Independent Amico Discussion Thread

[MrBeefy]

(Before posting in this thread, please review the rules of conduct outlined below.  By participating in this thread, you agree to abide by these rules, and by the community guidelines.)

 

Amico, what is it?

Amico is Intellivision Entertainment's new console. The goal of the Amico is to be a family friendly casual gaming console that brings a strong couch co-op experience back to the living room.

 

What are the specs?

-Console
Dimensions / 11in x 9.5in x 2.5in

CPU / 8 core, 1.8Ghz

Memory / 2GB RAM, 16GB Flash 

Connectivity / HDMI, 12V power, 3 USB (2 charging, 1 memory expansion), SD card

Video / 1080p HDMI

Wireless / Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID 

 

Focus of the games will be 2.5D. That means 3D on a 2D playing field. 

 

-Controllers
Quantity / Two shipped with console

Dimensions / 6in x 2.75in x 1in

Wireless / Bluetooth, WiFi, RFID

Charging / Integrated wireless contact and/or wired USB C

Screen / 3.2” diagonal, 320 x 240 TFT color touchscreen

Audio / Speaker and microphone

Disc / 64-position disc with pressure sensing and interactive LED lighting

Buttons / 4 over-sized ambidextrous shoulder buttons, home button

Motion Control / gyroscope, accelerometer (wrist straps included)

Additional Features / Haptic force feedback, dedicated CPU and on-board memory 

Buttons will be labeled by color. Little indicators will light with which color. Orientation of the controller will change where the colors light up.

 

Controller cost is estimated to be $40-$50 each. (The following was previously stated as happening but now may happen after 2020) Additional controller 2 pack will include a charging dock. Controllers are USB 3 and could also be charged that way.

 

With download of a special app you can connect your phone as an additional controller. Console will have the capability of having 8 controllers connected at once, and can be a mix of phones and controllers.

 

What about games?

Games will be curated by Intellivision Entertainment with a in house rating of 7 out of 10. The focus is more on a fun and unique gaming experience than graphics. Games are said to be exclusive to Amico via special use of the controllers that other game systems won't be able to replicate, (touch screen on controllers, etc), AND/OR by adding more content/updated graphics. Every game is said to have multiplayer support as a must. Games will not be rated higher than E10+. No foul language, or gore. The initial plan was to come with 5 to 7 pack in games. It then changed to 5. Now it currently will come with 6 games. Pack in games listed below. Physical games. There will be physical 'media' for games. It will require internet to make physical media work. After scanning and downloading the internet would not be needed. It was stated that physical media should be reusable. There may be online leader boards but not online multiplayer.

 

Games are priced around $2.99-$9.99. Physical games price range is not known yet. 

 

Console Cost:

Initial price was around $150-$180.

Later changed to around $200.

Then talk of the Founder's Edition suggests retail is around $220-$230.

Tommy recently suggested (February) focus groups would be good with a $249 console price.

Limited woodgrain from offered directly from IE will be around $259-$279.

Other Limited colors will also retail around $259-$279.

(March)With second round preorders base consol priced at $249, and limited at $279.

(Retail price not officially set as of March 2020)

 

 

Prepaying and Founder's Edition/VIP Edition:

On June 18, 2019 it was stated that they wouldn't collect money before you could play the system or games. That has recently changed. As of January 27, 2020 you will be able to put down a $100 prepay for the Founder's Edition. Founder's Editions are sold out. While the final retail price is not set (as of January 25), the Founder's will be  set at $299. It is the woodgrain version. It will be signed and numbered (out of 2600). There will be some extras like a gift card to the Amico store, and posters that come with preordering the system. The Founder's Edition is not the only way to get the woodgrain version of the system. Second round of preorders, called VIP, started on March 31, 2020. Price of preorder is $100. Woodgrain ($279) and White & Black ($259) versions will be available. These will not be limited or numbered like the Founder's Editions were and will come with some bonus items too.

 

6 Games that come with system:

1. Skiing Trailer Demo

2. Cornhole Trailer Demo

3. Shark! Shark! Trailer Demo

4  Astrosmash Trailer Demo

5. Farkle Trailer Demo

6.

 

Confirmed games being worked on: 

 

Still being worked on:

"Animal Fighting Game"

Armor Battle/Tank game/Combat?

