Hard Science Fiction - Revision history

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2023-06-21T14:46:20Z

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1d4chan>Derpysaurus: Undo revision 801815 by 50.78.40.61 (talk) No strikethroughs, do it again.

2021-12-22T10:11:09Z

Undo revision 801815 by 50.78.40.61 (talk) No strikethroughs, do it again.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:11, 22 December 2021
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	== Settings with HSF elements ==		== Settings with HSF elements ==

	* ''[[Traveller]]'' is a very old example, ~~<s>~~and even its modern versions are practically impenetrable for the uncompromising rules that desperately try to simulate reality as closely as possible. Building a spaceship and spacesuit in your backyard to go have actual space adventures requires about the same skillset and level of effort as playing ''Traveller''~~</s>~~. That's not true. Modern editions are extremely straightforward. Even the clunky old ship-to-ship combat has been reworked so as to be playable without taking up an entire living room floor. Don't be scared!		* ''[[Traveller]]'' is a very old example, and even its modern versions are practically impenetrable for the uncompromising rules that desperately try to simulate reality as closely as possible. Building a spaceship and spacesuit in your backyard to go have actual space adventures requires about the same skillset and level of effort as playing ''Traveller''.
	* ''[[Albedo]]'' is the work that gave us the word "furry." It also features detailed cutaway techno-porn diagrams of all the ships in the game and discussions of how the tech works for the curious, and is built on a complicated, realistic mix of politics and military action.		* ''[[Albedo]]'' is the work that gave us the word "furry." It also features detailed cutaway techno-porn diagrams of all the ships in the game and discussions of how the tech works for the curious, and is built on a complicated, realistic mix of politics and military action.
	* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.		* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.

50.78.40.61 at 18:18, 21 December 2021

2021-12-21T18:18:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:18, 21 December 2021
Line 19:		Line 19:
	== Settings with HSF elements ==		== Settings with HSF elements ==

	* ''[[Traveller]]'' is a very old example, and even its modern versions are practically impenetrable for the uncompromising rules that desperately try to simulate reality as closely as possible. Building a spaceship and spacesuit in your backyard to go have actual space adventures requires about the same skillset and level of effort as playing ''Traveller''.		* ''[[Traveller]]'' is a very old example, <s>and even its modern versions are practically impenetrable for the uncompromising rules that desperately try to simulate reality as closely as possible. Building a spaceship and spacesuit in your backyard to go have actual space adventures requires about the same skillset and level of effort as playing ''Traveller''</s>. That's not true. Modern editions are extremely straightforward. Even the clunky old ship-to-ship combat has been reworked so as to be playable without taking up an entire living room floor. Don't be scared!
	* ''[[Albedo]]'' is the work that gave us the word "furry." It also features detailed cutaway techno-porn diagrams of all the ships in the game and discussions of how the tech works for the curious, and is built on a complicated, realistic mix of politics and military action.		* ''[[Albedo]]'' is the work that gave us the word "furry." It also features detailed cutaway techno-porn diagrams of all the ships in the game and discussions of how the tech works for the curious, and is built on a complicated, realistic mix of politics and military action.
	* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.		* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.

1d4chan>SpectralTime: First: The actual entry says "Settings ''with HSF elements''," not "Hard SF Settings." Second: the entry was pretty poorly-written and had a bunch of really bad grammar. Third: ya got that grumpy about ''Mass Effect'' and completely overlooked ''Worm'', which still got to hang out with the hard sf cool kids? That said, trying to preserve other edits.

2021-11-03T13:41:18Z

First: The actual entry says "Settings ''with HSF elements''," not "Hard SF Settings." Second: the entry was pretty poorly-written and had a bunch of really bad grammar. Third: ya got that grumpy about ''Mass Effect'' and completely overlooked ''Worm'', which still got to hang out with the hard sf cool kids? That said, trying to preserve other edits.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:41, 3 November 2021
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			{{Template:Stub}}

	Science fiction with emphasis on the "science." Seems to be popular with people who prefer [[simulationist]] RPGs and/or physics/calculus. As you may expect, it is diametrically opposed to "[[Soft Science Fiction]]."		Science fiction with emphasis on the "science." Seems to be popular with people who prefer [[simulationist]] RPGs and/or physics/calculus. As you may expect, it is diametrically opposed to "[[Soft Science Fiction]]."

