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New Solutions for 90s Science Fiction
Ts
(Romanian)
This would be “part 2” of the “documentation” about the science fiction of 1993, the one in which I will address the “written book” and the video games released this year.
A documentary that will take this form, of “large-scale” material, very likely by the end of this year…
The purpose for which I am creating this material (which will be constantly homogenized and updated, regarding old materials, the years before this “addition”) is to get to debate the future works, of others or even yours…
Returning to the “written book”, one of the great “Science Fiction” “books” of 1993 is the novel Green Mars written by Kim Stanley Robinson, it is the second volume of the famous Mars Trilogy, a series that explores in detail the process of colonizing and terraforming the red planet.
There is a certain “problem” of chronology here…
Primul roman, Red Mars, a fost premiat în 1992 (de exemplu, Premiul Hugo) și nu l-am menționat în materialul despre 1992 (Episodul 28). Asta deoarece a fost publicat inițial în 1992 (HarperCollins UK, 1992) și, ulterior, în 1992 (Bantam Spectra, 1993).
The first novel, Red Mars, won awards in 1992 (e.g., the Premiul Hugo) and I did not mention it in the material about 1992 (Episodul 28). This is because it was originally published in 1992 (HarperCollins UK, 1992) and later in 1992 (Bantam Spectra, 1993).
So I will proceed to a “correlated” approach to both novels, quite intentionally, with the idea of emphasizing that a “Science Fiction” work requires many “words”… Which is easily demonstrated by the success of great authors from the past, but also from the future…
So, Red Mars…
The novel begins with a detailed description of the journey to Mars and the colonists’ first days on the red planet, with the colonists “forced” to face enormous challenges to survive and build a permanent base on Mars.
Thus, from the beginning, differences of opinion arise among the colonists, related to how the colony should be developed and the relationship with Earth, along with the narrative evolution fueled by the fact that, as they explore the planet, the colonists make discoveries that will fundamentally change their understanding of Mars and their place in the universe.
We are dealing with a rigorous scientific approach, where the author (Robinson) is not satisfied with a simple adventure story, but builds a Martian universe based on the scientific knowledge of the time, where technical details abound, from spacecraft to survival equipment, being described with an accuracy that transforms the reader into a true explorer of the red planet.
Then, instead of stereotypical heroes, Robinson presents us with a gallery of complex characters, with their own ambitions, fears, and ideals, each of the colonists bringing with them a unique perspective on the colonization project, the interactions between them creating interesting and conflicting dynamics.
However, beyond the scientific aspects, Red Mars is a story about people, with the novel exploring themes such as identity, individualism vs. collectivism, power, ethics, and how people adapt to a hostile environment and a new reality.
So, in conclusion, Robinson does not limit himself to describing only the first stages of colonization, but offers us a perspective on the long-term future of the Martian colony, inviting the reader to reflect on the social, political, and cultural implications of creating a new society on another planet.
Continuing, if the first volume, Red Mars, introduced us to the world of Martian colonists and the early stages of establishing a society on another planet, Green Mars takes us deeper into this process, focusing on the effects of terraforming on the environment and Martian society.
In this case, Robinson does not present terraforming as a simple and linear process, but as a complex intervention in the Martian ecosystem, with long-term implications for both the planet and the colonists.
As Mars becomes more and more Earth-like, tensions arise between those who want to preserve the Martian identity and those who want to create a new version of Earth, with complex characters and important moral and ethical dilemmas.
As usual (already), Robinson documents his novel very well, offering the most realistic picture possible of the technological challenges and possibilities of Martian colonization.
