I would hardly say it’s better, they discuss two completely different things. Lol.

You know we are hungry for video when we all start watching documentaries... They are interesting for sure but I want to see more of the pinball machine in action!

Winners in Canada have a Houdini puzzle padlock for under $13 CDN + Tax (clearance, about 50% off list price). Cool looking lock (metal?) with keys. It's some type of puzzle, & padlock is large. Bayers Lake in Halifax had 2 on the shelves before check out.
https://www.amazon.ca/Professor-Puzzle-Houdini-Lock-Hearts/dp/B00Y3R7P0O/ref=sr_1_1

Funny, been watching that lock on ebay for several months, just haven't pulled the trigger.

I bought one of this from Ebay, was cheap ($2.79 shipped) and will be my keychain for the coin door. They also make them in copper and silver, but stuck with bronze to match the cabinet art.

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Ebay link? Thanks

not the same price but the same lock

ebay.com link: Old Retro Vintage Antique Style Metal Mini Padlocks Key Lock Lot of 3 3pcs Set

on aliexpress found a smaller one.

Screen Shot 2017-11-10 at 3.50.01 PM (resized).png

cartoon_in_straight_jacket_keychains (resized).jpg

Sorry for the delay, the auction I used is over. Here is a few links:

ebay.com link: Lot Of 3 Vintage Antique Style Mini Archaize Padlocks Old Key Lock With key

ebay.com link: 3 Pcs Old Vintage Antique Style Mini Padlocks Key Lock

Had an Absolutely Great time visiting and touring the API facility today. Rosh as expected was an amazing host and answered Any question you through at him. More importantly you can tell they were looking for feedback and listening to make the Houdini launch a home run! The assembly line looks prepped/staged almost ready to hit the Start button. Every detail of assembly and more importantly QC was checked and double checked. Very impressive! While a start up, they are focused on hitting it out of the park and Exceeding expectations on every level. Proud to be an Early adopter and my confidence in this product, their team, and company is rock solid after this visit. Bravo to the API team and Thank You sincerely for opening your doors to give us a sneak peak!

The Mod Couple!

Glad to hear it, although I’m pleased to say I’m not surprised! The AP team has done a great job thus far of reaching out, clearly using 6sigma or ITIL to incorporate feedback directly into the design process - anyway, very great news. I am totally envious! Wish we were in Chicago too. Maybe when I retire I can afford to go work for AP

According to Rosh they are Hiring so your in Luck! lol Who needs retirement if your doing what makes you happy with a team that feels the same!

Well my wallet would need it still have a kid to put through college

A big thanks to Josh for inviting us out to AP yesterday! The facility is very impressive, as is the game. I think they've got a winner on their hands with Houdini. It's truly amazing what the team was able to pull off in such a short period of time. The game already feels quite polished, and it's obviously just going to get better and better.

Did anyone take videos?

If you mean facility everyone was respectful of their privacy and avoided and production photos or video though I will say they are a Green Light for go for the most part. As for game play, Rosh made it clear he was going to be doing a video soon and a software test visit did not seem like an appropriate representation of their product or our time. I am certain he will get some video out soon though I must say while not 100% the net is Filled with video content and game play already? No, its not every new software update video but they do represent Most of the game play in considering an evaluation of the product. Rosh seems (which is awesome) like a perfectionist. My guess is he is holding off on major film biographies until his software masterpiece is museum worthy. lol The game itself is a masterpiece and well documented in videos everywhere from Multiple showings throughout the years. Just my opinion.

Was slated to be there but unfortunately had to fly home to set up hospice care for my dad. Flight back got delayed and after all of that I just couldn't bring myself to concentrate on pinball. I'm glad the reviews are positive and I am really looking forward to this pin. I even have a good animated topper idea in mind.

First I want to thank Rosh and the folks at American Pinball for opening up their place to us. AP were great hosts who took valuable time out of their schedule to let us play their games ask a ton of questions (many of which I’m sure they’ve heard countless times) and even conducted a tour of the production floor. All this on a Saturday when they could have been home with loved ones. My impression is that it isn’t just a business to them but rather a labor of love. It shows in their enthusiasm when they talk about Houdini, and it definitely shows in all the attention to the details they put into the game. If their code comes out as polished as the physical game already is, holy mackerel this is going to be something really special.

The game aesthetically exceeded my expectations. The beauty of the art is second to none and there are so many details on the play field, it would take a very long time to see everything. The back glass, yes it’s glass, is equally gorgeous and very nice to have vs a translite. They are also offering side blades as an add-on and they are so well done that I think they are a must have. I don’t see anyone coming up with a better after market version. Thank you for getting these done by the same artist so it fits perfectly with the rest of the artwork.

Next, the amount of elements on the play field, some functional and some aesthetic, is very impressive. They put a lot inside the cabinet without overcrowding it. The toys, the lights, bumpers, stage, mini-theater screen, locks and chains, milk can, catapults (two of them) and of course the chest that the ball get thrown into. I know I’m forgetting some things because there is just so much to see and do, it’s hard to take it all in the first time you see it. I remember commenting to someone that it felt like a JJP game with all the stuff inside but at much more favorable price. You’re getting the fully loaded Cadillac at the Chevy price.