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	All in all, it should be forewarned that many Hard Sci-Fi works are setting-driven stories rather than character-driven. Since they are all focusing on the science aspect, it is natural for character development to be sacrificed for scientific accuracy. As such, the science in the setting is very much the main character rather than the characters themselves, who often act as a mouthpiece to explain shit. This could leave characters feeling rather dry and as charismatic as a brick. There are exceptions of course, such as The Martian or The Expanse, but usually, the setting is what makes Hard Sci-Fi truly hard.		All in all, it should be forewarned that many Hard Sci-Fi works are setting-driven stories rather than character-driven. Since they are all focusing on the science aspect, it is natural for character development to be sacrificed for scientific accuracy. As such, the science in the setting is very much the main character rather than the characters themselves, who often act as a mouthpiece to explain shit. This could leave characters feeling rather dry and as charismatic as a brick. There are exceptions of course, such as The Martian or The Expanse, but usually, the setting is what makes Hard Sci-Fi truly hard.

	== Settings with HSF elements ==		== Settings with HSF elements ==

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	* ''[[Albedo]]'' is the work that gave us the word "furry." It also features detailed cutaway techno-porn diagrams of all the ships in the game and discussions of how the tech works for the curious, and is built on a complicated, realistic mix of politics and military action.		* ''[[Albedo]]'' is the work that gave us the word "furry." It also features detailed cutaway techno-porn diagrams of all the ships in the game and discussions of how the tech works for the curious, and is built on a complicated, realistic mix of politics and military action.
	* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.		* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.
			* ''[[Battletech]]'' is a... contentious example, as the whole thing revolves around human-shaped warmachines, but outside of that, the game focuses on simulating believable socio-economic conditions and technology, and comes up with a believable explanation for man-piloted walker-mechs. (Namely, the real-world fact that the biological human inner-ear is far superior to anything tech can replicate when it comes to preserving balance, and the mechs require it not to fall over in the derpiest possible fashion.)
			* ''Mass Effect'' of [[Bioware]] fame is famous for the very hard background on the setting's technology, and how it treats the many different biologies of the setting's aliens. While most of the tech in the setting is based around a fictional element that would almost certainly kill whatever it came close to if it actually existed, and whose closest real-world physics equivalent does the ''opposite'' of what it does, all of the scientific tech based on the element (read: all of it) at least tries to make sense within the context of what it's established to do and to follow consistent rules. On the other hand, most of the aliens are 6ft tall and follow the human body plan (though this is probably mostly due to engine limitations), the Reapers and the methods they use to convert humans to impossibly durable warships and troops (spoilers, BTW) are less clear, and boil down to NANOMACHINES, SON. Still harder than ''[[Star Trek]]''.
	* ''[[Transhuman Space]]'' is a [[GURPS]]/[[Steve Jackson Games]] setting that is about as hard as possible. Focuses more on transhumanism than the usual science fictionery.		* ''[[Transhuman Space]]'' is a [[GURPS]]/[[Steve Jackson Games]] setting that is about as hard as possible. Focuses more on transhumanism than the usual science fictionery.
	* ''2001: A Space Odyssey'' is possibly one of THE most famous examples of Hard Sci-Fi as well as one of the most influential. Whilst it does have the magic mccguffin of the Monolith, overall, the concepts shown such as space stations using centrifugal force for artificial gravity, realistic thrust-based movements and its overall quietness of vacuum makes it one of the earliest form of Hard Sci-Fi in cinema. Although it is not for everyone, as it is very, ''VERY'' slow-paced.
	* ''Interstellar'' is this generation's 2001: A Space Odyssey, taking many concepts of 2001 and expanding on it even more. Although there are some flaws in the film, such as the solid, floating ice clouds, the inconsistency between the planet's time dilation on their orbit around Gargantua, and whatever the fuck is going on with the tesseract. It is respected for its depiction of realistic spacecraft design, zero sound in space, the dangers of inertia, an accurate portrayal of a wormhole as well as its depiction of Gargantua, a black hole so scientifically accurate, it actually influenced real-life astrophysics.
	* ''Ringworld'' is the grandaddy of [[Halo]] for ''obvious reasons''. It is one of the earliest depictions of Hard Sci-Fi that explores the concept of the titular ringworld, using real-world and theoretical physics to see how such a megastructure could feasibly work. It is so god damned hard that when a couple of high-school students spotted a flaw on the world, the author immediately took the flaw and fixed it in the next novel.
	* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].		* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].
	* ''The Expanse'' book series and TV show. In here, spaceships have to turn themselves around halfway to their destination and fire their engines in reverse to slow down (the so-called "Flip and Burn") just like real life. The only artificial gravities are the ones created by centrifugal force or acceleration. And you have no way to ignore G-forces other than taking drugs that keep you conscious a little longer.		* ''The Expanse'' book series and TV show. In here, spaceships have to turn themselves around halfway to their destination and fire their engines in reverse to slow down (the so-called "Flip and Burn") just like real life. The only artificial gravities are the ones created by centrifugal force or acceleration. And you have no way to ignore G-forces other than taking drugs that keep you conscious a little longer.
	*''[[Xeelee Sequence]]'' makes heavy use of concepts from theoretical and speculative astrophysics, such as dark matter, time dilation, quantum mechanics, general relativity, Planck's constant, the Heat Death of the universe, and the Great Attractor. While some aspects of the series are now considered outdated since science marches on and palaeontology not being Baxter's strong suit, overall, the Sequence holds up very well. No surprise since the author of the series has an actual degree in mathematics and engineering. Other than its absurd [[Grimdark]] and high octane nightmare fuel, the Xeelee Sequence is a rarity and an exception amongst its peers, for being a Hard Sci-Fi universe that could Godstomp the majority of fiction due to how scarily overpowered a Type V Kardashev civilization is depicted. For its more fantastical and soft sci-fi cousin, there is [[Doctor Who]].		*''[[Xeelee Sequence]]'' makes heavy use of concepts from theoretical and speculative astrophysics, such as dark matter, time dilation, quantum mechanics, general relativity, Planck's constant, the Heat Death of the universe, and the Great Attractor. While some aspects of the series are now considered outdated since science marches on and palaeontology not being Baxter's strong suit, overall, the Sequence holds up very well. No surprise since the author of the series has an actual degree in mathematics and engineering. Other than its absurd [[Grimdark]] and high octane nightmare fuel, the Xeelee Sequence is a rarity and an exception amongst its peers, for being a Hard Sci-Fi universe that could Godstomp the majority of fiction due to how scarily overpowered a Type V Kardashev civilization is depicted. For its more fantastical and soft sci-fi cousin, there is ''[[Doctor Who]]''.
			* ''2001: A Space Odyssey'' is possibly one of THE most famous examples of Hard Sci-Fi as well as one of the most influential. Whilst it does have the magic doodad plot device of the Monolith, overall, the concepts shown such as space stations using centrifugal force for artificial gravity, realistic thrust-based movements and its overall quietness of vacuum makes it one of the earliest form of Hard Sci-Fi in cinema. Although it is not for everyone, as it is very, ''VERY'' slow-paced and the characters are dull as ditchwater, save for the homicidal AI.
			* ''Interstellar'' is its generation's ''2001'', taking many of the same concepts and expanding on them with better characterization. Although there are some flaws in the film, such as the solid, floating ice clouds, the inconsistency between the planet's time dilation on their orbit around Gargantua, and whatever the fuck is going on with the tesseract, it is respected for its depiction of realistic spacecraft design, zero sound in space, the dangers of inertia, an accurate portrayal of a wormhole as well as its depiction of Gargantua, a black hole so scientifically accurate, it actually influenced real-life astrophysics via Kit Thorne getting access to Hollywood's cutting edge special effect computers.
			* ''Ringworld'' is the grandaddy of ''[[Halo]]'' for ''obvious reasons''. It is one of the earliest depictions of Hard Sci-Fi that explores the concept of the titular ringworld, using real-world and theoretical physics to see how such a megastructure could feasibly work. It is so god damned hard that when a couple of high-school students spotted a flaw on the world, the author immediately took the flaw and fixed it in the next novel.