That’s about it about these novels (a trilogy that I invite you to read, even if it seems written “a long time ago”), but without forgetting their “technical” framing…
Kim Stanley Robinson’s novels “Red Mars” and “Green Mars” fall into several subgenres of science fiction, but the most relevant are Hard science fiction (this subgenre is characterized by a particular attention to scientific and technological details, describing an extremely detailed Martian universe, based on the scientific knowledge of the time, terraforming processes, genetic engineering, physics and other scientific aspects being explored with rigor), Space opera (although not in the classical sense of the term, the Mars trilogy presents an epic, large-scale story that explores themes such as space colonization, the future of humanity and the relationship between humans and technology), Social science fiction (this subgenre focuses on the impact of science and technology on society, Robinson exploring in detail how the colonization of Mars will influence the social, political and cultural structures of humanity), Planetary romance (although the term is less well known, “planetary romance” refers to novels that explore the colonization and terraforming of other planets, The Mars trilogy fits perfectly into this subgenre, offering a romantic, yet realistic, vision of humanity’s future on Mars).
Utopia/dystopia could also be mentioned (although the Mars trilogy does not strictly fit into one of these subgenres, it explores both utopian aspects of the colonization of Mars, as well as potential problems and conflicts) or New Wave (the Mars trilogy can also be seen as a continuation of the New Wave tradition, which focuses on exploring philosophical ideas and concepts through science fiction).
Moving Mars by Greg Bear is another important piece in the science fiction puzzle that explores the colonization of Mars (although published in the same year as Kim Stanley Robinson’s Green Mars, it offers a distinct perspective on the subject).
While Robinson focuses on the gradual terraforming of Mars, Bear proposes a much more radical idea: moving the entire planet into an orbit closer to the Sun (planetary engineering on a cosmic scale that raises fascinating questions about the power and limits of human technology).
Compared to Robinson’s more contemplative and detailed approach, “Moving Mars” is more fast-paced and action-packed, with the plot focusing on a team of scientists and engineers who must find a solution to save Earth from an impending catastrophe, with moving to Mars becoming the only viable option.
Bear explores in detail the consequences of this radical action, both for the planet Mars and for humanity, as changing the orbit of a planet can have major implications for the solar system, with the risk of triggering a series of unpredictable events.
But, just like in Green Mars, in Moving Mars conflicts arise between different groups with opposing visions of the future of humanity and our relationship with the cosmos.
Other small details would be that the protagonists of the novel are scientists and engineers who must face enormous challenges to save the planet, with the team having a limited time to implement the plan to move to Mars (but, as the plan unfolds, unexpected complications arise that endanger both the mission and the future of humanity).
So Moving Mars is a complex work that combines several subgenres of science fiction, represented by Hard science fiction (it is based on a solid scientific foundation, the idea of moving an entire planet is extremely ambitious and requires a detailed scientific explanation, Bear exploring concepts such as planetary engineering, theoretical physics and advanced technologies in a believable way, placing the novel in this subgenre), Space opera (the element of epic, of cosmic adventure, is present, the story has a grandiose character, involving the destiny of an entire planet and humanity, based on an action-packed plot, and the characters face challenges on a cosmic scale), Social science fiction (it also explores social aspects, the relationships between Martian colonists, conflicts of interest and questions related to identity and belonging being present in the novel), Planetary romance (exploring the colonization of other planets, although the emphasis is more on planetary engineering on a cosmic scale).
Beggars in Spain by Nancy Kress is a gem of science fiction that explores complex themes related to biotechnology, social inequality, and ethics, offering a unique perspective on the future of humanity.
The novel is set in a not-so-distant future where biotechnology has advanced so much that people can be genetically modified to gain certain traits or abilities, a technology that creates a new social class, the “genetically enhanced”, who hold a significant advantage over the rest of the population.
Kress explores in detail the social consequences of this new technology, where a deep divide is created between the “enhanced” and the “natural”, and this leads to social tensions, discrimination, and conflict.
More specifically, the story follows the fate of a group of teenagers (“naturals” who feel marginalized and exploited, who decide to rebel against the system and fight for a fairer society) who face the consequences of genetic modifications and try to find their place in a deeply divided society (revealing a political conspiracy involving the highest levels of power), the characters being complex and believable, and the relationships between them strongly outlined.
