Howdy, Stranger!

It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!

What are your unpopular fantasy/sci-fi opinions?

13468911

Comments

  • ScotScot Member LegendaryPosts: 24,644
    lahnmir said:
    Scot said:
    lahnmir said:
    There are books that I re-read every 10 years.

    Some of those books get more interesting, because each time, due to the wisdom that knowledge, age, and experiment have brought me, I understand it better. Then I would feel that I am growing into that story, finally I am understanding it fully. 

    Then there were some books that went the opposite way. Each time I read them, in that sense, had lost more value. In a way, I had outgrown them. 

    I am not talking about "missed clues" and "Easter eggs" which I don't like at all. I am talking about the wisdom laid in a story. 

    Alice in Wonderland, not a children's story. 
    Lord of the Rings, definitely a children's story! :) 
    That is it, you are moving in. A man who loves Alice in Wonderland is a man that I love, I own ten versions across three languages at this point. One of the best fantasy books ever written and should belong to the bastion of world literature. You can leave Tolstoy at home but definitely bring Joyce and Dickens. Next you’ll be whispering in my ear about how you love Safran Foer and Toby Litt. Ohh, and Umberto Eco is a pompous prick.

    /Cheers,
    Lahnmir
    Hold you horses! Sure Alice in Wonderland is one of the greatest fantasy books written, for children but so clever it speaks to adults too. But Tolstoy and Umberto Eco are great writers, by the time this thread is finished one of us will have thrown every great writer into the skip outside MMORPG.com HQ. :)
    Alice in Wonderland transcends age, time and place, written in a way that both defies and embraces traditional writing and structure of story telling. It is one of the most famous works ever written and STILL criminally underrated on the level of literature. It belongs right next to Don Quichot, which, coincidentally has been named the greatest book ever written a few years back.

    I am not joking btw, and Eco can suck it  ;)

    Edit. As an offering of peace, can we at least all agree on the brilliance of Shelley’s Frankenstein?

    /Cheers,
    Lahnmir
    Frankenstein was a seminal work that inspired "horror" to be a genre, such a shame we did not get a Frankenstein 2 and 3. I note the films realised that mistake had to be rectified. ;)
    AlBQuirky[Deleted User]
  • laseritlaserit Member LegendaryPosts: 7,591
    Aeander said:
    I'll start with mine. Dwarves and giants are lame. They're just reproportioned humans with anger issues, unless your setting actually bothers tweaking them in some meaningfully distinct way (like GW's stone dwarves - and even that could have used more substance and variety given how many types of minerals and gemstones could have been integrated into the designs).
    TeleTubbies

    I don't know if I spelled that correctly but ya....

    TeleTubbies

    cur-sed things ;)
    AlBQuirky

    "Be water my friend" - Bruce Lee

  • laseritlaserit Member LegendaryPosts: 7,591
    AlBQuirky said:
    Rungar said:
    I thought the first three lord of the rings were really good. I didn't consider them children stories though they weren't exactly "gritty" either. 

    The hobbit trilogy was a children's story. 


    I agree, but The Hobbit was a 90+ page book, NOT a trilogy :)

    Tolkien even penned the silly Dwarf song they sing at Bilbo's house :)
    The Hobbit movie...............

    I feel very badly for Peter Jackson, but he should have dropped it imho
    ScotAlBQuirky

    "Be water my friend" - Bruce Lee

  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,781
    Aeander said:
    Arya Stark as a character is everything that Captain Marvel (MCU) and Rey (Star Wars) are not.

    There, I have said it.

    I guess I get what you're getting at, since she is flawed and does have character progression from Point A to Point C, even if that progression does warp speed into being the literal chosen one in Season 8 with no build up from Point D to Point Z.

    I can't fault her for that, since Season 8 was an unmitigated catastrophe that fucked up everyone in every conceivable way at all times. It was like the directors watched a Bad Writing Advice video and said yes... to everything.
    Im not really talking about the TV show. Sorry for the lack of clarity... yeah what happened at the end of the show was kind of the same shit, but you could see the actual arc she was on.   Arya Stark is a very interesting and unique character, especially as written.  
    AlBQuirky

    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

    "I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator

    Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017. 

    Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018

    "Oddly Slap is the main reason I stay in these forums." - Mystichaze April 9th 2018

  • AlBQuirkyAlBQuirky Member EpicPosts: 7,432
    Ungood said:
    Ungood said:
    Ungood said:
    I never said Lord of the Rings is bad. I said it is a children's story.
    So what's adult stories to you? Porn?
    In case you really want to know;
    Tolkien created these stories, for his children, literally. Now, it's not about that you can't or you should not enjoy it as an adult. Same way that Steppenwolf was written for middle-aged people facing a midlife crisis, but to the author's own surprise it became popular among youngsters instead. But it is what it is, and it matters to be treated as such, well it matters to me at least. 

