Intellivision Amico - Tommy Tallarico introduction + Q&A

5 hours ago, LePionnier said:

Will it be possible some day to have Tutankham Reimagined on Amico ? I think it was from Konami in 1982.

By the way, your new site is great, and I am looking for the shirt ( One for me, and one for my 7 years old boy ! )

Thank you for everything.

We're talking to the proper folks and this is on our list!

3 hours ago, Papy said:

I do hope there will be some games that will use the controllers' screens in order to display different information to each player, precisely to encourage people talking to each other.

Absolutely!!!  Many!!

This is the kind of cheeky "journalism" that has become commonplace on the internet in the 21st century.

They'll tear on us for doing something different yet they'll all complain that the current gen stuff is all the same all while hating on mobile/casual.

As if having other "options" out of their own wheelhouse is something to make fun of.  And folks wonder why "hardcore gamers" get such a bad rap.

Looking forward to MAINSTREAM websites & media covering Amico. 

https://www.outrightgeekery.com/2019/10/10/intellivision-gets-a-new-website/

The new website looks great. Did I miss something or is the new video the one that was released in August?

Looking forward to the reimagined classics. I saw Lode Runner on the original list of titles. Have you seen the four arcade games that Item made between 84 and 86? Those were great and would be an awesome jumping off point for the new game. 

39 minutes ago, killersquirel said:

The new website looks great. Did I miss something or is the new video the one that was released in August?

 

Looking forward to the reimagined classics. I saw Lode Runner on the original list of titles. Have you seen the four arcade games that Item made between 84 and 86? Those were great and would be an awesome jumping off point for the new game. 

No it’s not the one from August this is the first in a new series Meet Amico it’s 35 seconds and shows the disk on one of the prototype controllers 

7 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Never played that one.  Yuck.  I just personally hate split screen stuff.  Okay for things like GoldenEye back in the day... but for modern games (especially widescreen) it really sucks.  You also feel disconnected with the others you're playing with.  Currently we don't have any split screen experiences on Amico.  That could change if the proper idea presents itself.  I'm certainly not opposed to it... just trying to avoid it if I can. 

 

That's really interesting.  I would have expected you to take advantage of split screen gaming much more than that.  Now I'm really curious what the games will be like.

6 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

This is the kind of cheeky "journalism" that has become commonplace on the internet in the 21st century.

They'll tear on us for doing something different yet they'll all complain that the current gen stuff is all the same all while hating on mobile/casual.

As if having other "options" out of their own wheelhouse is something to make fun of.  And folks wonder why "hardcore gamers" get such a bad rap.

Looking forward to MAINSTREAM websites & media covering Amico. 

https://www.outrightgeekery.com/2019/10/10/intellivision-gets-a-new-website/

This isn't journalism at all. It's a guy yelling at folks on a street corner.😆

Hold on a second... is that the MDK soundtrack on the new teaser trailer?

Regarding the last article, the author appears to be specialized in (not very good) comics and... well, in toys. This was his first article about video games.

Not trying to be offensive because we are all geeks, but after seeing the guy himself in a podcast I don't understand his attacks to the Intellivision fans ("the console is for old people", "a console that nobody had", "kids will just tolerate it")... I mean, he's like the super mega giant nerd of the final level and does not appear too young either.

8 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

This is the kind of cheeky "journalism" that has become commonplace on the internet in the 21st century.

They'll tear on us for doing something different yet they'll all complain that the current gen stuff is all the same all while hating on mobile/casual.

As if having other "options" out of their own wheelhouse is something to make fun of.  And folks wonder why "hardcore gamers" get such a bad rap.

Looking forward to MAINSTREAM websites & media covering Amico. 

https://www.outrightgeekery.com/2019/10/10/intellivision-gets-a-new-website/

I imagine you'll have your work cut out for you to get over the perception of it being a retro console--having a retro brand name with retro-based controllers, while showcasing updated retro games.  And to get people to look past the hardware when "hardware is king" has been promoted for decades.  I'm sure the Ooya comparisons will come, as well as critiques of the controllers without trying them (as seen in this thread).  

