As a consumer, I think Houdini is an excellent theme for a machine and you guys are hitting my sweet spots all around. The steampunk artwork looks amazing to me and greatly compliments the theme. My single and only criticism that I have so far is the backbox head shape. Other than that, this game has winner written all over it.

And you, Josh, are a fantastic representative of your company and your product.

BTW. I'm guessing that my suggestion for a powerball as a spirit ball, did not work because of the different weight in the catapult. But I never heard back.

Operators benefit more from brand-recognized licenses and collectors, while they value brand-name themes, “may” place more value in theme integration, regardless of whether the theme is from a movie, band, etc.

There are lots of exceptions and opinions, but it’s also clear that a killer theme can also lead to high expectations that don’t materialize, as is the case with Star Wars.

F14 is an example of a unique game with excellent theme integration even though the Top Gun license didn’t materialize. As a collector, I’d prefer to NOT have Tom Cruise on my machine, but I bet the operators at the time would have preferred it.

I’m excited about Houdini (and have an order in for one) because the theme integration, unique approach to artwork, and meticulous approach to game layout and design seems like a home run to me. I have TOM and Hokus Pokus, so this is a theme trifecta for my collection. Can’t wait to get my hands on one!

New office decor

houdini (resized).jpg

The Desire to Create - Interview with Joe Balcer, playfield designer of Houdini Pinball

- How Houdini went from a piece of paper to a flippable game in four months
- Why the unique head shape
- An extremely cool one-of-a-kind mod is coming
- The magic and illusion of the design and code
- The development of the catapult
- Houdini sales goals and how many can be produced each week
- Game #2 - licensed or unlicensed?
- Game #2 - who is the designer?
- Game #2 - when will it be announced?

http://thisweekinpinball.com/exclusive-interview-joe-balcer-playfield-designer-houdini-desire-create/

This is an exciting time of the year, not only for Christmas, but also for Houdini as it begins shipping next week!!!

Great interview. I didn’t know about the locking system that allows to ball to disappear in one location and reappear immediately in another. Brilliant concept!

Sounds like a few games are very close to shipping.

only 10 days left before the end of the year, it can be done (crossing fingers).

Curly at www.littleshopofgames.com says he'll be getting 5 in January (located in Florida).
I sure hope one of my Florida pinball pals gets one soon in 2018 so I can play it

We are hoping to get 5 in real soon and more in late Jan. If you would like to get in on our first 20 let us know with a PM or visit our site at

You can put down a deposit at link here: https://www.greatamericanpinball.com/product-page/houdini-american-pinball

Or stop by our shop and play one real soon!!!!!!!

Check out our feedback and we always donate to pinside!!!!!!

https://pinside.com/pinball/community/pinsiders/gap/feedback

GAP
www.greatamericanpinball.com

Still plenty of room under my tree if the API team wish to surprise me. Note that my chimney isn’t very large so please use the front door. I have 2 on order so let’s hope they are building them in Pairs!!

Our stated goal since Texas was to be shipping machines before end of year, and that is still our goal and expectation.

I have also stated that games will not ship before they are ready, and certainly not to just hit the end of year goal.

For the first two dozen or so machines, this will include a second inspection by Joe, Jim or I. Not going too say that even after that, that 100% of the machines that ship are going to be 100%, since you guys would know I was full of shit, but that is certainly our goal. I'm sure some issues will crop up that we were not checking for or things that just don't get seen.

I can tell you that some machines are now going through the second phase of inspection and some minor issues have been found. Instruction and processes will be modified as needed and/or additional training will be done.

After that each machine stills need to go though burn-in, some play testing, updated with the most up-to-date code, etc.. Not surprisingly I recommend that when you get your machine you should update the game with latest code. Code updates take about 5 minutes. Just download the latest code package to a USB stick, open the coin door, insert it into the USB extension cable, after a moment the screen will change to show it is doing the update, wait until it tells you to 'remove and restart' and then, well, 'remove and restart'. You can start the update process with the machine already on. So, no need to remove the backglass, no need to navigate through menus. Also worth noting, that anytime you attach a USB drive to the machine it will copy the audit data (both current and any previous audit date ranges), game settings and recent game logs to the USB stick. If you have issues with your machine, I may ask you to pull and email the logs to us for review.

