This is an open ended action game.
The object of the game is to be the first player to raise the "Ideal" flag. Players do this by arranging the various mechanisms, drums, and obstacles and then try to run a ball bearing through their course.
Steel balls go down the ramp or "Bingleflinger," bounce on one or more of the "Hum Drums," go through the "Flickerticker," bounce on more "Hum Drums" through/around the "Banglevator" and eventually into the "Boinglebucket" to raise the IDEAL flag. If unsuccessful, then the next player gets to move a piece and make an attempt at raising the flag. Play continues likewise until someone devises a successful system of components and raises the flag. The directions actually have several games you can play against other players and score.