Hopefully those perceptions will change in the coming year.  😁

4 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

Hold on a second... is that the MDK soundtrack on the new teaser trailer?

 

Regarding the last article, the author appears to be specialized in (not very good) comics and... well, in toys. This was his first article about video games.

 

Not trying to be offensive because we are all geeks, but after seeing the guy himself in a podcast I don't understand his attacks to the Intellivision fans ("the console is for old people", "a console that nobody had", "kids will just tolerate it")... I mean, he's like the super mega giant nerd of the final level and does not appear too young either.

I have to say I brought up the video first and of the 4 way feed I immediately thought the upper right guy looks like a douche but maybe it’s one of the others or a guest so checked the author name and sure enough it’s him. Just seems like a typical sly slacker who is playing “too cool for school”, proud of his gamer ability (may be his peak life achievement) and so has to defend his “kingdom” from the peasant commoners who might threaten his cool dude status because he isn’t too sure himself. I would take a shallow brain over a shallow hearted person like this anytime.

13 hours ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Me too!  Already in the works.

 

p.s.  Can you stop by tomorrow and walk my dog Houdini?

As long as I get to try the Amico and you buy my plane tickets sure.

51 minutes ago, GrudgeQ said:

I have to say I brought up the video first and of the 4 way feed I immediately thought the upper right guy looks like a douche but maybe it’s one of the others or a guest so checked the author name and sure enough it’s him. Just seems like a typical sly slacker who is playing “too cool for school”, proud of his gamer ability (may be his peak life achievement) and so has to defend his “kingdom” from the peasant commoners who might threaten his cool dude status because he isn’t too sure himself. I would take a shallow brain over a shallow hearted person like this anytime.

Last night I worked my ass off... swung a dual brake change on an inbound B777-200 because one wheel locked up on landing which disintegrated the carbon fiber of the brake stack AND wasted the brake/wheel behind it.  This required the removal of each wheel and each brake assembly.  My partner and I had to jack the entire 6-wheel bogey front and back, unfortunately manually because the auto air jacking system failed on both jacks.   Each brake weighs 200lbs which requires 2 men to slide off the axle and carry.     It's dirty... it's filthy and a LOT of pressure on us.. but we got it done, plane went out with a minor delay... we win.. and we looked like champs. Everyone was happy!   I say all this for one reason... 

I work really hard for what I get paid.  Right now I can barely lift my arms, and my back is sore as hell... If I knew I could sit on my ass like any of these guys.. and get paid to dog on other people's bright and hopeful video game inventions like they do, spew my opinion about video games into a mic, or simply sit in my Ivory Tower of Video Game knowledge and bare down my finger of disdain on others for what I felt was anything less than what I think is awesome in my opinion...I would never have been an aircraft mechanic as I am. 

It is what it is... thank God we have people like this that can do what they do...and make money on it. 

Keep working hard Tommy... and don't waste your breath for a moment on the 'un-informed' experts like these guys. 

14 hours ago, killersquirel said:

The new website looks great. Did I miss something or is the new video the one that was released in August?

 

Looking forward to the reimagined classics. I saw Lode Runner on the original list of titles. Have you seen the four arcade games that Item made between 84 and 86? Those were great and would be an awesome jumping off point for the new game. 

The video on the website is the previous trailer.  The new MEET AMICO video series was sent out to our Mailing List.  Please make sure to sign up to the mailing list and/or subscribe to our YouTube channel so you won't miss anything in the future.  Thanks!

Mailing List:
https://www.intellivisionamico.com/subscribe
 

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/c/Intellivision

11 hours ago, CMR said:

That's really interesting.  I would have expected you to take advantage of split screen gaming much more than that.  Now I'm really curious what the games will be like.

A lot of stuff where the camera angle pans out when players go off in different directions... and then the camera swings in closer as everyone gets closer.

7 hours ago, IntelliMission said:

Hold on a second... is that the MDK soundtrack on the new teaser trailer?

 

Regarding the last article, the author appears to be specialized in (not very good) comics and... well, in toys. This was his first article about video games.

