Superheroes Unleashed?
I have been contemplating changing the name of Simple Superheroes for some time. While I feel that the game still deserves the moniker "simple", I don't feel that it is a name that inspires.
It may even imply to some that the game is not sophisticated and contain the depth of possibilities that it does.
At its heart this game strives for simplicity, straighforward mechanics that leave a great deal of flexibility to the player and the GM. That last part is key. For some time I've used the phrase "Unleash Your Creativity" in promoting the game. It really is about creating heroes, and stories that only you and your friends can imagine.
So, tentatively I am proposing renaming the game "Superheroes Unleashed." It has a nice ring, that feels intriguing. But... I really want some feedback on this one, especially from folks who have played the game, and purchased pre-release rules. How do you feel about the old name? About "Superheroes Unleashed"? Do you have any other names you'd suggest?
Is a better solution is to rename it "Simple Superheroes Unleashed"? A good number of people are familiar with the old name, and confusion is a concern.
Comments
"Simple Superheroes Unleashed" is too long. I don't like the word simple because though the game is simple, it sounds like the superheroes are simple, as in simpletons. This is not a game about Dumb Superheroes, but the title Simple Superheroes makes it sound like it might be. Superheroes Unleashed gets rid of that negative connotation.
Thoughts?
Word of mouth (or word of internet) can he pretty important for an Indy game like this. Maybe people will be more excited/have an easier time talking about Superheroes Unleashed?
David, I'm not sure if others also have that interpretation of simple. That being said, Dumb Superheroes would probably not make for a very good title.
Simple mechanics as a key feature (and ideed) a selling feature of the game is an important distinction between it an other games. (Not just the big Fantasy games, but also Superhero games like Hero system, Mutants and Masterminds etc.)
RPG veterans will understand the "Simple" in the game title, the unitiated however have nothing to compare it too . . . So is it enough that people who have played the game know how quick, easy, and still detailed it is? Or does this key item in the Title attract people to pick-up the book, or sign up for a game at a con or join a home game?
As far as name-awareness, making the change would be better sooner rather than later. Perhaps you could keep the word 'simple' in a sub-title or tagline, to preserve the connection?
Best of luck with the game, whatever you decide!
David L. Dostaler
Author, Challenger RPG (free)
Perhaps it could become "Superheroes Unleashed: The Simple Roleplaying Game of Infinite Powers and Possibilities." Opinions anyone?
I like somewhat gritty supers games and the rules are somewhat geared to this. But I was thinking I'd drop that from the name. Gritty may be somewhat misleading (I don't prefer particularly "dark" games and the rules don't make the game "dark", their more gritty in the sense of Street level powers - not intergalactic world-crushing powers), and it is still quite easy to relax the "rule" assumptions and limitations and play higher powered games.
Do you have an idea for a feature setting? If so you may also want to think about a tie to the title before finalizing it.
As for a featured setting . . . so far I have tried to keep setting fairly neutral, making it easier to tie characters and heroes into any sort of setting. That being said, I am planning on having a more detailed "setting"/opening conflict in either the main book(s) or a follow-up Issue.