The mechanics also work on a second level: they represent real physics concepts being studied around and leading up to the time of the Manhattan project. The reversibility of time, the effect of gravity on the spacetime continuum (the ring), time and space as part of the same fabric.

I also took the "final" text about a good start as an indication that the level of understanding of the mechanics required to get the stars to actually reach the princess (which is possible in the game) is quite advanced.