So, we are dealing with a novel where Kress asks fundamental questions about what it means to be human, about the ethics of genetic modification, and about the limits we should impose on science.
This novel falls into several subgenres of science fiction, reflecting the major concerns of the genre during the period in which it was written, among the most relevant being Biopunk (this subgenre focuses on exploring the consequences of biological technologies, especially genetic engineering, the novel being an example of a paradigm type of biopunk, exploring in detail the impact of genetic modifications on society and the individual), Social science fiction (this subgenre emphasizes the impact of science and technology on society and social relations, the novel exploring in depth the social divisions created by genetic inequality, discrimination and the struggle for power), Dystopia (although the future presented in the novel is not completely pessimistic, there are significant dystopian elements, such as social segregation, surveillance and population control), New Wave (the novel can also be considered a continuation of the New Wave tradition, by exploring complex philosophical themes, such as the nature of identity, ethics and individual freedom).
And, why not, the novel can also be classified as belonging to the Cyberpunk subgenre (although not in the classic sense of the term, the novel has some cyberpunk elements, such as advanced technologies and concerns about identity and the body) or Speculative fiction (this broader term includes any fiction that explores future possibilities, the novel fits perfectly into this category).
Another fascinating work of science fiction is the novel Glory Season, written by David Brin, which explores complex themes related to artificial intelligence, evolution, and the future of humanity.
The novel presents a future in which artificial intelligence has reached such an advanced level that it begins to influence human evolution, an interaction between artificial and biological intelligence that creates a series of ethical and philosophical dilemmas.
Brin describes a society in which many of humanity’s fundamental problems, such as poverty and hunger, have been solved thanks to technological progress, but this material abundance does not solve all human problems but creates new challenges.
Another important theme of the novel is space exploration and the possibility of contact with other civilizations, exploring both the technical aspects of interstellar travel and the philosophical implications of encountering other life forms.
The story is centered around a group of scientists and engineers working on a secret project with major implications for the future of humanity, with complex and believable characters, with strongly defined relationships between them.
Here, from a “technical” point of view, we are discussing Hard science fiction (Brin pays special attention to scientific and technological details, exploring themes such as artificial intelligence, genetics, and interstellar travel in a scientifically credible way), Space opera (the element of cosmic adventure, space exploration, is strongly present in “Glory Season”; the plot unfolds on a large scale, involving both individual characters and events of cosmic importance), Transhumanism (the novel explores the possibilities of overcoming the biological limits of the human species through technology, asking questions about the nature of humanity and the future of evolution), Utopian/dystopian society (although the society presented in the novel has many positive aspects, there are also elements that can be interpreted as dystopian, such as social control and genetic manipulation), and New Wave (the novel can also be seen as a continuation of the New Wave tradition, by exploring complex philosophical themes and by the experimental approach to the narrative).
It is the “turn” of the novel Virtual Light by William Gibson, a key piece in the cyberpunk universe created by Gibson, which continues the exploration of themes encountered in the “Sprawl” trilogy, bringing added complexity and depth to the genre, solidifying Gibson’s position as one of the most influential science fiction authors.
Unlike traditional cyberpunk, which focuses on Asian metropolises, Gibson presents us with a post-apocalyptic San Francisco, marked by social inequality, violence, and omnipresent technology, with a complex plot involving murders, conspiracies, and pursuits in San Francisco’s underworld.
Technology plays a central role in the novel, with a deep exploration of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies, technologies that not only connect people but also isolate them, creating new forms of identity and relationship, even exploring the relationship between technology and spirituality, presenting characters who search for the meaning of life in a world dominated by technology.
Additionally, Gibson continues to explore urban subcultures, featuring marginal characters struggling to survive in a hostile environment, such as hackers, prostitutes, or homeless people, who adapt to an ever-changing world. As in his other novels, Gibson offers a fierce critique of contemporary society, highlighting social inequalities, exploitation, and alienation.
