In 80s new wave science fiction, there was a strong emphasis on the psychological aspects of the characters. It delved deep into how people would react in extreme situations, like in a post - apocalyptic world or when faced with alien species that were beyond our understanding. The art in the books, especially the cover art, was also very distinct, often having a surreal or dream - like quality that matched the otherworldly nature of the stories. The stories sometimes had a sense of urgency about modern problems, like environmental issues or over - population, but presented them in a science - fictional context.
The 80s new wave science fiction often had really unique and experimental styles. It was more about exploring complex ideas and concepts rather than just telling a simple adventure story. For example, it might question the nature of reality or human consciousness. The settings were diverse, from dystopian futures to far - flung alien planets. Writers in this era were not afraid to break the traditional rules of science fiction writing.