Asteroids

Astrosmash

Auto Racing

BackTalk Party "Ice Cream Recording game"

BINGO

Bi-Planes

BurgerTime

Breakout

B17 Bomber

"Carnival game" person shot out of a cannon game

Cloudy Mountain

Cornhole

Dynablaster "Bombmerman"

Farkle

IntellivisionPool

Missile Command

Moon Patrol: The Milky Way Chronicles

Night Stalker

Nitro Derby

PONG

"Running Man Game"

Shark! Shark!

Skiing

Slot Racers?  SideSwipers

The Big Blue? / Ecco? name unconfirmed

ToeJam & Earl

 

Questionable status (games started but maybe not finished):

Snafoo (formerly SNAFU) [status alluded to as not going as planned]

Frog Bog [mentioned as possible pack in but not referenced recently]

 

Completed games being ported/updated/reworked:

Evel Knieval (Google Play $1.99, iOS $0.00) - Game Review [Footage may have been from mobile version and may not represent reworked Amico version]

Emoji Charades (Google Play, iOS, Steam $9.99 ) - Game Review [Footage may have been from mobile version and may not represent reworked Amico version.]

 

Other:

Earthworm Jim (shown Jim moving animation, https://youtu.be/CaogPd_Eu40)

 

Other interesting things:

Will include the jzintv emulator. It has not been specified as in how it will work. Original Intellivision games not to be released until 2021. Will most likely come in 'bundles' with multiple games.

 

Important dates:

October 22, 2018: Amico Reveal Trailer

August 19, 2019: Amico Gamescom Trailer (shows console and brief game footage 17 games)

October 19, 2019: First 'Meet Amico' video (LED disc)

December 3, 2019: Second 'Meet Amico' video (Updated controller designs & features)

December 9, 2019: Amico Breakout game demo

January 24, 2020: Nightstalker 1st look game demo

January 26, 2020: Third 'Meet Amico' video (Dice Rolling demo)

January 27, 2020: Founders Edition Preorder opens and Astrosmash 1st look game demo

February 2020: Moon Patrol extended mobile demo - (not yet released as of 3/31/20)

March 16, 2020: New trailer release with 22 games featured. See next post..

March 17, 2020: New trailer release with 22 23 games featured.

March 25: Fourth 'Meet Amico' video to be released (controller & Missile Command) postponed to next day

March 26: Fourth 'Meet Amico' video to be released. (Controller & Missile Command)

March 27: Announcement via social media 5 of the 6 pack in games. Five demos trailer.

March 30: Fifth 'Meet Amico' video to be released. (SideSwipers game demo)

March 31, 2020: Second round preorders labeled as VIP opens.

June 9-11, 2020: E3 expo big reveal, launch lineup announced possibly? (Possible cancelation due to virus) E3 canceled due to Covid-19

June 2020: Big reveal online?

June 2020: production begins?

September 25-27: Mom 2.0 Summit

October 5-10, 2020: Founder's Edition shipment?

October 10, 2020: System Launch with Skiing and 4 other games included

2021: Intellivision Classic software releases

2021: EarthWorm Jim by the original team

 

Unofficial

Alluded to MLB licensed game. Not officially announced yet.

 

Snafoo announced as a pack in game. Later retracted as not being official. Alluded to not going as planned.

 

Astrosmash and Frog Bog announced as either or as a pack in. Stated later as unofficial. *Astrosmash now announced as a pack in again.

 

May or may not have subscription service. Depends on market.

 

🥓🌮🥓🌮🥓🌮🥓🌮🥓🌮🥓🌮🥓🌮

Have fun and play nice everyone!

🌈🐇🦄❤

 

Edited April 5, 2020 by MrBeefy
Tweaked game names.

[IMBerzerk]

Lmfao!  I absolutely commend you for your efforts!  

 

What is the brand CPU they are using?  

 

Anyone have any idea what time the FE will be available today?  I have a ton of stuff to do and I don't want to miss out.

[jaybird3rd]

As its title indicates, this is an *independent* thread for discussing and sharing information about the Intellivision Amico and/or Intellivision Entertainment.  "Independent" means that all participants are free to express their own perspectives and their own points of view, entirely in their own words.  Whether they are positive or negative, critical or supportive, all views are welcome.  This thread is specifically for discussions among current or prospective Intellivision consumers, collectors, and fans; if you have questions intended for official representatives of Intellivision Entertainment, they should be raised through the proper channels, such as Tommy Tallarico's Q&A Thread right here on AtariAge.

