Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

@Tommy...

 

Your team probably already knows this... but the Atari VCS apparently ran into some production cost issues. Looks like they're down-sizing the build style and production design. Instead of a 16 piece "fin" unit, it's now two halves (top and bottom), many of the LED's were removed and the unit will be a little smaller. The SD slot was removed as they claim you'll be able to use the USB port to load other software.

Comments of disappointed and frustrated fans already.... BUT one comment I read on a posted article was that many are EXCITED about the Amico and are looking forward to what it will have to offer for family entertainment... rather than what the VCS looks like it's shaping up to be, which appears be a ported Retropie/Stella/Retroarch unit in a fancy case. Since Atari has already ported all of their home and arcade games to just about EVERY platform on the planet, seems like a lot of comments lend to the fact that it's really just to own the unit, moreso than to play the old games.

 

Just posting for the awareness of what the competition is doing... looks like the early 80's all over again... but this time... Intellivision is going to SMOKE Atari!!!

 

Knock 'em dead Amico!

 

https://www.slashgear.com/atari-vcs-gaming-pc-console-gets-a-design-overhaul-31571686/

https://www.tomsguide.com/us/atari-vcs-2019-redesign,news-29778.html

https://medium.com/@atarivcs/atari-vcs-structural-improvements-and-feature-adjustments-ba4ee3af5317

 

JR

 

Yep! Absolutely!

 

Thanks for the links. I just follow the Atari Facebook page comments, the comments in this forum and a lot of the comments on various YouTube videos.

 

I do hope the new Atari comes out and is successful... that way the bar to beat them will be higher. Slaughtering them out of the gate wouldn't be as much fun.

 

40 years later... Intellivision wins Round 2!

 

 

I'm psyched for the Amico. I'm more excited for the Amico than either the PS5 or Xbox Two (although I will probably buy them as well). I'm loving the updated intellivision, arcade, and atari games. Can't wait to finally see some games in action.

 

You'll be seeing a TON on June 11th! Can't wait to show everyone!!!

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess the Amico has an ARM processor. Is that information you're free to share yet? 32 bit or 64 bit? How many cores?

 

8 cores. ARM. Internally made Linux/Android hybrid OS.

 

But it doesn't really matter about the "power" of the processor. We're not going to complete with Sony, Microsoft & Nintendo in the "power" dept. We're not going to compete with Google & Apple in the "budget" dept.

 

But we CAN and WILL compete with them in the IDEA dept.! I feel very comfortable in saying that we have created the most unique game system since the Wii.

 

We have only revealed about HALF of what the system can do and is capable of. Once people hear all the other info... the excitement level will be intensified for sure.

 

 

More to come in June!

Very much looking forward to what you have in store for us come June. I am following the development of this console very close as I am very interested into seeing how this all comes together. Definitely I wish you and the company good luck and nothing but the best going forward. Hopefully IE is able to deliver a truly wonderful console with an awesome array of games.

 

8 cores. ARM. Internally made Linux/Android hybrid OS.

But it doesn't really matter about the "power" of the processor. We're not going to complete with Sony, Microsoft & Nintendo in the "power" dept. We're not going to compete with Google & Apple in the "budget" dept.

But we CAN and WILL compete with them in the IDEA dept.! I feel very comfortable in saying that we have created the most unique game system since the Wii.

We have only revealed about HALF of what the system can do and is capable of. Once people hear all the other info... the excitement level will be intensified for sure.



More to come in June!

Very much looking forward to what you have in store for us come June. I am following the development of this console very close as I am very interested into seeing how this all comes together. Definitely I wish you and the company good luck and nothing but the best going forward. Hopefully IE is able to deliver a truly wonderful console with an awesome array of games.

 

Thanks for the kind words and wishes! We won't let you down!!!!!

If these folks are making motion control games, I wonder if they will make the first decent semi-realistic tennis and baseball version.

 

Thanks for the kind words and wishes! We won't let you down!!!!!

Thats what Im talking about.

 

Looking forward to June!

If these folks are making motion control games, I wonder if they will make the first decent semi-realistic tennis and baseball version.

