Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

Phew!  About 20 pages behind after my break.  Not too bad.  Lots to catch up on I'm sure.  Will start a few today.

In the meantime... Gamescom started last week and Intellivision has a bunch of really cool things going on.

We are official partners of Gamescom:
https://www.gamescom.global/gamescom-now/partners/

European president Hans Ippisch did a speech on the Main Stage at Gamescom last week:
https://tinyurl.com/y44vcvyt

The description of his talk was old and had to be different because of the launch delay, but according to Hans it was very well received and the public video will be posted soon!

In the meantime, last month... as part of the big online Gamescom developer program this year (Devcom), me, Hans, David Perry & J Allard did a fireside chat podcast which was the very first one to appear and kick off the program.

It's the first time me, Dave, J & Hans did an interview all together.  Some really cool stuff.  It's almost 2 hours, but please let me know what your favorite parts were.
https://www.patreon.com/posts/fireside-cast-j-39172215?fbclid=IwAR1_AYmrZxX1ywSQRtvLxF7qi-AuCZ1wHLNqzBn3QC1YBuK_JZ-AcXKyBeM

On 8/8/2020 at 1:37 PM, vongruetz said:

My daughter plays Fortnite. She also plays Minecraft. She casually plays PS4 games and plays a ton of mobile games. So is she a target market for Amico? Absolutely.  Why? Because Amico isn't meant to be the sole console for people like her. For those types of people, for people like myself, Amico isn't meant to replace the PS4, but to be a companion to it. 

 

I say this because while I enjoy playing video games, and while my daughter enjoys playing video games, when friends are over, we're not busting out the PS4 to play a game. When the grandparents come over, we don't fire up Fortnite to play a fun game together. That's when we always turn the Wii on. That (almost) 14 year old machine that still sits under the TV because it has games that play in such a way that everyone understands them. Games like Just Dance, Wii Sports, and Mario Kart are easily played by people of all skill levels. They are games my wife will play with us.

 

For some, Amico might be the only video game console they own. For others, it might be their 3rd. I don't think that looking at Amico as "the only console I'll ever own" is not going to be the case for most people in this forum. It won't be the only console you'll play. It has its place for very specific times when the other ones just don't provide you with what you need. Just because you like playing Fortnite, doesn't mean you don't also enjoy playing match three games on your phone. 

Yeah.  I agree 100%.  This is one of the big disconnects with some folks. 

It's not a binary decision folks.  That is the great thing about having choices.

Welcome back Tommy.  I hope you had a great vacation.  

On 8/8/2020 at 2:44 PM, theswede said:

Yes, the “casting” with the controller is a given, but imagine what could be done using also the force feedback, speaker, touchscreen etc, I really hope they get a nice fishing game out.

It is definitely on our "to do" list and we have a GREAT developer lined up who is very prolific in the fishing category!  Project isn't started yet, but hoping for Christmas 2021.

On 8/8/2020 at 4:18 PM, Juice said:

maybe they're just confused who the system is for because one person was saying it was for people over 50 and other people are saying it's for kids it is pretty confusing. That's probably why they're reacting confused.

It can't be for both?

Not really that confusing. 

Welcome back Tommy!

On 8/8/2020 at 5:49 PM, Swami said:

My favorite game was Moon Patrol. I loved the graphics for it. I also loved the User Interface with the Amico robot. I don't care for 16-bit pixel art, it looks like needle stitch, so I'm fine without it and like the TOTALLY NEW Finnigan Fox game compared to the Fox and Forests one.

Yeah, kinda funny that "certain folks" seem to be so insulted by the fact that we're using a way better looking graphic style on things like Finnigan Fox and Earthworm Jim.  Again, art is subjective... whether folks want to admit it or not.  And although there are a lot of folks who appreciate the pixel style art... there are more (especially in our target audience) who like what we're doing much much better. 

Again, these folks fall into their little elitist bubbles and demand that whatever they like needs to happen... or else Amico is going to be a failure.  Zero sense that a majority of other people may not like the same style of art as they do.  It's really quite telling of their own maturity level at that point.  I recognize that a great many people adore pixel art, we've also done massive amounts of real research on what the majority of people think.  Anyone want to guess the outcome? 

If you ask a casual or non-gamer or young child which art style they prefer... pixel or cartoon quality... which will they pick?  I know the answer. 

A lot of folks told us that pixel graphics reminded them of really hard games from the late 80's & early 90's.  I thought that was an interesting observation as games were definitely designed differently back then.

If you ask the average 3 billion mobile players which art style they prefer.  What do you think they will say 9 times out of 10? 

It's actually pretty much common sense.  But we did research on it as well.

The people who won't be drawn to Amico hate our art style.  Our massive target market loves our art style. 

Real simple stuff.  Fascinating that anyone would try to argue that point.

11 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

It is definitely on our "to do" list and we have a GREAT developer lined up who is very prolific in the fishing category!  Project isn't started yet, but hoping for Christmas 2021.

That would be a great addition to the Amico titles.

Speaking personally, I do hope it is a lot more 'Fishing Derby' then 'Ultimate Fishing Simulator'. 40 years later, and I am still having just as much fun playing Fishing Derby! It is quick to learn and fun to play, all without the need for tons of customization options.

