see Tomb Raider when Lara is not shooting innocent animals), but I generally feel that 3D and realistic graphics have increased the development costs unnecessarily. 25 years ago, 3 programmers could create masterpieces such as Monkey Island in about a year and players didn't have to suffer the terrible B movie voice acting, hundreds of cutscenes or 3D confusing controls. I believe the 32 bit era was the last one where games were just games, and when some of them tried to be movies it was tolerable as they were quite pixelated and you felt like they were trying something cool and different.

 

By the way, another game that would be great to have on the Amico is a new 2D Abe's Oddyssee with multiplayer modes. I would go gung ho for it.

19 hours ago, Blarneo said:

Tommy 🧐... "During my time in congress I took the initiative in creating the Internet." -Al Gore

"He said he invented the internet" -Bush campaign staffer.

creating & inventing are not synonyms.🤣

 

It was bad phrasing on his part and opened him up for ridicule to be sure, but he was historically correct. Before the information highway democratization legislation, the network was called the Arpanet. 

 

Yep.  I know what he meant... that's why I chose that particular video to post as it explains the situation and follow up.  It's just kinda funny the way the words did come out of his mouth. 

 

 

.

 

18 hours ago, Blarneo said:

I may be mistaken, but I thought the executives were embezzling the Ouya bank accounts and that's why Ouya went belly up. Not true?😕

There's a LOT of reasons to choose from! 

 

 

32 minutes ago, ASalvaro said:

with very few exceptions i never did like 3d games 

I can count on one hand the non-racing 3D games that I actually liked. I never got into FPSs. But Once MS released Ori and the Blind Forest, I was like "Now you're talking!" Then we got Cuphead. Both were big hits, so I think 2.5D is coming back with more generous dev budgets & the genre is rising above stocking stuffer status.

 

But they still get overshadowed by Call of Duty67: This time we're serious with 5 more bullets *with optional DLC pack.

18 hours ago, deepwell67 said:

Thoroughly enjoyed the LED light show from the AMICO in the video!

Didn't you know...  I was hypnotizing all of you and brainwashing you to like the console. 

 

17 hours ago, GrudgeQ said:

Such a great statement. On one side people need to respect that launching a new console is hard, extremely hard. This OuyaTwoYa crap is just that - mindless blather by people who could never pull off a launch of a console themselves.  However that doesn’t mean that consumers should buy into any pitch by a company launching a new product.

 

My appreciation of the Amico concept is equal parts believe in the concept of family friendly coop & solo gaming but also the willingness of Tommy to address issues. This is really all you can expect of a new product launch before physical items are available. Of course you must expect that not all questions can be answered and even those that can will have a positive spin. If you can’t understand that then you are ill prepared to operate in a commercial society. We all need to be adults here and put on our big boy/girl pants.

 

Intellivision Entertainment could screw up the Amico in a thousand different ways but I am impressed that Tommy and team have seemed at least to think about the possible failure points presented in questions so far. That does NOT mean they are going to succeed but the risk if they don’t is primarily on Tommy and his investors. They have put tens of millions of dollars into Amico (by my estimation, maybe less, maybe just millions but still WAY more than a single $179 console) while as of yet consumers have been asked to shoulder zero of that amount. Once pre orders open then the situation changes but as always pre orders should be a way of supporting ideas and companies where you know you are risking 100% of what you put in - it isn’t for everyone or even most people.

 

Question away - as long as those questions are actual questions and not thinly veiled attempts at trolling or proving that “this sucks”. Nobody knows how great or terrible Amico will be but it certainly has proven through physical results and proactive communication that it deserves a chance to be considered.

 

 

Thanks for the kind support.  And to be honest... yeah... we make small mistakes here and there all the time.  We go down certain paths (such as the 2 buttons on each side at the top) but then end up correcting it because we do a ton of research and listen to what others have to say.

As I mentioned in my video to Ian & Pat... at the end of the day I'm the one who takes all the data and needs to figure out what I think the best way to go is.  But it's never without lots of data and thought.