	~~== Settings often mistaken as HSF ==~~
	* ''[[Battletech]]'' is a... contentious example, as the whole thing revolves around human-shaped warmachines, but outside of that, the game focuses on simulating believable socio-economic conditions and technology, and comes up with a believable explanation for man-piloted walker-mechs. (Namely, the real-world fact that the biological human inner-ear is far superior to anything tech can replicate when it comes to preserving balance, and the mechs require it not to fall over in the derpiest possible fashion.)
	* ''Mass Effect'' of [[Bioware]] fame is often mischaracterized for its hard background on the setting's technology, and how it treats the many different biologies of the setting's aliens. Although harder when compared relatively to its contemporaries like [[Halo]] or [[Star Trek]]. The keyword here is '''''relative'''''. Whilst it does respect certain aspects of Hard Science-Fiction, mainly in the concept of heat management, the vacuum of space, and the fact that all of the tech-based on the element (read: all of it) makes somewhat sense in context. Most often than not, it can just be as silly as [[Star Wars]] in terms of its techno-babble. Case in point, the titular Element Zero which creates the ''Mass Effect'', a property that reduces the mass of an object to...well...zero. This in itself, already breaks several laws of physics and is pretty hilarious if you take the moniker of Element Zero to its literal extant since the only material that is closest to this in real-life would be Neutron Degenerate Matter...whose ridiculous density and radiation does [[Derp\|the direct opposite of Eezo.]] Moreover, most of the aliens are 6ft tall and follow the human body plan (though this is probably mostly due to engine limitations), the Asari whose biology single-handily breaks any pretence of scientific accuracy, the Reapers and the methods they use to convert humans to impossibly durable warships and troops (spoilers, BTW) is less clear, and boils down to NANOMACHINES, SON. So yeah, Mass Effect on paper is Hard Sci-Fi, in actuality, it is the ''least'' Hard Sci-Fi franchise on the list, yes, even less than ''Battletech''.
	[[Category:Gamer Slang]]		[[Category:Gamer Slang]]