How about game play next? The game can play pretty fast, not TNA fast, but fast enough for me. It definitely keeps you on your toes, if you relax or let your guard down a drain will soon follow. I guess I’d say it was paced so that it requires you to focus but not to the point of being frenetic and causing you to feel drained after playing. Several of the shots were somewhat tight while others were very doable. A nice mixture of challenging and playable at the same time. I have to say, this was my first time playing Houdini and early on it kicked my butt. This went on for quite a few games, don’t ask me how many. I think I averaged two minutes or less per game. Yes, it tells you your game time and score at the end of the game, cool idea, even though I was clocking some really short games. The main ramp was nice and smooth and not a tough shot to make. The outer orbit was also smooth but a little bit tighter shot. The inner orbit is the tight one, not impossible by any means but the tightest of the bunch, but that’s what makes it extra satisfying to hit. Well, that and the fact that it leads to the catapult which throws the ball about two thirds the length of the play field into the chest, yes very satisfying. Oh, and I was there playing and watching for about four hours, I didn’t see the catapult miss once, pretty damn impressive. Next, the three magnets were very cool and used to good effect. The ones I saw used the most were the ones underneath Houdini’s hands which made it look like he was using his magical powers to control the ball, very cool effect, perfect idea for a magician. The middle magnet I didn’t notice being used as much so I can’t comment on it. I could go on and on but I probably already lost most readers with this lengthy post. I will say that I didn’t see the second catapult used the entire day. That’s the one that throws the ball into the wireform/habitrail that returns the ball to the right flipper. Somewhat disappointing to have that feature on the game and to not have it employed seems to be a waste. Rosh did say that maybe it could get utilized more as the code matures. I really hope so because it looks like it would be cool and also because if it never gets used it would make no sense to even have it in the game. I know, it’s still a work in progress.

So, what was my overall impression? I think you can guess, I think it’s awesome. The art, the toys, the shots, the build quality the theme integration, it’s the complete package. Also bear in mind, for me the theme, although cool, is not necessarily a dream theme and I am still blown away by this game. In fact the game is so cool that it has made the theme grow on me far more than I would have expected. I expect this to be an A+ game once the code is complete and Rosh integrates the second catapult/right side habitrail more into the game (not so subtle hint Rosh). I will own this game and depending on the timing of it’s release, it might be my first NIB purchase ever. Ladies and gentlemen, American Pinball is for real!

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention, my last game lasted nearly eleven and a half minutes. So I would say that after playing for a while the game felt like it opened up for me and sucked me right in to Harry Houdini’s world. I left with a big smile on my face. That’s why we play pinball my friends.

Great review, thanks! How did you like the music and call outs?

Good question, sorry I forgot to mention this. The music was spot on and felt perfect for this theme. Think about the type of music that would have been used for a Houdini stage act but updated and mixed with music from an action/suspense film. The music definitely sets the mood nicely. The call outs were also really good. Again, AP did a really good job of choosing the right voice for this theme and the lines/script fit the time frame of Houdini without sounding too dated or cheesy. I really liked the little historical tidbits that were given at various parts of the game, this added depth to the Houdini experience while further immersing you into the theme. Houdini also has a sense of humor, with fast ball drains you get lines like “try using the flippers next time” or “I sense no magic in this one” or simply “really!”. These lines definitely got some laughs throughout the day.

Belated but sincere thanks to rosh and the AP Team for having us out.

They really do have a lot to be proud of (not just the game, but their facility, being part of a team that communicates well with each other (as well as the larger pinball community) and is all on the same page about the things they discuss with non-team members)). Factor in how quickly they have moved from concept to production and it's pretty mind-blowing.

I'm excited, not just about Houdini, but also the future of AP and whatever #2 is going to be (zero hints from them on that topic by the way).

"Reversed" and "Reversed + Inverted" flippers were a lot of fun (especially for the people watching even the skilled players struggle with them (it's way harder to wrap your brain around than I thought it would be as an observer)).

Overall, the only negative thing I have to say is that the prospect of making the "Milk Can" shot three times in a row strikes me as a sick joke, but I did see two of Saturday's players make it once each. And it's important to have goals (unobtainable as they may be for the mere mortals amongst us).

Want to thank all of you were able to stop by and play Houdini. It is always great for me to watch people enjoy the game and I learn a lot each time, whether it is spotting issues with animations, rules that should be tweaked, items that maybe should have settings to control, missing call outs, bad call outs, etc. We had one issue with the left lock, that seemed fine after it was adjusted and there is clearly an issue with the bullet catch mode leaving a mess behind that causes issues, which I'll be digging into today (TheKorn got bit by this bug, and he was having some really good games). Always great to get feedback.

I did have the machine in my office set up to record game play, unfortunately early in the day someone must of bumped the tripod so the footage is not really usable, well other than for me to look at some game play. But now that I have it set up, I'll get some more game play posted, but, given the lighting in my office, it will note be great, but hopefully will make some of you happy.