 

Not trying to be offensive because we are all geeks, but after seeing the guy himself in a podcast I don't understand his attacks to the Intellivision fans ("the console is for old people", "a console that nobody had", "kids will just tolerate it")... I mean, he's like the super mega giant nerd of the final level and does not appear too young either.

Yep!  Music I did from MDK.  Nice catch!

Yeah... I wasn't trying to be offensive in my original pointing out of the article either.  Was just using that particular article to highlight how sad the reporting in the video game industry and new products has become.  The initial reaction is to immediately dislike anything new and try to find ways to make fun of it.  And the complete lack of knowledge, research and understanding also runs rampant.

In the opening line...

"Old people rejoice as the retro console that nearly no one had back in the day is coming to the modern day as Intellivision gets a new website to promote their upcoming Amico video game console. What is Amico, you ask? You did ask, right?"

So in one opening line he is guilty of "ageism" while declaring that the only people who would maybe like the console are "old".  Then he goes on to spout nonsense that "nearly" no one had an Intellivision back in the day.  Really?  Owning 20% of the entire home video game market by the early 80's and doing $500M in annual sales (which would be $1.4B these days), 1800 employees worldwide.  Within the last 15 years over 4 million Intellivision plug n play units sold just in Walmart and Bed, Bath & Beyond (the same amount of units as the Classic NES & Classic SNES).  This is information that anyone can read within 2 minutes of simply going on the Intellivision Wiki page.  It's not rocket science.  And then ends the statement by assuming that none of the readers of the article would at all be interested in finding out about a brand new (and very unique) video game system coming out next year.

The reality is that the internet and YouTube has created nothing more than AMATEUR HOUR for the industry.  Anyone with a webcam or a webpage can rattle off their opinion.  And the more controversial or negative... the more clicks and money they'll get.  And I don't have a problem with free market and free speech... it's the complete lack of knowledge and laziness to find out about a subject you're talking about that is disappointing to me.

Okay... Saturday morning rant over. 

6 hours ago, PlaysWithWolves said:

 

I imagine you'll have your work cut out for you to get over the perception of it being a retro console--having a retro brand name with retro-based controllers, while showcasing updated retro games.  And to get people to look past the hardware when "hardware is king" has been promoted for decades.  I'm sure the Ooya comparisons will come, as well as critiques of the controllers without trying them (as seen in this thread).  

 

Hopefully those perceptions will change in the coming year.  😁

Yep!  I do have my work cut out... but I gladly accept the challenge. If this was easy... everyone would do it.  And the ones who have tried over the past 5 or 6 years have unfortunately failed miserably.  Which I believe will only heighten our victory and make the console even that much more special.  The little console that could. 

And the reality is that the "real" media (i.e. not video game media) is absolutely LOVING everything we're doing and showing them.  One 3 minute segment on the Tonight Show or Ellen or a few YouTube/Instagram mom influencers and celebrity spokespeople would demolish any "gaming press" coverage EVER.  So I don't sweat it.



One thing I would say is that I don't believe our controller is "retro" at all.  I understand the comparison but in fact... the exact opposite is true.  No one has ever done anything like this before.  If you think about it, the only real thing that it has in common with the original is a disc (although very much upgraded) and it's kinda rectangular shaped (even though the new one is a LOT more ergonomic and comfortable and curvy).  And you can put the controller back into the base (although this time so it can charge wirelessly!).  That is really it.  Everything else is new and cutting edge and something (when all put together) that no one has ever done or attempted before.  But I totally understand what you're saying... people assume it's a retro controller because it's loosely based on the original.  Haters and hardcores see the disc and absolutely lose their minds in negativity (how will I be able to play COD or Fortnite on this?!?!).  Looking forward to showing videos of non-gamers and casual gamers using the disc and freaking out about how "easy" and comfortable it is to control.  Just ask yourself... if you gave your non-gaming friend or mom or little kid a touchscreen with a disc or an XBox or PS controller... which one do you think they would find more familiar and easier to use?  I know the answer. 