1d4chan>Derpysaurus: /* Settings with HSF elements */

2021-11-01T11:04:33Z

Settings with HSF elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:04, 1 November 2021
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	* ''[[Transhuman Space]]'' is a [[GURPS]]/[[Steve Jackson Games]] setting that is about as hard as possible. Focuses more on transhumanism than the usual science fictionery.		* ''[[Transhuman Space]]'' is a [[GURPS]]/[[Steve Jackson Games]] setting that is about as hard as possible. Focuses more on transhumanism than the usual science fictionery.
	* ''2001: A Space Odyssey'' is possibly one of THE most famous examples of Hard Sci-Fi as well as one of the most influential. Whilst it does have the magic mccguffin of the Monolith, overall, the concepts shown such as space stations using centrifugal force for artificial gravity, realistic thrust-based movements and its overall quietness of vacuum makes it one of the earliest form of Hard Sci-Fi in cinema. Although it is not for everyone, as it is very, ''VERY'' slow-paced.		* ''2001: A Space Odyssey'' is possibly one of THE most famous examples of Hard Sci-Fi as well as one of the most influential. Whilst it does have the magic mccguffin of the Monolith, overall, the concepts shown such as space stations using centrifugal force for artificial gravity, realistic thrust-based movements and its overall quietness of vacuum makes it one of the earliest form of Hard Sci-Fi in cinema. Although it is not for everyone, as it is very, ''VERY'' slow-paced.
	* ''Interstellar'' is this generation's 2001: A Space Odyssey, taking many concepts of 2001 and expanding on it even more. Although there are some flaws in the film, such as the solid, floating ice clouds, the inconsistency between the planet's time dilation on their orbit around Gargantua, and whatever the fuck is going on with the ~~tesserect~~. It is respected for its depiction of realistic spacecraft design, zero sound in space, the dangers of inertia, an accurate portrayal of a wormhole as well as its depiction of Gargantua, a black hole so scientifically accurate, it actually influenced real-life astrophysics.		* ''Interstellar'' is this generation's 2001: A Space Odyssey, taking many concepts of 2001 and expanding on it even more. Although there are some flaws in the film, such as the solid, floating ice clouds, the inconsistency between the planet's time dilation on their orbit around Gargantua, and whatever the fuck is going on with the tesseract. It is respected for its depiction of realistic spacecraft design, zero sound in space, the dangers of inertia, an accurate portrayal of a wormhole as well as its depiction of Gargantua, a black hole so scientifically accurate, it actually influenced real-life astrophysics.
	* ''Ringworld'' is the grandaddy of [[Halo]] for ''obvious reasons''. It is one of the earliest depictions of Hard Sci-Fi that explores the concept of the titular ringworld, using real-world and theoretical physics to see how such a megastructure could feasibly work. It is so god damned hard that when a couple of high-school students spotted a flaw on the world, the author immediately took the flaw and fixed it in the next novel.		* ''Ringworld'' is the grandaddy of [[Halo]] for ''obvious reasons''. It is one of the earliest depictions of Hard Sci-Fi that explores the concept of the titular ringworld, using real-world and theoretical physics to see how such a megastructure could feasibly work. It is so god damned hard that when a couple of high-school students spotted a flaw on the world, the author immediately took the flaw and fixed it in the next novel.
	* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].		* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].

