@KZadBhat
Oh, I’m fully aware that Tolkien is hardly the only one. He was just the first name that popped up. In fact, I personally think Middle Earth is a bit boring because it’s too mundane for a fantasy world. I for one greatly like the fantasy world of the Elder Scrolls more, but that’s just me.
As for Sci Fi, I agree. It also has the potential to contain great and imaginative settings. I’m a big fan of Star Wars, Halo, & Mass Effect, especially their EU novels. And while I prefer experiencing Sci fi as story material, I do think that a proper fantasy world is a bit more “magical”, pun partially intended. I often find that “Urban fantasy” is a good middle ground.
Still, I’m not familiar with all the names you gave, I’ll have to look some up. Thanks for expanding my horizons.