Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

On 8/5/2020 at 3:43 PM, GrudgeQ said:

Intellivision (Monster) Spades: Before you skip over this one, here is our first real glimpse of how custom menus/card games will work with the Amico controllers. Everything is nice & chunky, easy to see and understand. I can't wait to see what the Taunt feature is. Also those monsters are pretty freak'n cute

 

Spades for the most part is more of an adult style game (especially on mobile).  We've turned it into a more family friendly experience that everyone can enjoy.  Not just a deck of cards, but adding it characters gives it more of an overall appeal.  Some will hate it I'm sure.  But again, not every game is intended to be liked by every person on the planet.  We even have a "kid" mode we've added.

On 8/5/2020 at 3:47 PM, haplo13 said:

New shirt in the store since I last looked yesterday...

I like the Purple one as well!

3 hours ago, N0mi said:

I honestly wasn't expecting a post like this after almost everyone here seemed to praise the presentation and the game footage. Like someone else said (sorry, I can't find the post anymore), after Tommy announced the new release date it was such a downer for me that I soon fast forwarded to the part where the games were shown. I expected a delay, but was bummed when it got pushed back that far. Was still hopping for Christmas, though. 

I wonder how so many people here would state the games look great when a lot of them don't? Moon Patrol was mentioned in several posts as a negative example and Nitro Derby is another. Something isn't right with the colors, the palette or whatever, the background (the track) looks dull and the cars look like someone did a copy and pasted them into an unfitting image. I truly hope those tracks were just placeholders for revised versions to come. I am well aware that this is all a work in progress, but those games still need a lot of adjustment and fine tuning... they really do! 

Yeah, that's why I felt it needed to be said. Lots of supporters here (me included) and we all want this thing to succeed like gangbusters... but I have serious concerns at this point. Like you, I'm hoping it's just a lot of early/placeholder graphics awaiting finalization, but we'll see. The other thing that concerns me is how much the Switch has blown up popularity wise since. When they announced the Amico, the Switch didn't have anything like the multplayer/couch co op library it has now. A list stuff like Towerfall, Hive Jump, Heroes of Hammerwatch, Killer Queen Black etc. Some serious competition now.

Hopefully, though, we're jumping at shadows and the Amico team will carve out a nice, small niche in the market and be successful long term. I really want it to be. And I'm glad they pushed back the release. From the last demo... it needs some more time in the oven.

On 8/5/2020 at 4:57 PM, ColdCoffee said:

I thought Missile Command stole the show. It had major improvements over what was shown in the co-op demo.
Earthworm Jim is looking good. Dig the hand drawn style and the scale of him on screen is going to be very much like the retro games.

 

I wanted to see more of the interactive lighting in action with an actual game.

Astrosmash still looks a bit flat. I hope they will add more animations when moving the player ships around and shooting. Needs a bit more Metal Slug added to its art style.
No J.Allard

Again... Missile Command is only one small example of seeing the growth of the games.  Much different than what we've shown in the past.  Gets better each and every time.  Games shouldn't necessarily be judged by early demos a year before they come out.  I wanted to take interested folks on this journey with us.  Show things as they are being made.  Some assume that everything they see is going to look the same on launch.  If we've proved anything over the past year is that all of the games keep improving as they go.  Very typical game development process.  And although most companies would never show anything that is incomplete (which is where a lot of the confusion and negativity stem from) we prefer to do things a little different for those who are interested in paying attention way before the system is launched.  Should be seen as a fun and interesting thing... not a negative. 

On 8/5/2020 at 4:59 PM, Stoke said:

I get what you are saying. Maybe I was too hard on the fox game (it is a work in progress).  I know Covid is slowing things down, but I still don't think the video should have been delayed. The optics are horrible with the addition of a 6 month delay of the console. I think missing Christmas is a mistake too. Just my humble opinion, but I do have a business degree (granted I do not have all the facts). I hope I am wrong, as I wish only the best for Intellivision.