1d4chan>Derpysaurus: /* Settings with HSF elements */

2021-11-01T11:04:21Z

Settings with HSF elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:04, 1 November 2021
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	* ''2001: A Space Odyssey'' is possibly one of THE most famous examples of Hard Sci-Fi as well as one of the most influential. Whilst it does have the magic mccguffin of the Monolith, overall, the concepts shown such as space stations using centrifugal force for artificial gravity, realistic thrust-based movements and its overall quietness of vacuum makes it one of the earliest form of Hard Sci-Fi in cinema. Although it is not for everyone, as it is very, ''VERY'' slow-paced.		* ''2001: A Space Odyssey'' is possibly one of THE most famous examples of Hard Sci-Fi as well as one of the most influential. Whilst it does have the magic mccguffin of the Monolith, overall, the concepts shown such as space stations using centrifugal force for artificial gravity, realistic thrust-based movements and its overall quietness of vacuum makes it one of the earliest form of Hard Sci-Fi in cinema. Although it is not for everyone, as it is very, ''VERY'' slow-paced.
	* ''Interstellar'' is this generation's 2001: A Space Odyssey, taking many concepts of 2001 and expanding on it even more. Although there are some flaws in the film, such as the solid, floating ice clouds, the inconsistency between the planet's time dilation on their orbit around Gargantua, and whatever the fuck is going on with the tesserect. It is respected for its depiction of realistic spacecraft design, zero sound in space, the dangers of inertia, an accurate portrayal of a wormhole as well as its depiction of Gargantua, a black hole so scientifically accurate, it actually influenced real-life astrophysics.		* ''Interstellar'' is this generation's 2001: A Space Odyssey, taking many concepts of 2001 and expanding on it even more. Although there are some flaws in the film, such as the solid, floating ice clouds, the inconsistency between the planet's time dilation on their orbit around Gargantua, and whatever the fuck is going on with the tesserect. It is respected for its depiction of realistic spacecraft design, zero sound in space, the dangers of inertia, an accurate portrayal of a wormhole as well as its depiction of Gargantua, a black hole so scientifically accurate, it actually influenced real-life astrophysics.
			* ''Ringworld'' is the grandaddy of [[Halo]] for ''obvious reasons''. It is one of the earliest depictions of Hard Sci-Fi that explores the concept of the titular ringworld, using real-world and theoretical physics to see how such a megastructure could feasibly work. It is so god damned hard that when a couple of high-school students spotted a flaw on the world, the author immediately took the flaw and fixed it in the next novel.
	* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].		* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].
	* ''The Expanse'' book series and TV show. In here, spaceships have to turn themselves around halfway to their destination and fire their engines in reverse to slow down (the so-called "Flip and Burn") just like real life. The only artificial gravities are the ones created by centrifugal force or acceleration. And you have no way to ignore G-forces other than taking drugs that keep you conscious a little longer.		* ''The Expanse'' book series and TV show. In here, spaceships have to turn themselves around halfway to their destination and fire their engines in reverse to slow down (the so-called "Flip and Burn") just like real life. The only artificial gravities are the ones created by centrifugal force or acceleration. And you have no way to ignore G-forces other than taking drugs that keep you conscious a little longer.

1d4chan>Derpysaurus at 10:59, 1 November 2021

2021-11-01T10:59:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:59, 1 November 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~{{Template:Stub}}~~

	Science fiction with emphasis on the "science." Seems to be popular with people who prefer [[simulationist]] RPGs and/or physics/calculus. As you may expect, it is diametrically opposed to "[[Soft Science Fiction]]."		Science fiction with emphasis on the "science." Seems to be popular with people who prefer [[simulationist]] RPGs and/or physics/calculus. As you may expect, it is diametrically opposed to "[[Soft Science Fiction]]."

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	Jules Verne's works, when seen in the context of the time they were written, can be considered hard science fiction.		Jules Verne's works, when seen in the context of the time they were written, can be considered hard science fiction.

			All in all, it should be forewarned that many Hard Sci-Fi works are setting-driven stories rather than character-driven. Since they are all focusing on the science aspect, it is natural for character development to be sacrificed for scientific accuracy. As such, the science in the setting is very much the main character rather than the characters themselves, who often act as a mouthpiece to explain shit. This could leave characters feeling rather dry and as charismatic as a brick. There are exceptions of course, such as The Martian or The Expanse, but usually, the setting is what makes Hard Sci-Fi truly hard.
	== Settings with HSF elements ==		== Settings with HSF elements ==