 

This thread is a replacement for an earlier one which was unfortunately derailed, so to prevent the same thing from happening again, I'd like to outline a few simple rules of conduct, in addition to those already outlined in our community guidelines.  Everyone who participates in this thread thereby agrees to abide by these rules, so before posting, please read them in detail:

 

1. The information provided in this thread should be understood as a work in progress.  Over time, it will necessarily become out of date, or it may be found to be incorrect or incomplete.  Any corrections which are offered in a constructive fashion ("constructive" meaning in accordance with our community guidelines) are appreciated and encouraged.  If a representative of Intellivision Entertainment wishes to share a correction, they are as welcome to do so as anyone else; however, they should limit themselves specifically to doing that.  To protect the independence of these discussions, any posts which are seen as attempts to suppress unflattering news or negative input, or to control the narrative in any other way, will be removed.

 

2. As stated earlier, this thread welcomes all constructive points of view.  However, the guidelines regarding trolling or personal attacks will apply, and all discussions should remain as dispassionate and as impersonal as possible.  When it is necessary to discuss any individuals in a critical fashion, it should be done solely for the purpose of offering corrective input, and only the individuals' actions should be criticized, never the individuals themselves.  In general, criticizing people only serves to put them on the defensive and to drive them further into whatever problem(s) they may have, which is not conducive to a helpful discussion.

 

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[Tinman]

I’m really hoping for Sea Battle and Space Battle. 

[IMBerzerk]

If Night Stalker is any idea of what Cloudy Mountain will look like, we're in for a serious treat!

 

 

[Sinjinhawke]

12 minutes ago, IMBerzerk said:

If Night Stalker is any idea of what Cloudy Mountain will look like, we're in for a serious treat!

 

 

Oh no.  The dragon will be more scary.  Awesome.  

[SegaSnatcher]

Has there been a video posted yet of someone controlling a game with an Amico controller?  Would be highly appreciated if someone knows of a video I can check out. Thanks

[CharonPDX]

I'm hoping for a real dungeon exploring RPG - with a dragon at the end!

And it would be a hilarious easter egg to have the initial dragon you see be completely stationary and unkillable - only to discover it's just an illusion or statue or something; then you fight the real dragon.

[+Tommy Tallarico]

42 minutes ago, IMBerzerk said:

If Night Stalker is any idea of what Cloudy Mountain will look like, we're in for a serious treat!

 

 

Count on it!  Being done by the same team.  Deadly Discs as well!  

 

[+Tommy Tallarico]

Would like to add to the list that Mr. Beefy has posted.  These are games I have spoken about in previous interviews...
 

Confirmed games being worked on: 

SNAFOO
Bi-Planes

Armor Battle

Auto Racing

 

-Atari Games

PONG

 

-Other Games

Unnamed Dolphin Game (Ecco?)
[Ecco was mispelled]   Not that I'm confirming nor denying... just wanted to point out the spelling error.  

 

Edited January 27, 2020 by Tommy Tallarico

[IMBerzerk]

34 minutes ago, CharonPDX said:

I'm hoping for a real dungeon exploring RPG - with a dragon at the end!

And it would be a hilarious easter egg to have the initial dragon you see be completely stationary and unkillable - only to discover it's just an illusion or statue or something; then you fight the real dragon.

I still have the letters BPD imprinted in a dark area of my brain.  The deep disappointment I experienced when I got into the chamber the hard way (not the corner "squeeze" glitch)... And realized THAT was the finale ... The Dragon was FAKE!!!

[MrBeefy]

42 minutes ago, Tommy Tallarico said:

Would like to add to the list that Mr. Beefy has posted.  These are games I have spoken about in previous interviews...
 

Confirmed games being worked on: 

SNAFOO
Bi-Planes

Armor Battle

Auto Racing

 

-Atari Games

PONG

 

-Other Games

Unnamed Dolphin Game (Ecco?)
[Ecco was mispelled]   Not that I'm confirming nor denying... just wanted to point out the spelling error.  

 

Also mountain is misspelled. Its been bothering me since I wasn't able to edit it.

[jaybird3rd]

2 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

Also mountain is misspelled. Its been bothering me since I wasn't able to edit it.

You should be able to edit it now.  Let me know if you're still having trouble.