 

In short, I was wowed by Nightstalker and Cloudy Mountain and was expecting a similar experience.

 

A lot more of those experiences coming.  Part of a 6 month delay is also keeping enough "ammunition" to release over the next 8 months. 

On 8/5/2020 at 5:01 PM, GrudgeQ said:

Key Intellivision staffers shown off in the announcement:

The incredibly photogenic children were Hans' 2 boys and their friends.

Glad to see a shout out to Puffy!  Had to get him somewhere in there!

Hahhahaa!

On 8/5/2020 at 5:05 PM, Intellivision Master said:

There's Puffy.  I was hoping we got the mascot reveal during the event.  

Still way too early.

On 8/5/2020 at 5:17 PM, Intellivision Master said:

 

This was really great!  I'm glad he enjoyed the event.  Kinda hilarious that "certain" people try to throw Mad Little Pixel in my face by saying that he "canceled" his Founder's Edition therefor we will fail. 

Reality:  He didn't love the woodgrain (understandable), was having money issues right at the start of COVID (very understandable!) and a few weeks later when his finances were in a better place he ended up ordered a VIP instead.  Still will wait to judge it based on the games (like everyone will) and is hoping for its success.

On 8/5/2020 at 5:22 PM, nightmonkeyii said:

Hey tommy.

i noticed that sideswipers was originally developed for vr. (The logo depicts some creature wearing a vr headset) will they release a version on psvr? Would be absolutely awesome in vr!

Also, it hotwheels officially affiliated with the game, or a chance that it will be?

Sideswipers was only just intended and created for Amico.  I think you may be thinking about Nitro Derby.  As I mentioned during the event, the initial demo was originally made in VR for a location based entertainment place in Texas.  But as soon as I saw the demo, I got it exclusively for Amico.  Won't be showing up in VR or any other platform.

On 8/5/2020 at 5:44 PM, Intellivision Master said:

 

That was fun!

The original OG Shill!!

59 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

We weren't pissed at all.  The upload was perfectly fine.  Had it up there and tested hours before the event.  Sorry that you had an issue.  Must have been super frustrating for you at the time.

It looked to be semi limited which is a good thing. If you look back at the chat some people were hit with it, it was a you tube thing but again, it was limited thank god, so alls well that ends well

On 8/5/2020 at 5:55 PM, vongruetz said:

The biggest surprise for me was that they're doing a game based on Blank Slate. That game is AWESOME. Whenever the whole family gets together, the two games we always play are Farkle and Blank Slate. Now both of those are coming to Amico. If you've never played it, it really is a fun game that everyone of all ages (well... above the age of 7 maybe) can play and have a great time with.

 

My wife's favorite part was probably Bomb Squad. It looked like an escape room, and the idea of solving puzzles together really peaked her interest.

 

Yeah!  I believe @GrudgeQ pointed this out as well in a post.  Both Blank Slate and Telestrations are GREAT FAMILY/FRIEND FUN!!  And the cool thing is that because of the controller... the Amico versions offer a LOT of greatness. 

I just didn't want to pick any old board games.  It's really got to make sense as to why the Amico version would make sense and be even more appealing than the normal games (which are still AWESOME without Amico of course!).

Incan Gold is another great one! 

Having a screen on a controller and having a central screen that everyone can view is a catalyst for very unique gameplay and ideas.  We see it already with the incredibly popular and awesome Jackbox Games.  How about those types of experiences times a thousand.

While some folks may discuss the merits of art styles they like or dislike in a shooter or platform game, the fact that millions of people LOVE multi-award winning games like Blank Slate, Telestrations & Incan Gold (and a ton of people who have never played it) speaks volumes for what we are going to achieve and how.  Cool that the other game you always play is Farkle!  And who would have thought that a game like Bomb Squad would be liked by woman and/or casual or non-gamers?  Teamwork is fun!  And yes... definitely has some Escape Room vibes.  People may try to say that Nintendo, Sony & Microsoft are our "competition"... but like a lot of you have heard me say in the past.  I believe that things like puzzles, board & card games are more competition with our main audience.  And there is certainly room for everyone in all those categories.