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	* ''[[Albedo]]'' is the work that gave us the word "furry." It also features detailed cutaway techno-porn diagrams of all the ships in the game and discussions of how the tech works for the curious, and is built on a complicated, realistic mix of politics and military action.		* ''[[Albedo]]'' is the work that gave us the word "furry." It also features detailed cutaway techno-porn diagrams of all the ships in the game and discussions of how the tech works for the curious, and is built on a complicated, realistic mix of politics and military action.
	* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.		* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.
	* ''[[Battletech]]'' is a... contentious example, as the whole thing revolves around human-shaped warmachines, but outside of that, the game focuses on simulating believable socio-economic conditions and technology, and comes up with a believable explanation for man-piloted walker-mechs. (Namely, the real-world fact that the biological human inner-ear is far superior to anything tech can replicate when it comes to preserving balance, and the mechs require it not to fall over in the derpiest possible fashion.)
	* ''Mass Effect'' of [[Bioware]] fame is often mischaracterized for its hard background on the setting's technology, and how it treats the many different biologies of the setting's aliens. Although harder when compared relatively to its contemporaries like [[Halo]] or [[Star Trek]]. The keyword here is '''''relative'''''. Whilst it does respect certain aspects of Hard Science-Fiction, mainly in the concept of heat management, the vacuum of space, and the fact that all of the tech-based on the element (read: all of it) makes somewhat sense in context. Most often than not, it can just be as silly as [[Star Wars]] in terms of its techno-babble. Case in point, the titular Element Zero which creates the ''Mass Effect'', a property that reduces the mass of an object to...well...zero. This in itself, already breaks several laws of physics and is pretty hilarious if you take the moniker of Element Zero to its literal extant since the only material that is closest to this in real-life would be Neutron Degenerate Matter...whose ridiculous density and radiation does [[Derp\|the direct opposite of Eezo.]] Moreover, most of the aliens are 6ft tall and follow the human body plan (though this is probably mostly due to engine limitations), the Asari whose biology single-handily breaks any pretence of scientific accuracy, the Reapers and the methods they use to convert humans to impossibly durable warships and troops (spoilers, BTW) is less clear, and boils down to NANOMACHINES, SON. So yeah, Mass Effect on paper is Hard Sci-Fi, in actuality, it is the ''least'' Hard Sci-Fi franchise on the list, yes, even less than ''Battletech''.
	* ''[[Transhuman Space]]'' is a [[GURPS]]/[[Steve Jackson Games]] setting that is about as hard as possible. Focuses more on transhumanism than the usual science fictionery.		* ''[[Transhuman Space]]'' is a [[GURPS]]/[[Steve Jackson Games]] setting that is about as hard as possible. Focuses more on transhumanism than the usual science fictionery.
			* ''2001: A Space Odyssey'' is possibly one of THE most famous examples of Hard Sci-Fi as well as one of the most influential. Whilst it does have the magic mccguffin of the Monolith, overall, the concepts shown such as space stations using centrifugal force for artificial gravity, realistic thrust-based movements and its overall quietness of vacuum makes it one of the earliest form of Hard Sci-Fi in cinema. Although it is not for everyone, as it is very, ''VERY'' slow-paced.
			* ''Interstellar'' is this generation's 2001: A Space Odyssey, taking many concepts of 2001 and expanding on it even more. Although there are some flaws in the film, such as the solid, floating ice clouds, the inconsistency between the planet's time dilation on their orbit around Gargantua, and whatever the fuck is going on with the tesserect. It is respected for its depiction of realistic spacecraft design, zero sound in space, the dangers of inertia, an accurate portrayal of a wormhole as well as its depiction of Gargantua, a black hole so scientifically accurate, it actually influenced real-life astrophysics.
	* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].		* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].
	* ''The Expanse'' book series and TV show. In here, spaceships have to turn themselves around halfway to their destination and fire their engines in reverse to slow down (the so-called "Flip and Burn") just like real life. The only artificial gravities are the ones created by centrifugal force or acceleration. And you have no way to ignore G-forces other than taking drugs that keep you conscious a little longer.		* ''The Expanse'' book series and TV show. In here, spaceships have to turn themselves around halfway to their destination and fire their engines in reverse to slow down (the so-called "Flip and Burn") just like real life. The only artificial gravities are the ones created by centrifugal force or acceleration. And you have no way to ignore G-forces other than taking drugs that keep you conscious a little longer.
	*''[[Xeelee Sequence]]'' makes heavy use of concepts from theoretical and speculative astrophysics, such as dark matter, time dilation, quantum mechanics, general relativity, Planck's constant, the Heat Death of the universe, and the Great Attractor. While some aspects of the series are now considered outdated since science marches on and palaeontology not being Baxter's strong suit, overall, the Sequence holds up very well. No surprise since the author of the series has an actual degree in mathematics and engineering. Other than its absurd [[Grimdark]] and high octane nightmare fuel, the Xeelee Sequence is a rarity and an exception amongst its peers, for being a Hard Sci-Fi universe that could Godstomp the majority of fiction due to how scarily overpowered a Type V Kardashev civilization is depicted. For its more fantastical and soft sci-fi cousin, there is [[Doctor Who]].		*''[[Xeelee Sequence]]'' makes heavy use of concepts from theoretical and speculative astrophysics, such as dark matter, time dilation, quantum mechanics, general relativity, Planck's constant, the Heat Death of the universe, and the Great Attractor. While some aspects of the series are now considered outdated since science marches on and palaeontology not being Baxter's strong suit, overall, the Sequence holds up very well. No surprise since the author of the series has an actual degree in mathematics and engineering. Other than its absurd [[Grimdark]] and high octane nightmare fuel, the Xeelee Sequence is a rarity and an exception amongst its peers, for being a Hard Sci-Fi universe that could Godstomp the majority of fiction due to how scarily overpowered a Type V Kardashev civilization is depicted. For its more fantastical and soft sci-fi cousin, there is [[Doctor Who]].