 

We are definitely doing certain games with motion controls. Some recreational sports and games like Bowling, Shuffleboard, Bocci, etc. lend itself nicely to motion controls. Baseball is a little tougher unless it's more of a Home Run Derby competition. I can say this... we are going to have multiple versions of sports games for every level of play.

We are definitely doing certain games with motion controls. Some recreational sports and games like Bowling, Shuffleboard, Bocci, etc. lend itself nicely to motion controls. Baseball is a little tougher unless it's more of a Home Run Derby competition. I can say this... we are going to have multiple versions of sports games for every level of play.

Sounds interesting.

 

It was a long time ago, but I think Wii Sports Tennis and Kinect Sports Tennis were okay, but were near to being mini-games. The other ones all involved strange movements to accomplish things. So, you could get good only if you followed the unrealistic patterns of movement. The announcer comments that were limited to three on a loop were also really annoying.

 

Processing power and programming power would bracket how good the baseball could be, except anything remotely contiguous like a game would always have the issue of having the other runners on base at the same time as someone at bat.That and any running/ball-chasing would be realistically out of the realm of a motion control game. So, yeah, then you end up with fragmented mini-games, I suppose: batting, pitching with keypad assistance for hand-finesse, catching hits (only coming right at you) and catching or throwing from/to team-mates, all as separate activities. I guess that might step it up a bit, but it kind of loses its entertainment value when it's out of context and repetitive.

Thats what Im talking about.

 

9CE5572E-D597-4596-A567-EDDAB5885F4D.jpeg

 

I liked that meme enough to remix/remaster/remodel it!

 

Bonus items:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/t8eujjrwr3p8etn/

 

 

As far as the Intellivision Amico:

 

It looks like the Inty brand was put into the right hands! I'm very excited but do have some concerns.

 

Some design choices range from dislike to concerning. I don't like the appearance of the console. I think it's competant, and am encouraged that there will be one in the design scheme of the original INTV, but I have yet to see it. Also for some reason, I can't find a way to sign up for the newsletter from IntellivisionntErtainment.com to be able to get one in the original design. I've tried 2 different browsers. Also the Amico console image on the homepage is SUPER blurry from both of the 2 browsers I've tried (Firefox and Vivaldi). Can't make out any detail. Not sure what's up. Maybe your site is unfriendly with heavy duty network security? I've at least allowed all scripts.

 

Also it would be cool to also have a choice of an Amico in the INTV II design as well, which was the Intellivision I owned growing up, and my first gaming console.

 

The biggest issue for me though is the controller. It doesn't look very ergonomic for one thing. The circular pad seems to be a fine choice so far (won't know for sure 'til I use one though). But the lack of tactile buttons on the front face of it is a HUGE issue! I understand that there's some on the sides, but those don't feel the great to me for many uses in gaming. I also understand the desire to implement a touch screen into the controllers, but not at the expense of real tactile buttons on the face! Maybe offer an alternative controller with tactile buttons. Touch-button gaming is so unappealing to me for most games. Though I love the Android platform and its emulation scene, I could absolutely only be truly be happy on that platform by using either an attachable controller with the device in landscape mode. That or my preffered Android gaming way: the Nvidia Shield Portable and Shield TV.

 

If an alternative tactile button controller is not an option, consider being more radical with the touch screen, and also add front facing tactile buttons in addition to the touch screen. Maybe take some inspiration from the Dreamcast and Nvidia Shield Portable and evolve the controller to appeal to a wider audience.

 

Anyways, that's all for now. Really excited and impressed with just about everything else so far! Amazing work Tommy and the rest of the INTV gang!

 

I liked that meme enough to remix/remaster/remodel it!

 

Bonus items:

http://www.mediafire.com/file/t8eujjrwr3p8etn/

 

 

As far as the Intellivision Amico:

 

It looks like the Inty brand was put into the right hands! I'm very excited but do have some concerns.

 

Some design choices range from dislike to concerning. I don't like the appearance of the console. I think it's competant, and am encouraged that there will be one in the design scheme of the original INTV, but I have yet to see it. Also for some reason, I can't find a way to sign up for the newsletter from IntellivisionntErtainment.com to be able to get one in the original design. I've tried 2 different browsers. Also the Amico console image on the homepage is SUPER blurry from both of the 2 browsers I've tried (Firefox and Vivaldi). Can't make out any detail. Not sure what's up. Maybe your site is unfriendly with heavy duty network security? I've at least allowed all scripts.

