Principia Review
Price: $3.99
Version Reviewed: 1.4.0.5
App Reviewed on: iPad 3
Graphics / Sound Overall Rating:
Gameplay Overall Rating:
Playtime Overall Rating:
Replay Value Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Principia is definitely not a “casual play” game for those looking for a quick fun fix. Rather, it is a challenging and fulfilling experience that requires the player to play the roll of engineer/creator to solve puzzles and build various devices and contraptions.
The second gaming option - Discover - connects the user with the Principia web site, where a large and growing collection of user-created machines, custom levels, and adventures may be downloaded and played with. Users may even upload their own creations to the community website for others to use and explore. The third option - Create - opens up a sandbox editor in which players can create and build to their heart’s content using a collection of more than 190 unique objects. Players are able to build a wide range of creations, from simple mechanical machines to advanced electronic devices.
Another great feature of the community website is the building contest. These contests give players a scenario and then challenge them to let their imaginations run free by creating a level or a contraption that fits within the scenario. Entries are judged and prizes are given to the best ones. The only knock against Principia is the steep learning curve when getting started with the game. A more thorough tutorial would certainly help players get up to speed with the objects and controls a lot faster.
In spite of the steep learning curve, players who enjoy tinkering and exploring will pick up on the objects and controls with a bit of practice and patience. In the end, Principia is a creatively challenging game that provides a great deal of satisfaction for a job well done!
[gallery size=“thumbnail”]