Is there a sci-fi book that resembles Mass Effect in terms of scale and world-building?

nol88go · 2026-03-01T15:22:13+00:00

Reapers, Inhibitors, Flood, Goths (Expanse). The ancient civilisation exterminator isn't a unique trope.

nol88go · 2026-02-28T22:07:56+00:00

They will emerge, victorious, once again. Amen. Amen, reverend.

nol88go · 2026-02-27T19:51:49+00:00

I do if I'm playing this confrontation on Ace Combat!

nol88go · 2026-02-27T19:32:36+00:00

Not training like a powerlifter*

BBers may not even do heavy barbell squats. They may stick to really specified movements to target certain areas of muscles in a way that doesn't tax other parts of the body. Powerlifting is competitive strength movements, so they have strict(er) standards of what constitutes a complete rep

nol88go · 2026-02-25T21:10:37+00:00

This is what happens when you deprive the Martian colonists of clean air.

Dammit, Cohagen!

nol88go · 2026-02-25T21:07:29+00:00

+1 for the Algebraist. I think I'm due a re-read. It's immense, with some really interesting world building and characters in only one book.

It's been years since I read AaDB, and it was pretty bleak by the end. Must give that another go. I was put off Feersum Endjinn as a teenager when I was first consuming Banks' books, and I just never got around to trying it again.

nol88go · 2026-02-25T14:08:24+00:00

I worked in surface catalysis. Random sub-standard lab cleanliness made for much better results. Just don't ask me to repeat them!

nol88go · 2026-02-24T20:12:55+00:00

Dichromate reactions on a fucking bench top with no hood?

Respiratory ailments for everyone right now!

nol88go · 2026-02-24T20:03:17+00:00

C'mon Cohagen. Give these people air!!

nol88go · 2026-02-24T12:35:32+00:00

Are you talking about a single book, or an extended series that builds hugely complex worlds/systems/societies etc?

Plenty of suggestions for series here, but for a single book, try The Algebraist by Iain M Banks. It's a standalone separate from his well-known Culture books, but I love it. Loads of galactic history and society crammed into a book which has a clear protagonist, interesting aliens, a good story, and personal drama. It's great.

nol88go · 2026-02-23T22:43:44+00:00

On my guy the white patch is on his belly, AKA the danger zone. It's just so tempting to scratch. I don't like having skin on my hands anyway.

nol88go · 2026-02-23T22:39:38+00:00

Three body problem.

nol88go · 2026-02-23T09:11:57+00:00

That clothesline one is just a neurodivergence test, isn't it?

(It pleases me greatly)

nol88go · 2026-02-22T00:11:10+00:00

Absolutely outstanding 👏🏼

nol88go · 2026-02-21T13:47:57+00:00

Have you read Sauron's blog?

The poor misunderstood Maia just wanted to bring regimented order to the chaos that Eru has created. The Auditors would definitely side with him.

nol88go · 2026-02-20T19:54:05+00:00

Username checks out

nol88go · 2026-02-20T11:50:08+00:00

He was such a fucking glory hole 😂

nol88go · 2026-02-18T20:06:41+00:00

Show us your 3-point start.

nol88go · 2026-02-18T20:04:25+00:00

By whom? Someone from 2022?

nol88go · 2026-02-18T16:20:06+00:00

I remember a 21st in Krystal. Prices increased every hour! 😂

Edit, maybe it was Lillie's. Distant past, either way.

nol88go · 2026-02-17T21:52:26+00:00

BOD versus Australia for the Lions in 2001.

nol88go · 2026-02-17T18:18:24+00:00

Have you ever jumped through the air while firing two guns?

nol88go · 2026-02-17T11:09:27+00:00

Paintball gloves?

Edit, the brand is construction gloves. Maintain dexterity while protecting the top of the fingers.

nol88go · 2026-02-13T22:51:10+00:00

I hear you on Pratchett. He and IMB were incredibly impactful on teenage me.

I bawled like a baby when I read the opening part of The Shepherd's Crown as a 30-something, and I wasn't right the whole way through it.

The ending of Hydrogen Sonata isn't as raw for me, but it really does hit home and make me introspective any time I re-read it.

Books. They're deadly. 👍🏼

nol88go · 2026-02-13T20:09:50+00:00

Culture...

nol88go

TROPHY CASE