			== Settings often mistaken as HSF ==
			* ''[[Battletech]]'' is a... contentious example, as the whole thing revolves around human-shaped warmachines, but outside of that, the game focuses on simulating believable socio-economic conditions and technology, and comes up with a believable explanation for man-piloted walker-mechs. (Namely, the real-world fact that the biological human inner-ear is far superior to anything tech can replicate when it comes to preserving balance, and the mechs require it not to fall over in the derpiest possible fashion.)
			* ''Mass Effect'' of [[Bioware]] fame is often mischaracterized for its hard background on the setting's technology, and how it treats the many different biologies of the setting's aliens. Although harder when compared relatively to its contemporaries like [[Halo]] or [[Star Trek]]. The keyword here is '''''relative'''''. Whilst it does respect certain aspects of Hard Science-Fiction, mainly in the concept of heat management, the vacuum of space, and the fact that all of the tech-based on the element (read: all of it) makes somewhat sense in context. Most often than not, it can just be as silly as [[Star Wars]] in terms of its techno-babble. Case in point, the titular Element Zero which creates the ''Mass Effect'', a property that reduces the mass of an object to...well...zero. This in itself, already breaks several laws of physics and is pretty hilarious if you take the moniker of Element Zero to its literal extant since the only material that is closest to this in real-life would be Neutron Degenerate Matter...whose ridiculous density and radiation does [[Derp\|the direct opposite of Eezo.]] Moreover, most of the aliens are 6ft tall and follow the human body plan (though this is probably mostly due to engine limitations), the Asari whose biology single-handily breaks any pretence of scientific accuracy, the Reapers and the methods they use to convert humans to impossibly durable warships and troops (spoilers, BTW) is less clear, and boils down to NANOMACHINES, SON. So yeah, Mass Effect on paper is Hard Sci-Fi, in actuality, it is the ''least'' Hard Sci-Fi franchise on the list, yes, even less than ''Battletech''.
	[[Category:Gamer Slang]]		[[Category:Gamer Slang]]

1d4chan>Derpysaurus: /* Settings with HSF elements */

2021-11-01T10:46:25Z

Settings with HSF elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:46, 1 November 2021
Line 25:		Line 25:
	* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].		* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].
	* ''The Expanse'' book series and TV show. In here, spaceships have to turn themselves around halfway to their destination and fire their engines in reverse to slow down (the so-called "Flip and Burn") just like real life. The only artificial gravities are the ones created by centrifugal force or acceleration. And you have no way to ignore G-forces other than taking drugs that keep you conscious a little longer.		* ''The Expanse'' book series and TV show. In here, spaceships have to turn themselves around halfway to their destination and fire their engines in reverse to slow down (the so-called "Flip and Burn") just like real life. The only artificial gravities are the ones created by centrifugal force or acceleration. And you have no way to ignore G-forces other than taking drugs that keep you conscious a little longer.
	*''[[Xeelee Sequence]]'' makes heavy use of concepts from theoretical and speculative astrophysics, such as dark matter, time dilation, quantum mechanics, general relativity, Planck's constant, the Heat Death of the universe, and the Great Attractor. While some aspects of the series are now considered outdated since science marches on and palaeontology not being Baxter's strong suit, overall, the Sequence holds up very well. No surprise since the author of the series has an actual degree in mathematics and engineering. Other than its absurd [[Grimdark]] and high octane nightmare fuel, the Xeelee Sequence is a rarity and an exception amongst its peers, for being a Hard Sci-Fi universe that could Godstomp the majority of fiction due to how scarily overpowered a Type V Kardashev civilization is depicted.		*''[[Xeelee Sequence]]'' makes heavy use of concepts from theoretical and speculative astrophysics, such as dark matter, time dilation, quantum mechanics, general relativity, Planck's constant, the Heat Death of the universe, and the Great Attractor. While some aspects of the series are now considered outdated since science marches on and palaeontology not being Baxter's strong suit, overall, the Sequence holds up very well. No surprise since the author of the series has an actual degree in mathematics and engineering. Other than its absurd [[Grimdark]] and high octane nightmare fuel, the Xeelee Sequence is a rarity and an exception amongst its peers, for being a Hard Sci-Fi universe that could Godstomp the majority of fiction due to how scarily overpowered a Type V Kardashev civilization is depicted. For its more fantastical and soft sci-fi cousin, there is [[Doctor Who]].