 

Also it would be cool to also have a choice of an Amico in the INTV II design as well, which was the Intellivision I owned growing up, and my first gaming console.

 

The biggest issue for me though is the controller. It doesn't look very ergonomic for one thing. The circular pad seems to be a fine choice so far (won't know for sure 'til I use one though). But the lack of tactile buttons on the front face of it is a HUGE issue! I understand that there's some on the sides, but those don't feel the great to me for many uses in gaming. I also understand the desire to implement a touch screen into the controllers, but not at the expense of real tactile buttons on the face! Maybe offer an alternative controller with tactile buttons. Touch-button gaming is so unappealing to me for most games. Though I love the Android platform and its emulation scene, I could absolutely only be truly be happy on that platform by using either an attachable controller with the device in landscape mode. That or my preffered Android gaming way: the Nvidia Shield Portable and Shield TV.

 

If an alternative tactile button controller is not an option, consider being more radical with the touch screen, and also add front facing tactile buttons in addition to the touch screen. Maybe take some inspiration from the Dreamcast and Nvidia Shield Portable and evolve the controller to appeal to a wider audience.

 

Anyways, that's all for now. Really excited and impressed with just about everything else so far! Amazing work Tommy and the rest of the INTV gang!

 

Hi MadZionist!,

 

Thank-you for joining the discussion and letting me know your concerns. This helps me to structure our future messaging as to certain things... because we do have answers, but sometimes can't release the information because of certain patents we are currently writing or because of things that we need to reveal at certain times.

 

But let me try to address everything in your post as best I can.

 

1. Website not working and no mailing list sign up - I think this must be something on your end? Tens of thousands of people sign up for our website every month and I've never heard anyone mention blurry pics. You mentioned you have some sort of high level security system on your computer... so I can only imagine it must be that? I used WIX to build the current site (I needed something quick at the time and before we had lots of employees like we do now) and they are one of the big folks in the field of user built websites so I'm guessing they probably have pretty good stability across all platforms and browsers. QUESTION: Did you try signing up with your mobile device? If it works, it might be an issue with your computer security setting or something. I'll bring it up to a few of the engineering folks in the office on Monday to have them take a look on our end though. We will be launching a huge and different website in 2020. But for now... we just need something basic and would rather spend our time & money on the hardware and the games right now.

 

2. Console design - Most modern consoles are nothing but one colored rectangles. I know I'm being biased here... but I love our design better than anything else currently on the market. But again... I'm biased as I helped to create it. That being said... I would ask you to wait until after E3 in June to see if you still don't like it. That is where we'll be showing REAL versions and REAL pics of what it really looks like AND all of the different initial color choices. When asking, I've found that a lot of people really just don't like the white & silver color. But it's hard to translate a really cool color white in a drawing. For example... what if it was a matte pearlescent metallic white? It may change your mind immediately. Imagine a black one with brushed gun metal aluminum highlights/straps. And of course... imagine a brown & gold with wood grain. In those initial drawings it was also missing the cool side vents that we now have which are a little more "aggressive". (We weren't certain of the airflow design back then).

 

But aside from the color and fact that you're still only seeing a sketch... the other thing to remember is who our target market really is. It's funny to me when I read people saying "it looks like a foot massager, or take-home box or something my mom would buy at Bed, Bath & Beyond!" YES!!! EXACTLY!!! The design needs to be friendly to moms and kids.... not to hardcore gamers. We're going after the 3 billion people in the world who play casual/mobile and who do NOT consider themselves gamers. We're not going after the 200 million hardcores. If we were... I would have made the thing look like a Lamborghini or Ferrari combined with a steampunk spaceship or something! So with that in mind... I'm totally fine if hardcore or retro gamers don't like the style right now... but we've done a TON of market testing with women and children and as Van Halen's 3rd album clearly stated on the front cover... WOMEN & CHILDREN FIRST!

