The Intellivision Amico stands as an interesting contender in the gaming space. When Tommy Tallarico laid out his vision in front of retro convention goers, many in the traditional industry were puzzled. Not aimed at traditional markets and interested in 2D retro titles, the system already boasts several follow-ups to previous hits in the pipeline. With Earthworm Jim 3 becoming a reality exclusively on this platform, we wonder what else is possible. What other blasts from the past should we see on this upcoming system? Let’s count down the top 10 retro game contenders worth of an Intellivision Amico sequel.
The Intellivision Amico does have some quirks to it. For one, every game on the system needs to be “family friendly.” So, WB couldn’t come out with a new Mortal Kombat or NARC unless they were extremely watered down. This announcement seemed to go over well with the crowd at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo this past October. With licensed games going mobile and many publishers putting more of their resources into fewer games, there just aren’t that many “kids games” out there nowadays. Kids generally just want to play Minecraft anyway, but the point stands.
HERE IT IS! THE BIG NEWS! OVER 20 YEARS IN THE MAKING! EARTHWORM JIM IS BACK! WITH THE ENTIRE ORIGINAL TEAM AND EXCLUSIVELY ON THE INTELLIVISION AMICO!! LIVE CHAT WITH THEM DURING OUR 1ST DESIGN MEETING THIS SATURDAY! PRESS RELEASE: https://t.co/MnqxVNuWvz pic.twitter.com/kutXWJLimM
— Intellivision Entertainment (@Intellivision) May 1, 2019
Also, Every game on the system is an Amico exclusive and can’t be priced higher than $8. Some companies may be turned off by these platform rules, especially in a world that is largely going away from platform exclusives and into inclusive streaming services. Still, it’s a creative challenge, and there are plenty of studios out there with game ripe for this type of format. If this console does catch on, we could see some interesting side entries in ongoing series, or returns from previous franchises. Think of a modern Twisted Metal: Small Brawl, but only for games in 2D. If this console just settles into its niche, the technology behind it may be its most defining factor.
Amico Sequels
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Top 10 Retro Games Worthy of an Intellivision Amico Sequel
The Intellivision Amico stands as an interesting contender in the gaming space. Not aimed at traditional markets and interested in 2D retro titles, it already boasts several follow-ups to previous hits. What other blasts from the past should we see on this upcoming system? Let's count down the top contenders. -
Burger Time
The release of Heavy Burger proves that Burger Time is more than due for a real refresh. Modern takes on the game just try to bring it into 3D, which just doesn't work for a simple concept. An iteration (preferably not involving ice cream) with new mechanics could prove to be the salt that Peter Pepper has been missing. -
Darkstalkers
Capcom's fan-favorite fighting game series has repeatedly been the subject of revival rumors, so why stop now? Street Fighter is firmly a 3D game now, but why not let another of Capcom's legendary franchises stick to its roots? Let's see how good a 2D fighter can look in 2019. -
Ecco The Dolphin
Ecco is one of those franchises that just stopped making sense in the transition from 2D to 3D. Always a puzzle game at heart, hunting out clues in a huge environment was too tedious to be enjoyable. A return to flipping over strictly 2D rocks could be great fun. -
Ghosts 'N Goblins
Modern players seem to love difficult games as evidenced by From Software's recent lineup. In a way, Ghosts 'N Goblins was the originator of difficulty to the extreme. A modern day interpretation that didn't have to worry about quarter munching could be an interesting project for Capcom. -
Gradius
A 2D-focused console wouldn't be complete without some good space shooters, and they don't come better than Gradius. Konami's classic series innovated in the genre space once, and it'd be cool to see what it could learn from the years of innovation that's happened since. -
Gunstar Heroes
It's unclear if Treasure is still an active developer in Japan or just a holding company. Even if it's the latter, it seems a shame to go without a sequel to one of the Sega Genesis' most famous titles. It was great then and it's still pretty great now. -
Robotron
One of the original twin stick shooters, Robotron has an iconic '80s arcade vibe that's ripe for continuation. Series creator Eugene Jarvis is still very much in the industry via Raw Thrills. It's only seen one obscure quasi-sequel, so a full-on revival could be a lot of fun. -
Tapper
Another '80s arcade classic, Tapper seems prime for some sort of over the top Pac-Man Championship Edition makeover, whether it be the original or the Root Beer variety. The character is memorable enough to appear in Wreck-It Ralph, he deserves another round of serving drinks to his bizarre consumer base. -
Viewtiful Joe
The last pair on this list isn't what you'd normally think of as retro, but I'd say they still count. Once one of Capcom's hottest new properties, Viewtiful Joe was squeezed dry in the mid-2000s and then abandoned. There's nothing about the gameplay that couldn't work in 2D, so why not give it a shot? -
Madden NFL
Sports games used to be a lot more accessible. There was a time when anyone could pick up a Madden and enjoy some top-down sports action. While EA has included "retro controls" in the past, a full new 2D sports experience in the Genesis tradition could be huge for the audience excited about the Amico.