[MrBeefy]

1 hour ago, SegaSnatcher said:

Has there been a video posted yet of someone controlling a game with an Amico controller?  Would be highly appreciated if someone knows of a video I can check out. Thanks

Other than the demo of showing it registering movement and direction presses? No I don't think we've seen them actively used.

 

If I remember right I think Riggs or Metal Jesus mentioned they played on phones.

[MrBeefy]

Just now, jaybird3rd said:

You should be able to edit it now.  Let me know if you're still having trouble.

Just got it! Thanks.

[SegaSnatcher]

5 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

Other than the demo of showing it registering movement and direction presses? No I don't think we've seen them actively used.

 

If I remember right I think Riggs or Metal Jesus mentioned they played on phones.

For a Oct release I would think manufacturing would need to start in the Spring/Summer so design of the controller should be finalized rather soonish.  I know they made some tweaks recently.  Seeing the controller in action is one of the things I want to see most for sure.  It might change some of my original concerns.

Edited January 27, 2020 by SegaSnatcher

[+Tommy Tallarico]

14 minutes ago, MrBeefy said:

Also mountain is misspelled. Its been bothering me since I wasn't able to edit it.

If you wanted to get super technical.  It's spelled (and trademarked) Shark! Shark!

 

[poconojo]

I am really looking forward to Cloudy Mountain reimagined!! This is the main reason I purchased the Amico. Tower of Doom reimagined next! Thunder Castle, Tarmin, Swords and Serpents after that. 

[IntyFanMatt]

2 minutes ago, poconojo said:

I am really looking forward to Cloudy Mountain reimagined!! This is the main reason I purchased the Amico. Tower of Doom reimagined next! Thunder Castle, Tarmin, Swords and Serpents after that. 

Hell yeah!  I cannot wait for a re-imagined Cloudy Mountain.  One of my main reasons too (just look at my avatar 😊), along with Thunder Castle (if they plan to do that one).  Hope it's EPIC!!

Edited January 27, 2020 by IntyFanMatt

[poconojo]

1 minute ago, IntyFanMatt said:

Hell yeah!  I cannot wait for a re-imagined Cloudy Mountain.  One of my main reasons too, along with Thunder Castle (if they plan to do that one).  Hope it's EPIC!!

Yeah. I hope so too. 

[SegaSnatcher]

The goal is to get the Amico in Wal Mart and Best Buy stores correct, because if true thats pretty huge.  I initially thought it would be limited to online orders.  

Also, if these are showing up in stores what are the chances of Amico Kiosks?  

[nick3092]

1 hour ago, SegaSnatcher said:

The goal is to get the Amico in Wal Mart and Best Buy stores correct, because if true thats pretty huge.  I initially thought it would be limited to online orders.  

Also, if these are showing up in stores what are the chances of Amico Kiosks?  

I feel like kiosks are falling by the wayside. I'm trying to recall the last kiosk I saw. Maybe a Wii? I certainly don't recall any PS4 or XB1 kiosks around me. Demos running on a loop on a tv, for sure when the consoles were new. But not playable kiosks. And I live in a suburb of a fairly large metropolitan area. So it's not like I live in Hooterville.

[+Swami]

4 minutes ago, nick3092 said:

I feel like kiosks are falling by the wayside. I'm trying to recall the last kiosk I saw. Maybe a Wii? I certainly don't recall any PS4 or XB1 kiosks around me. Demos running on a loop on a tv, for sure when the consoles were new. But not playable kiosks. And I live in a suburb of a fairly large metropolitan area. So it's not like I live in Hooterville.

We have a Switch one in Target here. 

[+cmart604]

7 hours ago, IMBerzerk said:

If Night Stalker is any idea of what Cloudy Mountain will look like, we're in for a serious treat!

 

 

Ooooh! That's a good point! So looking forward to AD&D Cloudy 2 (that's what I'm calling it) I also will refuse to call Baby Yoda anything but that name, no matter what happens in season 2. I have spoken. I am not sure why I ended up heading off on a Star Wars tangent. 😂 

[+cmart604]

1 hour ago, SegaSnatcher said:

The goal is to get the Amico in Wal Mart and Best Buy stores correct, because if true thats pretty huge.  I initially thought it would be limited to online orders.  

Also, if these are showing up in stores what are the chances of Amico Kiosks?  

I really hope they will be making kiosks and that @nurmix will be able to steal one for me.