    For instance, Isaac Asimov, in general, is for teenagers. Arthur C. Clark, is for grown ups. Again, same stuff I said above applies to both. 

    I'm going to make a few examples; Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Gogol, Bolgakov, Tolstoy, Joyce, Hesse, Faulkner, Hemingway, Poe, Twain, Dickens, Kafka, Hedayat, Marquez, Hugo, etc. are write the "adult" type of stories that I enjoy.

    Twain has written stories for children too. I see them as literature masterpieces.

    I have read Lord of the Rings in 3 languages. I might like it more than many people who would attack me because of my opinion. But the amount of you or I liking something doesn't have any effect on the said thing at all. It is what it is. 

    In case you are joking;
    LOL :):smiley:
    Eh.. we are just going to disagree, I thought Poe's work was at best Young Teen level, and most of the others you listed, were just Highschool reading material to me.

    Also I hated Tolkien's writing style.



    Well I guess if you are American then you would learn about American writers in high school, and probably other international authors. That doesn't mean they are children's books. 

    Well Poe was a very disturbed man. Young teen level would be like 13-14. He has stories that would be suitable for late teens. But overall, I don't think he is appropriate for that age group at all. 
    Yup.. American.. according to some people, I am even a Bricklayer from Brooklyn.
    What? Sorry mate I don't understand what you mean. I said if, that would apply to any country, like if you are Russian then you would read Russian literature in high school and so on. 

    BTW, if you are Canadian, that's just American but polite as far as the rest of the world is concerned. ;) 

    "Politeness?" How 19th century can you get?!?!? "We Americans" have progressed past that old conservative restraint. pshaw. Get real! lol

    I think most Americans buried our "etiquette books" in our back yards... lol
    cameltosisConstantineMerusScot

    - Al

    Personally the only modern MMORPG trend that annoys me is the idea that MMOs need to be designed in a way to attract people who don't actually like MMOs. Which to me makes about as much sense as someone trying to figure out a way to get vegetarians to eat at their steakhouse.
    - FARGIN_WAR


  • BoraellBoraell Member UncommonPosts: 97
    • Spielberg is overrated
    • Wheel of Time (series) was worse than Shanarra Chronicles AND Earthsea
    • Some YA can also be enjoyed by OA
    AlBQuirky
  • ArglebargleArglebargle Member EpicPosts: 3,492
    Boraell said:
    • Spielberg is overrated
    • Wheel of Time (series) was worse than Shanarra Chronicles AND Earthsea
    • Some YA can also be enjoyed by OA
    Spielberg is hit and miss.

    Shannara is utter drek, and plagiaristic drek at that.  It would take some special skill (+-) to be worse than Shaaannara.

    There's a lot of good writing in YA.  Smart move by authors, as it builds a following, sells well, and stays in print. Liked by film adaptors as well.
    AlBQuirky

    If you are holding out for the perfect game, the only game you play will be the waiting one.

  • ArglebargleArglebargle Member EpicPosts: 3,492
    Torval said:
    Kurt Vonnegut doesn't get the recognition as a science fiction fantasy writer I feel he deserves. Even in his modern settings his fiction superseded reality but that mostly goes unrecognized.

    Mostly what I love about his writings are how he doesn't pander to social or political groups, opinions, or thought trains. He would continually deconstruct simplistic social or political tropes and expose them for the overly simplistic candy they often are.

    Science fiction is a genre of thought and introspection about society and technology. It questions our choices and the use of technology. Vonnegut did that in spades.

    I'm not sure if that is unpopular, but the man and his writings often evoke very strong opinions either way. I think he's definitely worthy of mention and scrutiny.
    I don't like Vonnegut much.  Read a number of his novels back when.  But that's an interesting prism to consider him in, and you may be right there.  
    [Deleted User]AlBQuirky

    If you are holding out for the perfect game, the only game you play will be the waiting one.

  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,781
    Torval said:
    Arya Stark as a character is everything that Captain Marvel (MCU) and Rey (Star Wars) are not.

    There, I have said it.


    Stark as developed in the movies or literature? I feel your comparison isn't valid because you're comparing characters as portrayed in action genres, which typically doesn't have deep character development or nuance, with a character from both written and visual genres where character development is the focus.

    How does the movie and the book Stark compare? How does that character compare to character peers from like genres where character depth is the focus?
    Maybe thats true, but this is the unpopular positions thread afterall.
    I'll try and come up with a better comp if I remember
    [Deleted User]AlBQuirky

    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

    "I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator

    Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017. 

    Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018

    "Oddly Slap is the main reason I stay in these forums." - Mystichaze April 9th 2018

  • IselinIselin Member LegendaryPosts: 18,719
    Arya Stark was my favorite character in both the books and the TV series. Her single-minded quest for retribution made her lovable in a Charles Bronson / Liam Neeson kind of way :)
    Slapshot1188[Deleted User]The_KorriganTuor7AlBQuirky
    "Social media gives legions of idiots the right to speak when they once only spoke at a bar after a glass of wine, without harming the community ... but now they have the same right to speak as a Nobel Prize winner. It's the invasion of the idiots”

    ― Umberto Eco

    “Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?” 
    ― CD PROJEKT RED

  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,781
    Iselin said:
    Arya Stark was my favorite character in both the books and the TV series. Her single-minded quest for retribution made her lovable in a Charles Bronson / Liam Neeson kind of way :)
    I agree and I think she, like most of the characters was really well developed even in the TV series right up to season 6ish when they started doing the fast forward/lets get this to the end stuff.
    IselinAlBQuirky

    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

    "I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator

    Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017. 

    Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018

    "Oddly Slap is the main reason I stay in these forums." - Mystichaze April 9th 2018

  • KyleranKyleran Member LegendaryPosts: 44,257
    Iselin said:
    Arya Stark was my favorite character in both the books and the TV series. Her single-minded quest for retribution made her lovable in a Charles Bronson / Liam Neeson kind of way :)
    I had to look this up, thought I'd missed something from the Iron Man saga somewhere.

    Game of Thrones...pbbbt....
    ScotUngoodAlBQuirky

    "True friends stab you in the front." | Oscar Wilde 

    "I need to finish" - Christian Wolff: The Accountant

    Just trying to live long enough to play a new, released MMORPG, playing New Worlds atm

    Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions. Pvbs 18:2, NIV

    Don't just play games, inhabit virtual worlds™

    "This is the most intelligent, well qualified and articulate response to a post I have ever seen on these forums. It's a shame most people here won't have the attention span to read past the second line." - Anon






  • IselinIselin Member LegendaryPosts: 18,719
    Torval said:
    Kurt Vonnegut doesn't get the recognition as a science fiction fantasy writer I feel he deserves. Even in his modern settings his fiction superseded reality but that mostly goes unrecognized.

    Mostly what I love about his writings are how he doesn't pander to social or political groups, opinions, or thought trains. He would continually deconstruct simplistic social or political tropes and expose them for the overly simplistic candy they often are.

    Science fiction is a genre of thought and introspection about society and technology. It questions our choices and the use of technology. Vonnegut did that in spades.

    I'm not sure if that is unpopular, but the man and his writings often evoke very strong opinions either way. I think he's definitely worthy of mention and scrutiny.
    One of my favorite witers of all time. I've read everything he ever wrote (I think) from Player Piano on. Slaughterhouse 5 was my favorite.

    He was nominated for many Hugos and Nebulas although I don't think he ever won.

    Loved his unique sense of humor and understated, matter of fact, writing style.
    [Deleted User]MendelAlBQuirky
    "Social media gives legions of idiots the right to speak when they once only spoke at a bar after a glass of wine, without harming the community ... but now they have the same right to speak as a Nobel Prize winner. It's the invasion of the idiots”

    ― Umberto Eco

    “Microtransactions? In a single player role-playing game? Are you nuts?” 
    ― CD PROJEKT RED

  • ShaighShaigh Member EpicPosts: 2,152
    Both blade runner and 2001: a space odyssey aren't good movies.


    KyleranlaseritAlBQuirky
    Iselin: And the next person who says "but it's a business, they need to make money" can just go fuck yourself.
  • AeanderAeander Member LegendaryPosts: 8,109
    edited January 2022
    Okay, here's a bit of a contentious topic. Subversion of expectations. It's become reasonably associated with hack writers due to Star Wars and Game of Thrones' massive falls from grace. But I think we need to appreciate that subversion can be a powerful tool as well.

    When you fulfill a prophecy or heroes' journey in the background, yet totally visible to the reader, you get a subtle setup to an unexpected reveal. The Hero of Ages reveal in Mistborn is a perfect example of subversion done right. And indeed, the series has multiple other solid, but lesser examples of effective plot subversion.
    AlBQuirky
  • ScotScot Member LegendaryPosts: 24,644
    Shaigh said:
    Both blade runner and 2001: a space odyssey aren't good movies.


