Science Fiction vs. High Fantasy

[Wolf Kanno]

Which is your favorite and why?

[Depression Moon]

Science Fiction because there's more room for possible setting and high fantasy is just restricted to a couple.

[Jinx]

I refuse to answer this poll.

[Shorty]

Science fiction because it just clicks with me more. The possibilities that are available appeal to me more than the possibilities that are available with high fantasy.

The entire definition of Wikipedia's term is why it appeals to me:

Science fiction is largely based on writing rationally about alternative possible worlds or futures. It is similar to, but differs from fantasy in that, within the context of the story, its imaginary elements are largely possible within scientifically established or scientifically postulated laws of nature (though some elements in a story might still be pure imaginative speculation).

The settings for science fiction are often contrary to consensus reality, but most science fiction relies on a considerable degree of suspension of disbelief, which is facilitated in the reader's mind by potential scientific explanations or solutions to various fictional elements. Science fiction elements include:

-A time setting in the future, in alternative timelines, or in a historical past that contradicts known facts of history or the archaeological record.
-A spatial setting or scenes in outer space (e.g. spaceflight), on other worlds, or on subterranean earth.
-Characters that include aliens, mutants, androids, or humanoid robots.
-Futuristic technology such as ray guns, teleportation machines, and humanoid computers.
-Scientific principles that are new or that contradict accepted laws of nature, for example time travel, wormholes, or faster-than-light travel.
-New and different political or social systems, e.g. dystopian, post-scarcity, or post-apocalyptic.
-Paranormal abilities such as mind control, telepathy, telekinesis, and teleportation.
-Other universes or dimensions and travel between them.

Space westerns, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic, alternate history and horror fiction all appeal to me so much. It's not necessarily any of the spacey stuff - I do like that part of the genre, but it's more of a sub-set of what I find interesting. The idea about possibilities in this lifetime that might not require such a stretch of the belief is amazing to me and I find it more enjoyable.

[sharkythesharkdogg]

Science fiction, but I love them both.

[Bolivar]

I enjoy both, they're two sides of the same coin, but I've just read more Science Fiction that totally blew me away and kicked my ass like Hyperion and A Canticle for Liebowitz. The Dune series is also really close to my heart, I honestly thoroughly enjoyed all six books (refuse to touch the son's stuff, though).

It might change soon as I read more fantasy nowadays. I've read A Song of Ice and Fire twice, I'm currently going through Lord of the Rings, and started a little bit of The Prince of Nothing which I'm getting to next, which also seems pretty insane.

[sharkythesharkdogg]

I enjoy both, they're two sides of the same coin, but I've just read more Science Fiction that totally blew me away and kicked my ass like Hyperion and A Canticle for Liebowitz.

I just finished Hyperion for the first time two days ago. Is The Fall of Hyperion a good follow up?

Also, Speaker for the Dead.

[Shorty]

YEP

[The Man]

Do I have to choose?

[Slothy]

Do I have to choose?

Yes.

Science Fiction.

[Depression Moon]

I'd take Modern Fantasy over either though.

[Laddy]

This poll is mean.

[Shorty]

This poll makes you take a good hard look at yourselves.

[Bolivar]

I just finished Hyperion for the first time two days ago. Is The Fall of Hyperion a good follow up?

It's a completely different format, but I feel like you kind of have to read it if you've already read Hyperion. I haven't read Endymion, though, after how awesome Fall of Hyperion wraps up the story of the first two books.

[blackmage_nuke]

Looking at my top 10 favourite movies I believe that for some reason I seem to enjoy SciFi over HiFan
However if I look at my favourite Books I seem to prefer HiFan.

But I love movies more than I love books.