I want to make a game based off of (but not exactly like) "The Iceberg Hermit", one of my favorite books from my childhood.
I can't think of a better name that describes the game and book better. Can I use the name? Or should I pick another?
Banana
I always err on the side of the name should be different. If you go to Fantasy name generator there are a bunch of generators that generate like random words or certain kinds of names of places or things and I tend to find going on those websites helped spark ideas. Seventh Sanctum is another one that does that. And if you look up word generators some of them have you put in other words to give you related words so if you like that name then use it to find other similar words.
The Lord Humungus.
No
You can name a game the same thing as a book, but the minute it bears too much of a resemblance, you can and will be sued as you're trying to use their intellectual property to sell your game.
They own the rights to make their own crappy game based on their book.
?
Based ON never OFF OF.
As the book was published in 1989 it's still in copyright so if you want to base your game on any aspect (it doesn't have to be exactly the same) you need to get permission from the publisher.
Anonymous
It's been about 30 years since I've heard anybody mention that book. I loved it too, it was such a great read. Hearing that title again brings back a lot of memories.
Anonymous
Ask permission from the game author to see if it is copyright. I'm not sure The Iceberg Hermit is but if it is a non-copyrighted game you can.