 

And finally... there is a very important reason that the console is shaped the way it is that we still haven't revealed yet... and probably won't until 2020. It's an absolute FAMILY GAME CHANGER... but we are still a long way away from revealing why. But here's a little hint for everyone... there is a backstory with the new machine. Story is going to play an important role with the Amico and it will use the original Intellivision as one of the centerpieces of origin. That's all I can say for now.

3. Controller - As all the drawings and trailer said... "Preliminary Conceptual Designs". You'll see what they really look like in June. They are VERY ergonomic and thicker and shorter than what you see in the images from last year. You're concerned with no buttons on the face... but you're missing something very big! The disc IS a multi-directional tactile button!! The great thing about the controller design is that it can be used and held 4 different ways. And all of the games we'll be showing at E3 utilize it in different ways. Some of them use the disc as a button. As of right now, there isn't a single game that uses the touch screen for a button... because it's not needed! I know it might not make sense now... but in June it will (when we start revealing the games and our next trailer).

 

Another important element to remember is to NOT think of the controllers as something to play modern games on. Yeah... the controller would suck for a 1st person shooter. But that's not what we're making. Buttons on the face like you suggested would be more for modern twitch and arcade style games instead of what we're doing. Again I need to say... just wait for June. It will all make a lot more sense at that point.

 

And finally... If we were doing a PRO CONTROLLER version at launch... I wouldn't be able to tell you right now.

 

Thanks again for the feedback and please let me know if you're able to sign up on your mobile or not. I'd hate the idea of folks not being able to join our Mailing List.

 

Thanks!

Hi Tommy

 

Can the gamepads be used as a portable game system independent of the console? Can we get some Lynx love?

Your talking to a guy in a split household here Me>> Atari --- Wife>Intellivision.. I figure there's a good chance we'll

get one either way.

 

Rick

Hi Tommy

 

Can the gamepads be used as a portable game system independent of the console? Can we get some Lynx love?

Your talking to a guy in a split household here Me>> Atari --- Wife>Intellivision.. I figure there's a good chance we'll

get one either way.

 

Rick

Wow Rick, and I thought Carville and Matalin had a strained household.

I had to look that one up. I had no idea what you were talking about. I thought It might have been about a rap song

the Wife and I heard years ago. Boy was I wrong. You know the song, right?? I'm Xbox and she's more Atari....LOL

 

I wish I know the band.... Only heard it on the radio once.. not my style really.. but the lyrics are funny...

 

Back to Amico....

Have you heard the news???

Hi Tommy

 

Can the gamepads be used as a portable game system independent of the console? Can we get some Lynx love?

Your talking to a guy in a split household here Me>> Atari --- Wife>Intellivision.. I figure there's a good chance we'll

get one either way.

 

Rick

 

We're pretty sure that a few games will be hidden on the device as easter eggs... but big news about the controller and why you would take it with you is coming soon!

 

I love Earthworm Jim!😃

I love Earthworm Jim!

 

 

GROOOOOVY!!!!

In the area of games to play together, I would love a good remake of Artillery Duel. The one from the 80's was always good fun to play against others. Many pseudo-remakes over the years added weird stuff or otherwise broke the strategic excitement and simplicity of the game. Something with better graphics and sound, with maybe a few special features like POV missile cams when fired would add to it without taking away. As long as the basic game mode survived, there could be lots of other options added like moving firing positions, more players, other weapons, ability to make your own battlefields etc., but at the heart, it's a really simple and effective 1 vs 1 strategy game. It's all about pressing a big hairy red fire button in the hopes of destroying your opponent while all they can do is watch. Could be a good use of the touch screen controller.

 

i'm so excited to have another 2D-centric system. it'll go nicely with my Saturn, Neo-Geo AES, and PC Engine...

Congrats Tommy awesome announcement took me completely by surprise. I just mentioned it to some of my gamer friends and their minds were blown and appeared to be on the I need to check out this new Amico system. I am so looking forward to seeing what kind of new games and announcements you plan to make as I am sure they are going to be quite surprising as well.

 

Ha ha the announcement was so worth it being a long room earthworm jim fan. Now if I can talk you into doing a new wild 9... That came was one of my favorites that was so underrated.

