this post was submitted on 31 Jul 2023
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Science Fiction

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Lemmy World Rules

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What makes a great sci-fi story? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 year ago by grasshopper_mouse@lemmy.world to c/sciencefiction@lemmy.world
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I'm curious what users feel makes a great sci-fi story. What elements do you feel "make or break" the story specifically where sci-fi is concerned? For me, I really enjoyed the Expanse series, as it feels like there's a sort of "believability" to it all. The authors make everything seem very realistic, even if some of the descriptions and physics are made up.

What is it about your favorite sci-fi books and shows that make them your favorites?

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[–] philboydstudge@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago

I completely agree with this take. Good sci-fi examines and questions what it is to be human.

I get the enjoyment of the alt-technology focused works that are more of space engineering thought experiments. Those Weir-esk books are totally valid, and I enjoy them enough, but I really think the works that will stand the test of time are those that present worlds with different circumstances and examine humanity in that context.