“Virtual Light” is an emblematic novel of the cyberpunk subgenre, a label that perfectly captures the dystopian, technological, and contrasting atmosphere of the novel, exceeding the limits of classic cyberpunk, and enriching the genre with new nuances.
So, “technically”, the novel also “belongs” to the subgenres Post-apocalyptic (although it is not a post-apocalyptic novel in the classic sense, it presents a future San Francisco marked by decay, social inequality, and violence, which brings it closer to this subgenre), Neo-noir (the dark, suspenseful atmosphere and criminal intrigue of the novel place it in the neo-noir subgenre, which combines elements of the noir novel with science fiction) and Body horror (in certain passages, the novel explores themes related to bodily modifications and the relationship between man and technology, which brings it closer to the body horror subgenre).
But let’s “move on” to the world of video games, which is starting to manifest itself more and more prominently. And 1993 is the year of games such as:
- Doom: A true pioneer of first-person shooters, Doom revolutionized the genre and set a standard for years to come, whether through innovative 3D graphics or the immersive gameplay and dark atmosphere that made Doom a cultural phenomenon.
- Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island: An adorable sequel to the Mario series, which introduced new characters and game mechanics, standing out with its colorful graphics and memorable music.
- Star Fox: A pioneer of 3D console gaming, Star Fox offered a unique space flight experience with impressive graphics for the time.
- Mortal Kombat II: The sequel to the most controversial fighting game of its time, Mortal Kombat II brought new characters, special moves, and even bloodier graphics.
- Secret of Mana: A classic action RPG that captivated players with its thrilling story, beautiful graphics, and real-time combat system.
- Disney’s Aladdin: A colorful and fun platformer based on the popular animated film, offering an enjoyable experience for both children and adults.
- NBA Jam: A hugely popular arcade basketball game that became a cultural phenomenon, notable for its frenetic action, exaggerated graphics, and memorable commentary.
- Ridge Racer: A pioneer of arcade racing games on consoles, Ridge Racer offers a fast and thrilling driving experience.
And the “shower” of “successful” video games has flooded the manifestation of “science fiction” games like MegaTraveller 2: The Zhodani Conspiracy, a classic space role-playing game that lets you navigate a vast galaxy, full of solar systems, planets, and space stations, giving you almost unlimited freedom to explore and interact with different civilizations.
A game that offers you a captivating story, full of political intrigue and conspiracies, that will keep you on your toes, simulating in detail (as much as was possible with the limited performance of the computing systems of those times) aspects of space life, such as trade, diplomacy, combat and even managing a spaceship, allowing the player to create personalized characters, with unique abilities and traits, that can develop throughout the game.
Thus, the game offers a very deep gaming experience, which encourages you to immerse yourself in its vast and complex universe, to which is added the possibility of “replay” thanks to multiple choices and procedural events, each “replay” being a unique experience.
And, since we’ve been talking about Jurassic Park, it’s pretty obvious the “emergence” of a video game that transports you directly into the captivating world of the film of the same name, in an interactive format.
This game successfully recreates the tense and adventurous atmosphere of the film, putting you in the shoes of Alan Grant as you explore Isla Nublar, in a “realization” that combines elements of action and adventure while facing dangerous dinosaurs and solving puzzles to advance.
In essence, it successfully captured the spirit of the film and offered fans an additional experience in the Jurassic Park universe, allowing the player to explore different areas of the park, each with its dangers and challenges, combining elements of exploration, puzzle solving, and action in a pleasant and captivating way, against the “background” of innovative graphics for those times, offering impressive 3D graphics, with detailed dinosaur models and fluid animations.
Yes, there seem to be few titles, but even from these times, a universe was developing irreversibly, which would experience exponential growth in recent decades, becoming a billion-dollar industry.
Merticaru Dorin Nicolae
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