	[[Category:Gamer Slang]]		[[Category:Gamer Slang]]

1d4chan>Derpysaurus: /* Settings with HSF elements */

2021-11-01T10:16:23Z

Settings with HSF elements

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:16, 1 November 2021
Line 21:		Line 21:
	* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.		* ''[[Diaspora]]'' is, in many ways, a version of ''Traveller'' for the sorts of people who view dying (in ''or'' out of character) during character creation to be a bug rather than a badge of pride to filter out the riff-raff. All the physics is internally-consistent and unforgiving, and the system includes a ''lot'' of cultural and economic realism right there in the rules. The [[Dresden Files RPG]]-style communal campaign-building also helps ensure that everyone gets to do the kinds of things they want to do in the game.
	* ''[[Battletech]]'' is a... contentious example, as the whole thing revolves around human-shaped warmachines, but outside of that, the game focuses on simulating believable socio-economic conditions and technology, and comes up with a believable explanation for man-piloted walker-mechs. (Namely, the real-world fact that the biological human inner-ear is far superior to anything tech can replicate when it comes to preserving balance, and the mechs require it not to fall over in the derpiest possible fashion.)		* ''[[Battletech]]'' is a... contentious example, as the whole thing revolves around human-shaped warmachines, but outside of that, the game focuses on simulating believable socio-economic conditions and technology, and comes up with a believable explanation for man-piloted walker-mechs. (Namely, the real-world fact that the biological human inner-ear is far superior to anything tech can replicate when it comes to preserving balance, and the mechs require it not to fall over in the derpiest possible fashion.)
	* ''Mass Effect'' of [[Bioware]] fame is often mischaracterized for its hard background on the setting's technology, and how it treats the many different biologies of the setting's aliens. Although harder when compared relatively to its contemporaries like [[Halo]] or [[Star Trek]]. The keyword here is '''''relative'''''. Whilst it does respect certain aspects of Hard Science-Fiction, mainly in the concept of heat management, the vacuum of space, and the fact that all of the tech-based on the element (read: all of it) makes somewhat sense in context. Most often than not, it can just be as silly as [[Star Wars]] in terms of its techno-babble. Case in point, the titular Element Zero which creates the ''Mass Effect'', a property that reduces the mass of an object to...well...zero. This in itself, already breaks several laws of physics and is pretty hilarious if you take the moniker of Element Zero to its literal extant since the only material that is closest to this in real-life would be Neutron Degenerate Matter...whose ridiculous density and radiation does [[Derp\|the direct opposite of Eezo.]] Moreover, most of the aliens are 6ft tall and follow the human body plan (though this is probably mostly due to engine limitations), the Reapers and the methods they use to convert humans to impossibly durable warships and troops (spoilers, BTW) is less clear, and boils down to NANOMACHINES, SON. So yeah, Mass Effect on paper is Hard Sci-Fi, in actuality, it is the ''least'' Hard Sci-Fi franchise on the list, yes, even less than ''Battletech''.		* ''Mass Effect'' of [[Bioware]] fame is often mischaracterized for its hard background on the setting's technology, and how it treats the many different biologies of the setting's aliens. Although harder when compared relatively to its contemporaries like [[Halo]] or [[Star Trek]]. The keyword here is '''''relative'''''. Whilst it does respect certain aspects of Hard Science-Fiction, mainly in the concept of heat management, the vacuum of space, and the fact that all of the tech-based on the element (read: all of it) makes somewhat sense in context. Most often than not, it can just be as silly as [[Star Wars]] in terms of its techno-babble. Case in point, the titular Element Zero which creates the ''Mass Effect'', a property that reduces the mass of an object to...well...zero. This in itself, already breaks several laws of physics and is pretty hilarious if you take the moniker of Element Zero to its literal extant since the only material that is closest to this in real-life would be Neutron Degenerate Matter...whose ridiculous density and radiation does [[Derp\|the direct opposite of Eezo.]] Moreover, most of the aliens are 6ft tall and follow the human body plan (though this is probably mostly due to engine limitations), the Asari whose biology single-handily breaks any pretence of scientific accuracy, the Reapers and the methods they use to convert humans to impossibly durable warships and troops (spoilers, BTW) is less clear, and boils down to NANOMACHINES, SON. So yeah, Mass Effect on paper is Hard Sci-Fi, in actuality, it is the ''least'' Hard Sci-Fi franchise on the list, yes, even less than ''Battletech''.
	* ''[[Transhuman Space]]'' is a [[GURPS]]/[[Steve Jackson Games]] setting that is about as hard as possible. Focuses more on transhumanism than the usual science fictionery.		* ''[[Transhuman Space]]'' is a [[GURPS]]/[[Steve Jackson Games]] setting that is about as hard as possible. Focuses more on transhumanism than the usual science fictionery.
	* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].		* ''[[Worm]]'' claims (and attempts) to more or less be one (e.g., "precognitive" powers are actually simulations), although the mechanism by which [[Supers\|superpowers]] are HSF is a spoiler. How well it succeeds is [[skub\|up for debate]].