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

Is it so hard for people to understand it can be popular with different demographics?  Some gamers have no imagination. They just want to see what they've seen before or they crap themselves.

Yes... it does seem to be hard for those folks. 

"IF YOU DON'T LIKE WHAT I LIKE THEN YOU ARE DOING IT WRONG AND ARE GOING TO FAIL!"

On 8/8/2020 at 6:24 PM, Juice said:

Some of us are non gamers though. I'll give my honest opinion. That moon patrol game made me quit right away because I couldn't get anywhere. I think you guys may be right as a non gamer this system probably isn't for me. My wife tried the moon patrol game too and she couldn't play it. my suggestion for the amico is that it doesn't have invisible buttons on the screen like the mobile Moon patrol it's pretty confusing and hard to get used to. And yes you may be thinking I'm stupid or an idiot but hey I'm a non-gamer lol.

The Moon Patrol demo wasn't meant for your wife... or you (if you're a non-gamer).  It's focus was for retro gamers who are following us at this point.  No advertising has begun yet.  More "simple" and "family" and "non-gamer" style demos will be coming.  If we did them now then people would blast us for that as well.  So no matter what we do, people will attack us either way.  So we stick to our plan which is currently working great.

I don't believe anyone said that "as a non gamer this system probably isn't for you".  The exact opposite in fact. 

Judge the console when it comes out and see what it has to offer for you and your wife.  I bet there are going to be a LOT of really cool experiences that you'll enjoy and that you won't be able to get anywhere else.

Looking forward to sharing more info with everyone about these types of experiences.

On 8/8/2020 at 6:36 PM, Relicgamer said:

Ok heres one for everyone, including Tommy seeing he has some knowledge on gaming. And maybe there is a name that describes it already. 

We hear the term hardcore gamer all the time. But when I hear that its usually describing people that play modern games either on xbox 1 ps4 and pc, often online gaming. If I'm wrong correct me. 

And when we hear about people into retro games its often thought of people 50+ years old and are called boomers by younger gamers. Even have casual gamers and hyper casual gamers 

This brings me to the world of perfomance cars like Lamborghinis Porsches and Ferrari's and are called supercars. And the koenigsegg Bugattis and ect are known as hypercars. 

So what do you call someone thats into retro games like arcades pinball up to all current games? Basically no game left behind kind of person. 

an enthusiast!

On 8/8/2020 at 6:43 PM, Yarzzz said:

Totally on point. 

 

I didnt want to post here cause this thread has become an echo chamber but you summoned me so.  Also im not Pat nor Ian. Theres a lot of people outside this forum with fair criticism about the Amico but obviously the people here dont want to hear that ,so i will remain silent and just post my reactions (more reactions are needed but we have what we have). Thank you.

Simply saying this place is an "echo chamber" is as lame as it is incorrect.  Saying that people in here don't take FAIR criticism is nothing more than a tired misinformed talking point by folks not wanting to hear anyone elses' "opinions and perspectives" other than their own.

There have been many folks who have come here to discuss what they don't like about the system.  And they are always treated with respect if they are being respectful.  Many people within this thread have disagreed with me and each other on certain things and we're mature enough to understand that not everyone has the same opinion as everyone else... so we move on in a respectful manner.  So no... unlike what you have heard, this place is not an echo chamber.  The only folks saying that are the sour pusses who either got banned because they couldn't follow simple forum rules set forth by AA or they came here being disrespectful to everyone elses' opinions and got angry if everyone didn't agree with them.

But don't take my word for it.  Let me PROVE it to you.

Please tell me your "fair criticisms" about Amico and lets have a mature conversation about it and maybe I can explain to you why we do certain things the way we do... maybe you will even come to the realization that although you may not like a way we are doing certain things... that others may.  And there's nothing wrong with that.

Let me know your thoughts.  Interested in hearing more.

On 8/8/2020 at 7:15 PM, Juice said:

I don't play any games. and I've mentioned before why I'm here and what brought me here because this was a system first advertised for non-gamers. I used to play video games N64 my favorite. I don't post on any other boards and to say I come here regularly is a stretch before the announcement I was gone for like a month.

I'm interested in finding out what particular types of games are you hoping to play and experience on Amico.  Your wife as well.

Please post a list of genres or similar type games or maybe games that don't even exist in the digital world yet.

Tell me more.

On 8/8/2020 at 7:19 PM, mr_me said:

Think of the Amico controller as having three buttons.  Two shoulder buttons and the touchscreen.  The touchscreen being one big button, you can't miss it.

 

Not all Amico games are for casual gamers.  Some are a little more hard-core than others.  I expect the Amico store will have these characteristics in the game descriptions.

Yep!  You'll be able to see and read what type of game it is before purchasing.  As well as a star rating and level of difficulty, how many players, etc.

On 8/8/2020 at 10:05 PM, martianman2012 said:

Good point. I see this go round and round again. This forum is open to public...But it's best used chatting and speculating (with the designers of the product), in a cordial manner. People coming in to complain to Tommy and to sour grape it up (fighting what is), are just kinda wasting text and costing those who enjoy healthy chat the need to page through crap to read actual progressive/relevant feed. 