    Ok we have trashed every great SF author, now it is time to bin all the films. :)
    AlBQuirky
  • AeanderAeander Member LegendaryPosts: 8,109
    Shaigh said:
    Both blade runner and 2001: a space odyssey aren't good movies.


    Bladerunner 2049 has the absolute worst sound mixing I have ever heard, and it makes the movie difficult to enjoy. Dialogue on 1 Volume, followed by Music up to 11!
    BabuinixAlBQuirky
  • BabuinixBabuinix Member EpicPosts: 4,502
    Aeander said:
    Shaigh said:
    Both blade runner and 2001: a space odyssey aren't good movies.


    Bladerunner 2049 has the absolute worst sound mixing I have ever heard, and it makes the movie difficult to enjoy. Dialogue on 1 Volume, followed by Music up to 11!
    Tenet says hi  :D
    AlBQuirky
  • ScotScot Member LegendaryPosts: 24,644
    I am going to stick a couple of names out there we have not trashed yet:

    HG Wells
    Lord Dunsany
    John Kendrick Bangs
    George MacDonald

    Surely someone can think of a reason to have a go at these seminal authors in the time honoured MMORPG.com fashion? :)

    AlBQuirky
  • UngoodUngood Member LegendaryPosts: 7,535
    Kyleran said:
    Iselin said:
    Arya Stark was my favorite character in both the books and the TV series. Her single-minded quest for retribution made her lovable in a Charles Bronson / Liam Neeson kind of way :)
    I had to look this up, thought I'd missed something from the Iron Man saga somewhere.

    Game of Thrones...pbbbt....
    I have to admit, I was thinking the exact thing.

    AlBQuirky
    Egotism is the anesthetic that dullens the pain of stupidity, this is why when I try to beat my head against the stupidity of other people, I only hurt myself.

  • UngoodUngood Member LegendaryPosts: 7,535
    Scot said:
    I am going to stick a couple of names out there we have not trashed yet:

    HG Wells
    Lord Dunsany
    John Kendrick Bangs
    George MacDonald

    Surely someone can think of a reason to have a go at these seminal authors in the time honoured MMORPG.com fashion? :)

    Why does it always seem we need to trash something to express an opnion, that is unpopular.

    Why can't we say something like "I think HG Wells, Time Machine was better than War of the Worlds"
    ScotAlBQuirky
    Egotism is the anesthetic that dullens the pain of stupidity, this is why when I try to beat my head against the stupidity of other people, I only hurt myself.

  • LithuanianLithuanian Member UncommonPosts: 562
    Many of them. Let us flame the forum then, shall we?

    1. RNG is evil and must be abolished once and for all.
    2. Lootboxes are evil and must be abolished once and for all.
    3. All roads in any mmo should follow "two turns" rule. And "Two turns" rule mean: objective of quest cannot be further than two direct turns from quest giver. Perfect road is a direct line, no curves.
    4. Choice should matter. If I am to kill 10 rats, i may kill 10 rats, may lie that I killed or just buy 10 dead rats - it's the reaction that would follow.
    5. Nerfing of anything, except monsters, should be abolished. Sorry, dear game creators, it is monsters that must suffer, not players.
    6. Istaria should return to free-to-play model it once had, unlike current "free to try for few levels".
    7. There is no such term as "overpowered" and no "pay to win" in pure PvE games (Pay to Survive - yes, it exists. Buy SuperMegaCrystal at store...or suffer repearing raid for 99 times + being kicked from groups because of lack of Crystal). If class does great dps, it is good and since there is no standard in damage dealing - there could be no "overpowered" things.
    Iselin[Deleted User]ScotlaseritUngoodAlBQuirky
  • shetlandslarsenshetlandslarsen Member UncommonPosts: 204
    I actually like the Dune novels written by the son better then his more famous dad.
    AlBQuirky
    I am a scizo misanthrope. So one day I may go BANZAI on your post.
    Have not yet though. Maybe there is hope?
    Nah there is really none for me or the human race. 
  • ScotScot Member LegendaryPosts: 24,644
    I actually like the Dune novels written by the son better then his more famous dad.
    Scot puts his head in his hands and walks away. :)
    shetlandslarsenAlBQuirky
  • ArglebargleArglebargle Member EpicPosts: 3,492
    Scot said:
    I actually like the Dune novels written by the son better then his more famous dad.
    Scot puts his head in his hands and walks away. :)
    Kevin J. Anderson, reputed to be a nice guy, but certainly a terrible writer. Unless he got better in the last decade.  
    AlBQuirky

    If you are holding out for the perfect game, the only game you play will be the waiting one.

Sign In or Register to comment.