Principia is a very impressive mix of Terraria, Minecraft, Little Big Planet where you explore and mine procedurally generated worlds, craft items, create minigames and build some incredibly intricate electrical/mechanical structures – from a pooping elephant to a fully transformable Optimus Prime.
The main adventure mode is similar to Terraria, with you exploring the land, mining, gathering resources, finding cool weaponry, discovering rare items and building structures as you play. Gameplay takes place over three planes, as in Little Big Planet, and although you do tend to die a lot, it’s not too punishing and is a great little sandbox to explore and experiment in.
The most technically impressive mode is the ‘Create’ mode, which allows you to build all manner of levels, minigames and crazy contraptions using an advanced virtual electronics system, over 200 unique parts as well as over 50 items you unlock through Adventure mode. The sheer wealth of creativity options available to you can be a bit daunting at first, but once you have the hang of it, you’re only limited by your imagination.
Principia also has an active community, with you able to play with and modify other users creations, upload your own and take part in weekly building contests. It really is an impressive construction kit that brings Little Big Planet’s ‘Play, Create, Share’ Philosophy to the PC in a big way. If you build it they will come (and play with it).
Watch a Gameplay Trailer to see some truly fantastic creations HERE (highly recommended)
UPDATE: This Beta Is No Longer Available