On 8/5/2020 at 6:09 PM, gogamego said:

Tommy, are you left-handed? I couldn't help notice that you were using your right hand for the circle pad playing Skiing. As I right-hander, I figure I will just play as I normally do...circle pad will be in my left hand.

Just curious.

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
 

No.  I'm right handed.  Which makes my right hand dominant... which is why I use that one for the main control of the game.  Although the strange thing is... sometimes I pick it up and play Skiing the other way around with my left hand too!!  Similar to every platform gave ever.  But again... that's one of the super cool things about the controller.  WHATEVER way you want to play it... you can (for the most part). 

p.s.  I also wear my watch on my dominant right hand (again... if it's my dominant, I would naturally turn that wrist to see it).  But I've been told that is more because of being an Aquarius than anything else.  Hahhaha!  

Tommy, one of the games that I loved as a kid on my Intellivision was B-17 Bomber.  A flight simulator/aerial dogfighter on a game console!  It was such a fun game!  Any plans to bring that one back in some form or another on the Amico?

P.S.  Just set you a private message on a separate topic.  Thx!

On 8/5/2020 at 6:11 PM, gogamego said:

Am I the only one excited for the Evel Kenievel game? I haven't heard anyone talk about it. I've played the mobile version and am enjoying it. I'm sure the Amico version will be way better with a controller.

Sent from my PH-1 using Tapatalk
 

If you liked the mobile version of Evel you're gonna absolutely LOVE the new one!!   So many more upgrades, ways to make you laugh, challenges, levels, vehicles, audio, multiplayer, etc! 

Take the original game and then add 9 months of super talented developers (who made the original) to the mix as well as art & animation direction from our internal Intellivision team.  

It's gonna be a GREAT one!  It's one of those games that everyone could stand around and watch and not get bored of and everyone could take a turn as well.  Going to be one of the sleeper hits. 

Oh... and kids absolutely LOVE IT!!

On 8/5/2020 at 6:14 PM, bigdaddygamestudio said:

for me it will come down to the rag doll physics.  if they are done right, then they are a blast and can have you laughing all night as you torture the poor guy.

Oh hell yeah!!

We've already redone and added bunch of articulation points.  It's freakin' hilarious!!

On 8/5/2020 at 6:29 PM, GrudgeQ said:

Here are the official retailer/distributors announced so far - I have a feeling there is at least one or two more majors are coming:

 

●        GameStop

●        Amazon, Amazon.ca, Amazon Europe

●        Walmart.com and Walmart.ca

●        Walmart (Canada)

●        Best Buy (Canada)

●        Electronics Boutique (Canada)

●        Koch Media (Europe)

●        Mediamarkt (Germany)

●        Saturn (Germany)

Yep!  More on the way!

On 8/5/2020 at 7:07 PM, Intellivision Master said:

 

Very cool!

On 8/5/2020 at 7:06 PM, Intellivision Master said:

 

Bummer he got the price wrong.  He probably thought the $299 he paid for the Founders Edition is the final price on all the consoles.  $249 for Glacier White or Graphite Black and $279 for the Special Editions (GTO Red, Vintage Woodgrain & Galaxy Purple).

Fair video overall though.  Fair concerns & praises.

On 8/5/2020 at 7:16 PM, cvga said:

I watched it on my phone and it played perfectly with no lag. I enjoyed being able to see and hear from some of the people behind the scenes at Intellivision Entertainment and the various programmers developing games. It certainly added some legitimacy for me. And of course, I'm always interested in seeing actual game footage. I was a little surprised that I'm more interested in the games that aren't updated Intellivision games from 80s given those games were the primary reason I ordered an FE.

