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PRINCIPIA: Master of Science

PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac • 2016

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Quick resume

Principia: Master of Science is a simulation game with the theme of European science in 17th century. Choose one of 12 real scientists from the era of Isaac Newton and proceed with your research. It is a time when even the term "Science" did not exist. Who can be the master of science?

Global score

71/100

Genres

Indie, Simulator, Early Access

Pros

  • Unique historical scientific theme
  • Educational content about science history
  • Freedom to choose scientists and research paths
  • Immersive atmosphere and setting
  • Passion project with niche appeal

Cons

  • Repetitive and slow gameplay
  • Lack of depth in social and competitive mechanics
  • Unfinished and abandoned development
  • Annoying persistent music with no mute option
  • Low replayability and limited content

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players can choose different scientists, research topics, and career paths, allowing some freedom in directing actions despite repetitive mechanics."

  • Competence
    1

    "The game involves skill in managing research and career progression but is criticized for being too easy and repetitive with limited challenge."

  • Competition
    3

    "There is competition with other scientists for publishing papers and gaining fame, though AI is weak and competition can feel shallow."

  • Continuation
    -2

    "Many reviews mention low replayability, repetitive gameplay, and abandonment by developers leading to limited long-term engagement."

  • Cooperation
    1

    "Some interaction with other scientists exists, including cooperation and sabotage, but it is limited and underdeveloped."

  • Creativity
    1

    "Players can choose research directions and develop theories, but overall gameplay is constrained by repetitive and preset structures."

  • Domination
    2

    "Players can defame rivals and influence academic politics, exerting some control over others, though interactions lack depth."

  • Escapism
    2

    "The game offers immersion into historical scientific discovery, providing a niche escape into intellectual and historical themes."

  • Expectation
    -3

    "Players engage out of personal interest and intrinsic motivation, especially those passionate about science history."

  • Experimenting
    -1

    "Gameplay is mostly repetitive with limited novelty; some experimentation with research order is possible but constrained."

  • Exploration
    1

    "Players explore different scientific fields and European locations, though map and content are limited and repetitive."

  • Expression
    -4

    "Minimal customization or personalization; mostly standardized presentation with fixed characters and UI."

  • Fantasy
    -4

    "Strongly grounded in realistic historical context and scientific facts, with no fantasy or fictional elements."

  • Fellowship
    1

    "Some social interaction with other scientists and academies, but limited community feeling or deep social bonds."

  • Growth
    2

    "Players develop scientific knowledge and career progression, though learning is limited by game design and repetitiveness."

  • Health
    -5

    "Purely sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    3

    "Turn-based gameplay with waiting for AI turns and slow pacing encourages idle moments and passive play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Social interactions are superficial and limited to academic rivalry and cooperation, no close relationships."

  • Leadership
    2

    "Players can rise to leadership roles in academies and influence decisions, though powers are limited and underdeveloped."

  • Progression
    3

    "Clear progression through scientific achievements, career ranks, and reputation accumulation."

  • Relaxation
    -1

    "Some find the slow pace relaxing and immersive, others find it tedious and frustrating due to repetition and music."

  • Sensation
    -3

    "Visuals and audio are minimalistic and repetitive, lacking stimulating sensory feedback or excitement."

  • Status
    3

    "Gaining fame and recognition in scientific communities is a core gameplay element."

  • Story
    3

    "Narrative is based on historical scientists’ careers and discoveries, providing a coherent historical storyline."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Requires planning research, managing resources and relationships, though depth is limited and gameplay can be straightforward."

  • Thrill
    -2

    "Lacks suspense or risk; gameplay is predictable and low tension."

  • Value
    -2

    "Many players feel the game offers poor value at full price due to limited content and lack of updates."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No violence; gameplay focuses on research, politics, and academic rivalry."

  • Survival
    -3

    "No survival elements; gameplay occurs in stable, low-risk academic environment."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026