1 hour ago, IMBerzerk said:

Last night I worked my ass off... swung a dual brake change on an inbound B777-200 because one wheel locked up on landing which disintegrated the carbon fiber of the brake stack AND wasted the brake/wheel behind it.  This required the removal of each wheel and each brake assembly.  My partner and I had to jack the entire 6-wheel bogey front and back, unfortunately manually because the auto air jacking system failed on both jacks.   Each brake weighs 200lbs which requires 2 men to slide off the axle and carry.     It's dirty... it's filthy and a LOT of pressure on us.. but we got it done, plane went out with a minor delay... we win.. and we looked like champs. Everyone was happy!   I say all this for one reason... 

 

I work really hard for what I get paid.  Right now I can barely lift my arms, and my back is sore as hell... If I knew I could sit on my ass like any of these guys.. and get paid to dog on other people's bright and hopeful video game inventions like they do, spew my opinion about video games into a mic, or simply sit in my Ivory Tower of Video Game knowledge and bare down my finger of disdain on others for what I felt was anything less than what I think is awesome in my opinion...I would never have been an aircraft mechanic as I am. 

 

It is what it is... thank God we have people like this that can do what they do...and make money on it. 

 

Keep working hard Tommy... and don't waste your breath for a moment on the 'un-informed' experts like these guys. 

Holy crap!  Your job sounds really amazing (and hard!) to me.  Kudos to you sir!  If we ever do a PIT STOP style game for aircraft... I'll know who to hire as my consultant!

 

30 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Holy crap!  Your job sounds really amazing (and hard!) to me.  Kudos to you sir!  If we ever do a PIT STOP style game for aircraft... I'll know who to hire as my consultant!

 

Hahaha... well thanks! ... it was more about how little respect some of the "gaming experts" have about what you and others are doing to bring such great ideas to fruition... and how EASY it is to be that guy that bashes things for a little extra coin compared to the guy that's busting his ass to make it all happen.  I know what that's like... I see it all the time with the "experts" on TV giving opinions on everything Aviation related... when they don't fly or fix them.

What I respect most about you and the whole team you have put together at IE is how passionate you all are about making the Amico successful.  That controller video says it all... AND you're a man of word... you said a year ago that the controller will light-up and do all kinds of neat things... sure enough.. it does.   

But I'd be more than happy to be your aviation guru!  I'm dying to play Biplanes!!!  

I got my shirt ordered and a friend of mine also ordered one after I shared the post I am really enjoying watching the Meet Amico video and reading the positive comments about it super excited for the rest of the journey to launch day it’s going to be so fun 

15 minutes ago, Alpha82 said:

I got my shirt ordered and a friend of mine also ordered one after I shared the post I am really enjoying watching the Meet Amico video and reading the positive comments about it super excited for the rest of the journey to launch day it’s going to be so fun 

I as well ordered a shirt late last night. Pretty pumped about it and all the cool “extra” features it includes. If Tommy & Co can market the machine to the masses like he did this shirt to us Atari Age folk..the Amico is in fine hands.

Hey Tommy, are you still signing up developers? Never heard back from you after our initial talk. 2.5D is something we want to do in the future. And now we have over 200 video game IPs to pick from.

For Tommy, the real and only one ! :)

My question has 2 parts. (Or is it 2 questions ...  😕  lol )
The first concerns the strategy adopted to choose the 5 titles that will be included with Amico.
Is it the most interesting, diverse, least expensive, the developer etc.
The second part, how developers will be paid compared to those who have an exclusivity of about 10 days to sell their product?
Because it's easier to know how many game has been sold, but if at launch you are selling 5 millions Amico units,
will you divide the 5 millions between the 5 games chosen?
Unless it's all from the same developer !?  
I hope my request is comprehensive!

Thank you !

since today is my birthday that means next year on this day i will be blowing out the candles on my Intellivision Amico controller and getting maybe a free game!

1 hour ago, ASalvaro said:

since today is my birthday that means next year on this day i will be blowing out the candles on my Intellivision Amico controller and getting maybe a free game!

Well Hell... HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! 

3 hours ago, ASalvaro said:

since today is my birthday that means next year on this day i will be blowing out the candles on my Intellivision Amico controller and getting maybe a free game!

Happy birthday hope it’s a great one