 

Overall, although disappointing, the delay isn't surprising and certainly wasn't unexpected given worldwide events. I can wait until 4/3 and will be excited to show the console to a bunch of people who have no idea that it evens exists before then

 

 

Thanks for contributing.  I don't recognize you around these parts.  Glad to have you join in the discussion and give your thoughts.

A lot of people enjoyed the "legitimacy" factor... which was really one of the main themes and goals for us.  Glad to know it worked in your case as well.

Also cool to know that you enjoyed some of the non-original Intellivision games as well.  Many more to come!

Thanks!

On 8/5/2020 at 7:25 PM, falvster said:

Tommy,
I've been following this thread from the beginning and I'm sorry 10/10/2020 didn't work out....it was obviously very important to you.

That date can still be important in the amico universe.....maybe choose 10/10/21 as the release date for original intellivision games or something else with intellivision. Anyway I'm on board with a FE console and wish the best for you guys.

Sent from my LM-V405 using Tapatalk
 

Thank you for your thoughts.

Gonna be doing something special on THIS 10/10 as well I hope.  Will depend on COVID crap though.  I have a really cool idea, just not sure it will be possible because of the restrictions and lock-downs still in full effect where we are.

On 8/5/2020 at 8:07 PM, Jake67 said:

What a great idea. Each year 10/10 can be marked in some way special. Even this year, it can be marked with something... a new sneak-peek video, announcement of a new partnership, etc... just something so that 10/10 is always part of the yearly Amico calendar.

Thank you all for your kindness and understanding regarding 10/10 and the importance to me.

On 8/5/2020 at 8:22 PM, Raystorm90000 said:

I thought Tommy and his team did an overall nice job and seeing all the people involved really humanized the project.

I was happy to see games like Astrosmash, Missile Command and Moon Patrol to continue to be polished and refined and I am confident that by the Spring launch they will be  near perfectly tweaked and real showcases of retro re-imagined.

I like the look of Finnegan Fox, a nice balance between kid friendly and cool with a hint of creepy and look forward to seeing more.

I am curious to see what the final UI will look like, the current version definitely works but given how much we have seen the games evolve I am curious what stage the UI is at. 

Thanks! 

Yes!  We wanted to humanize the project for sure.  Glad that came across.

Yes!  "...continue to be polished and refined" was also a great take-a-way that I think may have been lost on some folks.

Yes!  Finnigan Fox will be a spiritual successor to a really cool (but difficult) game.  We are taking all the best parts of the original, getting rid of the bad and adding a lot of new and great stuff.  Can't wait for folks to play that one!

Yes!  The UI has been constantly worked on for awhile now.  Didn't want to show the new version as that can be its own video down the road.  So reverted to last years mock-up version to give a little idea of what we'll be doing.  

On 8/5/2020 at 8:26 PM, haplo13 said:

What a great event!  I am glad Tommy addressed the release date right off the bat.  As I said before, I was expecting a delay so I really wasn't too phased by that (although I selfishly wish it was only a couple months).  I do think, though, that it will only make the system software and games that much more solid.  I really liked seeing and hearing from the many development teams working on the Amico - and of course the gameplay footage from each. Really glad to see kid-friendly designs on games like Liar's Dice, Finnigan Fox, and Spades. I'm looking forward to more reveals from the edutainment and casual/board/card game categories.  Seeing the console being played (kids playing cornhole and Tommy playing skiing) may have been the highlight for me.  Excellent job by the entire Intellivision Entertainment family.  Only small disappointment is I have to wait a bit longer for a deeper look at Biplanes.

April 2021 can't come soon enough!

 

Also, put me down for the matte woodgrain option.

Thanks!!  It was a hugely successful event for us and ticked all the boxes we were looking to tick.

Yeah... Bi-Planes was one of the games that we were going to show, but the event just got to be too long.  There were literally 20 items that we ended up taking off.  It could have easily been a 2 1/2 hour show! 

But again... LOTS and LOTS of material to share with folks over the next 8 months.