 

Technically open to public / be cordial

 

This reminds me of Eckhart Tolle's great wisdom from the book "The Power of Now"

 

1. Can you change what is if you don't like it? No?

2. Can you live with what is?

No?

3. Remove yourself from that situation. 

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1577314808/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Dm4lFbKH6B4AQ

One of my favorite authors!  Have met him a few times.

His books are genius.

On 8/9/2020 at 12:52 AM, adam1977 said:

Well said and I fully agree, i've noticed since the delay was announced that a lot of the haters have started to come out of the woodwork again, but what I say is this, bring it on if it makes you feel big, because at the end of the day Amico will be successful and all you're managing to do is isolate yourselves into a minority of bitter and twisted individuals 🙄

Nailed it!

On 8/9/2020 at 10:50 AM, Relicgamer said:

Tommy how do you feel about a type of game of surviving a disaster. To get a idea of what I'm talking about look up disaster report from Irem yup same Irem that did moon patrol.  It was available on ps2. Its based on a reporter going to a floating city when a earth quake causes the city to start sinking and buildings falling.  Its alot about solving problems to get further. When it came out it to me was amazing approach to story telling.  It did have parts where people are trying to kill you with guns but you are having to hide and run from the threat. They did do a sequel but didnt seem as good. I know this console is 2d 2.5d and thats fine I just love this type of game style. What would be cool is if it had 2 to 4 players working together to survive a disaster.  Anyway maybe you can tap into the Irem crew. 

It's funny... I remember reviewing that Disaster Report game on our TV shows.  I didn't realize it was Irem who did that.

I'll ask.

On 8/9/2020 at 11:40 AM, RetroAdvisoryBoard said:

I like promoting reasonable voices.  A ton.  Please show this new channel some love.. covers a range of new and vintage gaming coverage.  Thoughtful input on Amico, for its success and skepticism.  Check him out.

 

 

That was great.

Enjoyed that and left a comment.

On 8/9/2020 at 4:35 PM, Alpha82 said:

It’s really nice to see someone cover Intellivision with balanced coverage he may have concerns and questions but it’s not driven by any kind of bias 

In other words.... a "normal" person.

On 8/10/2020 at 6:02 AM, Intellivision Master said:

This is part one of two.  

Nice one!

We apologize for the interruption in Tommy's answers. You may notice he has stopped answering questions for a few minutes. When he finishes reading through 3 consecutive pages of offtopic messages that don't include any question (many of them mine), he will continue with the regular schedule.

Welcome back from.vacation. @Tommy Tallarico. 

You will have tons of pages to go through 

But  only one that matters 

Ok.i.kid

Buuuut. If we get a wouldnt that be something to.this im gonna ge happier than a toothless girl on prom.night getting asked to.prom at the very last minute. 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gamespot.com/amp-articles/demons-ate-my-neighbors-will-pay-homage-to-a-retro/1100-6480904/

    shooting enemies with squirt guns and cop op. Thats soooo amico.    And its one of the few games if gonthenpixel art direction  it wouldnt hurtnitnin my opinion  or it can gon hand drawn animation. All that matte4s is its inspired by one if the greatest  games on snes and genesis and gas the gest sound track thats not a tommy soundtrack on genesis.

i dunnonif these are thevsane guys that are making the amico toe jam and earl but they did the latest remaster

and   prays gor a wouldnt  that be something.... or an ahhhh ...(pause) my marketing team will.kill.me ig 8 say anything.  

anyways we have  a tropical storm and a hurricane  headed our way.  Might jot be on mych for a few days .

 depends on weather.

its 2020.  .....i have tp and water...im.good . 

@Tommy Tallarico

I have two questions about Amico controller use that, depending on the answer, may result in criticisms. I imagine that these issues came up in R&D or in whatever focus group testing Intellivision has been performed.

1.     Will any Amico game require the player to quickly look back and forth between the television and controller screens? By ‘quickly,’ I mean more often than once or twice a minute. If ‘yes,’ will this requirement be common in games where there is a good deal of motion on the television screen, controller screen, or both? If ‘yes,’ how will the Amico mitigate multiple-screen eyestrain issues (see https://time.com/4171966/digital-device-eye-strain-screens/). This is something I worry about with child and elderly eyesight especially, and, given that this console is designed to be safe and family-friendly, I would like to know how it will be addressed.

2.     Will any Amico game require the player to quickly press the touch screen? By ‘quickly,’ I mean in the range of every couple of seconds. If ‘yes,’ how will the Amico mitigate stress or strain injuries to the player? Without the travel of a button (which is not perfect to begin with), I worry that quick presses of the touch screen could be bad for fingers, thumbs, wrists, etc. (see https://www.technologyreview.com/2012/01/17/188347/can-touch-screens-hurt-you/).

While these issues are not unique to the Amico, the console’s focus on being a safe, family-friendly machine means that they apply to the Amico. Certainly, the references that I include are not the final say on these issues, but they do make me reticent to get a console like this for my nieces.