You don't have to do it a row per se, but to complete that escape you do need to hit three times within the 40 seconds or so. That is one of the most lucrative modes in the game, since not only does it score nice size points, but it is also increasing the playfield multiplier. Plus for one of the three, you just need to hit the magic stand-up target (in almost all modes, hitting either magic stand-up will advance you one step through the mode/objective). In normal play that shot, followed by a ramp shot, will increase playfield multiplier (and a second quick shot back up the ramp can take it up two steps). When I was first looking at the sketch of the layout, I knew that would be a tricky shot, which is why pretty early on I decided it would be tied to the playfield multiplier. If you want to get the points up, you need to hit the tough shots.

As far as the tight left loop shot. At least two players commented how they could make that shot all day with the backhand, and at he same time, I watched one of them make it forehand three times in a row. As I have always said, it is not as tight as your mind wants you to think it is. Regardless, it is the 'money shot', so can't be too easy.

The upper catapult only gets reached in a few scenarios and typically won't be reached if the lock is lit, since in that case the ball goes into the trunk and disappears. It is during a couple of modes (bullet catch and metamorphosis) where it gets used or if you get a 'slow roller' into the upper VUK. Only option would have it not have the ball go down into the subway on a lock, and can't say I like that. I might look at using the upper catapult if a movie mode is going to be started as well as the lock, so bringing it there for the movie intro vs letting it go to the subway.

Again, thanks to all those who came out. I'm pretty sure everyone enjoyed the chance to play and to see 'where the magic happens'.

First NIB for me .... Getting harder and harder to wait!
Great job team AP

man i just can't wait to get this!

thanks for the reviews.

These reveiws are killing me. Frothing at the mouth. Was hoping by Christmas, but would rather wait for perfection. Im in, hopefully by 50 th birthday in April.

They still say shipping in 2017... may be december 31 but it will be this year!!!

Seeing the team drive and facility setup I am certain your amazing Houdini will Magically appear Long before April and thats no April foolin!

some new photos for you . . . a couple of dozen more cabinets arrived yesterday, and more playfields going through the line. Still waiting on a couple of parts, but they are building these as far as they can in the meantime.

Have not forgotten about game play video, going to try to see if I can shoot a little bit today while testing some new code. Added an adjustment yesterday to control the level of magnet activity (off, low, med, high) when hitting the magic stand-up targets, as well as an optional ball save. There is no adjustment for magnet control during Seance Multiball, you can't control the spirit world.

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Looking good.

Us Norcal folks got to play Houdini at PAGG last May! They only let you shoot 2 balls,but I made the decision to buy this bad boy right then!!That pin was a early prototype,with incomplete code,and still blew everybody away! My Distro thinks delivery here will be around Christmas!! So,Hi,HO everybody! after waiting for GB last year,this will be easy!!

I'm curious how many Houdinis have been preordered. I know I ordered and I'm not sure how AP they will crank them out, but I hope I'm toward the top of the list. Can't wait. Great job guys Had a blast playing it at Expo.

I'm in, confirmed this week.

from what i heard, we should have it before x-mas.

Those Rosh updates make me grab for my wallet every time! Just waiting for my buddy Joe at PinballStar to say the word and cash will disappear Houdini style! Looks like they are almost ready to crack open the champaign! (After they make my game!)

Way crazy thought but wouldn't it be cool if pinball companies offered a Museum type delivery option similar to when you buy a new Corvette! See your game go down the line, you put in the last screw, and they box it and roll it out to the lobby for it's maiden voyage home.... Just crazy talk as I know they have to test but it would be kind of interesting to have a photo documentary of the birth of your game. lol

That sounds like a nightmare from a manufacturing perspective.

Be a long day AND night, since games go through an overnight "burn-in" for 15+ hours after they are built.

Plus you do get to put in the last 'screw', it's called a leg bolt.

Can hardly wait? Any production updates?

I'm intrested when shipping to Europe will start... I think first games in december will not happen so fast. But i hope the time will help to make it a great experience when its done

and insurance

rosh Any idea on when Australia will be getting sample/production games sent to Wayne.

I wish they would cut out the middle man and direct ship or allow pick up and save me, what? $1000 . Just build and test thoroughly before hand. Just pay 3rd party pinball techs to provide service, or tech support for people with skills to do it themselves.

Everyone always like to cut out service, support, and Middle men until they Need service, support, and middle men. lol Like convincing Ford or Chevy to get rid of Dealers. That would be fun!

You can pick up and save yourself 6999$. Thats called theft.

Happy Turkey Day to All
Lots of great response!
Deposits are fully refundable until your game goes into production.

Have a Great Day

All has gone quiet in the Houdini forums....

hope we will get an update soon

Who is getting a Houdini for route?

Is this some kind of show biz anticipation trick?

I'm hoping that this Houdini media blackout means that the production line is rolling and Josh is too busy getting the final software build ready to load on the first machines off the assembly line.