Contact novel hard science fiction stands apart. In military science fiction, the emphasis is on combat and military technology. But in contact hard science fiction, the focus is on the scientific and intellectual challenges of making contact. For instance, how do we communicate with beings that might have a completely different form of language or perception? In post - apocalyptic science fiction, it's about surviving in a world after a disaster, not about the discovery and interaction with new life forms. Contact hard science fiction also differs from steampunk which is more about a Victorian - era inspired technology and society, not about the far - reaching implications of alien contact.
Asylum science fiction is different from other sub - genres mainly in its setting. While other sub - genres might focus on space exploration or future societies in general, asylum science fiction is centered around the asylum as a unique and often claustrophobic environment. It also tends to deal more with the psychological state of the characters. In space - based science fiction, for example, the focus is more on the adventure and the exploration of the unknown in the vast universe. But in asylum science fiction, it's about the inner turmoil of the inmates and the secrets of the asylum.
In contrast to post - apocalyptic science fiction which is set in a world after a major disaster, 'doorways science fiction' is more about discovery and exploration. Post - apocalyptic stories deal with survival and rebuilding, but 'doorways science fiction' is about what lies beyond those doorways. It could be new civilizations, strange landscapes, or different dimensions that have no relation to a post - apocalyptic setting. The doorways are the main device for taking the story to unexpected places.
It differs mainly in its focus on moral and ethical issues. While other sub - genres may focus on action or adventure, 'case of conscience science fiction' is more about the internal struggle of characters regarding right and wrong in a sci - fi context.
Space opera science fiction is distinct in several ways. It typically features grand adventures across the galaxy. It's more about the drama and action on a large scale. For instance, 'Star Wars' has huge space battles and a war between the good and the bad. Soft science fiction may focus more on social and cultural aspects, not so much on the space - faring elements. And military science fiction is more centered on military strategies in a science - fictional context, whereas space opera has a broader scope including different species, new worlds, and epic quests.
Adventure science fiction novels usually involve a lot of physical action and exploration. They are different from space opera in that they don't always have large - scale political dramas as the main focus. Take 'Ender's Game' for instance. It's about Ender's personal growth and his military adventures, not so much about the politics between different star systems like in some space operas. And compared to time - travel science fiction, adventure science fiction is more about the here - and - now adventures rather than the implications of time - travel.
Sub - genres of science fiction differ in various ways. For instance, cyberpunk is centered around the impact of advanced technology on society, often in a gritty urban setting. In contrast, space opera is more about grand adventures across the cosmos. Dystopian sub - genre focuses on a negative future society, while utopian science fiction presents an ideal future world.
RPG hard science fiction is different mainly in its basis on scientific facts and theories. Other RPG genres like fantasy are based on magic and mythical creatures, while hard science fiction focuses on real - world science. For example, in a fantasy RPG, you might cast a spell to defeat an enemy, but in hard science fiction RPG, you'd use a technological device or scientific knowledge. Also, the settings are different. Fantasy RPGs often have medieval - like settings, while hard science fiction is set in future or alternate scientific realities.
Hyperion hard science fiction differs in its strict adherence to scientific principles. While other science fictions might take more liberties with concepts like faster - than - light travel without much explanation, Hyperion tries to ground it in some form of scientific theory. For example, if there's a new form of energy source in Hyperion, it will be described with some scientific details.
Well, good hard science fiction really digs into the nitty - gritty of science. It can be about things like genetics, astrophysics, or computer science. The science is an integral part of the story, not just a backdrop. In other types of science fiction, the science might be more in the background or even be more like magic. For instance, in some soft science fiction, there could be a device that does something amazing but there's no real attempt to explain it scientifically. But in hard science fiction, if there's a new technology, there will be an effort to explain how it works based on current scientific understanding.
New adult science fiction often focuses on characters in their late teens to early twenties. This age group has different concerns compared to adult or young adult characters. For example, they might be dealing with starting a career in a sci - fi world, or forming more mature relationships. In contrast, young adult sci - fi may be more about coming - of - age and discovery, while adult sci - fi could be more about complex political or philosophical ideas.