Hi Tommy !

I am really happy, like a dream becoming true. Or like if I had a chance to visit the past, and play again games of my childhood. No, it's like if all of you took a time jump in the future, and saying, wow, we had those great idea, and now we can do it in 2020 !

 

I am a french Canadien (So that can explain my so so english ! ), living near Montreal, 47 years old.

Back in the days, my friends had Atari 2600. I was often at their home, playing Moon Patrol, Robot Tank, Lost of the last ark, and trying to figure out what to do with E.T. lol

My favorite game on this system was pitfall. I was writing a map on paper, that was cool.

And one day, I had an Intellivision II. The look of it was great (another friend had the first one, he was a great fan of football, and we we're playing only this great NFL Football game ! Our quarter back throwing the ball directly on the line so the other player could not see where the ball were ! lol)

But at home, I played Horse Racing, Lock`n Chase, Astrosmash, Microsurgeon, Sea Battle, sub hunt, Utopia, Sword and serpents ( I was blocked somewhere for eternity and never find out what to do ! lol ), Advanced Dungeons & Dragons, Tennis, Snafu ...

Memories ...

 

A week ago I found on the net that Intellivision was alive more than ever ! I Could not believe it. Everything for now is looking perfect. ( Looking forward at E3 for pictures and Video )

Having some of those games with a new look. Playing some of them with my 7 year old child. Share with him the excitement ! And if all what you are saying become true, fun, playability, etc, I will show it to friends and familly. So if they like it, they could buy it.

Please, let this dream becoming true. I am a buyer, and each day I am looking to see if you have more info. (Great for Earthworm Jim).

Really cool your Idea to let the floor for everyone, 7-10 days when a new game is released. So Everybody can talk about it. And at 10$, It will be possible for me to buy all your new (or remade) games.

And thank you Tommy for this Forum. Working 18 hours a day, and spending some time with us is really appreciate.

 

Some questions now :

1- Games that will be remade, will they have some cinematics ? For exmaple, in Lock n chase, I think we are a sort of thief. So can we have some scene at the beginning, between some stage, etc, or is it only better graphics and sound ?

Same thing for Microsurgeon, we see a patient at hospital, in Astrosmash a vessel when completing a stage going on another planet, or things like that !?

 

2- I know that at that time there was not much text or voice, but I am hoping you will now add that to remade games ? And if yes, it will probably not be a lot, so do you think at having games in french ? Can you tell us what your team means by remade ? Maybe an exemple ?

 

3- Did all the old intellivision game (not remade) will be available at launch ? At what price ?

 

That's all the questions for now. I know some other questions can probably be answered only at E3, because there's a lot of secret right now !

 

Looking forward for how all these games will be played with this controller.

Same thing for physical release and what will be so special about it !

 

THANKS !! And please, take cake and take some time to sleep ! lol

Edited May 5, 2019 by LePionnier

In the area of games to play together, I would love a good remake of Artillery Duel. The one from the 80's was always good fun to play against others. Many pseudo-remakes over the years added weird stuff or otherwise broke the strategic excitement and simplicity of the game. Something with better graphics and sound, with maybe a few special features like POV missile cams when fired would add to it without taking away. As long as the basic game mode survived, there could be lots of other options added like moving firing positions, more players, other weapons, ability to make your own battlefields etc., but at the heart, it's a really simple and effective 1 vs 1 strategy game. It's all about pressing a big hairy red fire button in the hopes of destroying your opponent while all they can do is watch. Could be a good use of the touch screen controller.

 

 

Thanks for the info. I'm not familiar with that one. I'll check it out!

Congrats Tommy awesome announcement took me completely by surprise. I just mentioned it to some of my gamer friends and their minds were blown and appeared to be on the I need to check out this new Amico system. I am so looking forward to seeing what kind of new games and announcements you plan to make as I am sure they are going to be quite surprising as well.

 

Ha ha the announcement was so worth it being a long room earthworm jim fan. Now if I can talk you into doing a new wild 9... That came was one of my favorites that was so underrated.

 

Thanks! EWJ is only the first of many surprises we have planned over the next year and a half!