Well, adventure science fiction novels often have a hero or a group of heroes on a quest. In other sub - genres like post - apocalyptic science fiction, the focus might be on survival in a ruined world. But in adventure science fiction, like in 'Hyperion', the pilgrims are on a journey to a mysterious place, facing various challenges along the way. Another difference is that in some social science fiction, the story revolves around social and cultural changes. Adventure science fiction is more about the thrills of the journey, whether it's through space, other planets, or strange new dimensions.
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.
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.
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.
In science fiction, there's a focus on technology and scientific concepts that you don't find as much in other genres. For example, while a romance might focus on relationships, science fiction will often use technology as a key part of the relationship, like two people falling in love across different galaxies because of advanced communication devices. Another difference is the settings. Science fiction often has settings that are far - flung in space or time, unlike a historical genre which is rooted in a specific time in the past.
Science fiction plot conventions are distinct from other genres. In terms of setting, science fiction frequently has settings that are not of this world or are in a far - off future. Compare this to a contemporary drama which is set in the here - and - now. The conflicts in science fiction are often related to technological or scientific advancements. For instance, a conflict might be about a new artificial intelligence taking over. In a thriller, the conflict is more about crime or danger in a more familiar setting. Moreover, the themes in science fiction such as the ethics of cloning or the implications of time travel are unique. Romance novels focus more on relationships and emotions rather than these scientific - based themes.
Science fiction story elements often involve technology that doesn't exist yet. In contrast, other genres like historical fiction focus on past events and real - world settings. For example, science fiction might have a teleportation device in the story, while historical fiction would be more about events like the Industrial Revolution.
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.