Post originally by Buzz at 2004-04-15 19:16:30
Converted from Phorums BB System

Robert Neville wrote:
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<b>I believe it is wrong on the developers part to assume that all buyers of their product are experienced in Hero. Providing some context as to how to use the rules in a game is a big help to new gamers. Especially with a complex system like Hero.</b>

But this is exactly the point of Sidekick. It's essentially a "learning edition" of HERO, and it very specifically presents the rules in a way that make them easily understood by newcomers. That's really the whole point.

But the other point is that it's designed to not be too long, page-wise, and to exist at a $9.95 price point. So, decisions had to be made. They key was presenting the rule system, not teaching people how to GM. Ergo, they fit in the system. Seeing as HERO (like most games that are not D&D) tend to be the *second* (or later) system, they're not worrying too much about dedicating page count to GM advice, as the reader has most likely done it before.

If they need more setting and GM info, they can "graduate" to HERO sourcebooks. OTOH, if they already know how to GM and have a setting they like, they need not buy anything more.

Basically, if we were talking about a $39.95 product, you and EB might have a point. But griping about one of the best deals in printed games just makes you look like a crank.