As Rube Goldberg showed us in his notorious cartoons depicting complex devices performing the simplest of tasks in the most roundabout ways, precision, timing, and creativity are tantamount to making such a machine functional and enjoyable. Invoking a popular physics engine, Boom Shakalaka creates a real-time world with real-time physics that portrays obstacles faced in the real world.

Spectators are no longer spectators, rather active participants in the outcome of the game. The opportunity to exert some control over destiny is given at various points of the performance through devices like a button, lever, and a domino. A little luck and patience reveals success!