Josh, I'm high on the list as well, and I'll be happy to help you in any way I can.

I'm digging this well deserved and well presented coverage of Houdini - thanks!

We have a lot on order and will receive a few hopefully this year. But next year we should have stock so if you are interested in one let us know. A small deposit to hold your spot and then balance before we ship. We are one of the largest AP dealers so availability will be soon.

Larry

I am very interested in seeing how the code is coming along.

Couldn't take it any more distro paid in full ... First one in,coming home to me!
Can't wait but will, again amazing updates and information, love the USB updates without removing the back glass!

Merry Christmas to all at AP, get some well deserved family time and rest... All the best in 2018, thinking that's kinda a given!

Sweet! If I didnt just grab a DILE that would have been me

Pincades will have plenty in stock next Year (2018)
Give us a call, we are the closest out of state (no tax to IL locals or out of state) Distributor to AP (62 miles) we pick up at the factory!! We offer local delivery to the Chicago Land Area, as well as arranging shipping to other areas.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!
219-924-PINS (7467)
219-808-6063

Jesse T

Will post when it arrives , your more than welcome to come over and play it!

Rosh - any chance that the magic glass and side blades will be ready to ship with the first games? I might be getting one from the first batch and I would certainly prefer those add-ons without having to ship and install later.

Love to! I appretiate the invite!

if production games are indeed shipping in the near term, it would be nice to SEE how the code updates and the Balcer 'tweaks' enhance gameplay when compared to the prototypes from 6 months ago. disappointing that only a single game of video has been published during the last six months.

How could you be disappointed when no other manufacturer has put such great effort into open communication ... Can't really tell that much till you play it yourself!

Not true, here is a new video published on Nov 27,2017. Josh has been updating the group at every turn during game development.

I’m supposed to be getting one of the first so you guys will have plenty of coverage from SDTM: a pinball show on Twitch and YouTube. Here’s hoping it’s working well out of the box

Your review of Houdini might be my most anticipated video yet. Can't wait to see what you guys think of it.

that is the one i was referring to.
the one single game of video in the last six months. the opportunity to showcase the improved lighting, current/most recent state of the code, and flow/gameplay resulting from Balcers design tweaks; lasted one game. everything else is from 6 month old prototypes. the written updates are certainly appreciated, but with games going out the door soon, im sure people were hoping for more to SEE something more. if you dont want to concern yourselves with how the game actually plays, fine. im sure the match sequence is of more importance.

So in the video Josh went through a whole game and explored several modes and explained alot of the content. What exactly are you looking for?
This is the current code and probably how the game will ship. Aside from the match and wizard mode, the code looks like a full game with updates promised. I think that's fair. No surprises here.

Can you link me to the latest video where Stern or JJP are doing these types of updates ? I missed have missed them

Let’s not give the Greenhornet too much grief. We’re all excited for more videos of game play. If I do get a Houdini from that first batch I’ll be posting some video.

That being stated, American Pinball (Josh) has been freaking awesome and providing info on the development of Houdini. I most certainly would have bought something else had Josh not provided a steady diet of Houdini info.

Our first 5 we are going to be sending out to public locations so as many people who want to play it can. One Location in Cali, One in Washington DC, 1 In Denver, Co, 1 in Seattle and one in Wyoming.

JJ

Which one in Cali?

Where at in DC?

We’ll have one in Seattle at Nitro Pinball’s new showroom on free play. Anyone interested in purchasing HOUDINI in Washington state (or Canada) feel free to contact us. We’re authorized distributors for American Pinball and include home delivery / setup and the very best after sale support. Contact [email protected] or Call toll free 1-855-DO-NITRO

Outstanding distro... Great support and years of knowledge... Buy with confidence!

Probably Free Gold Watch, I would guess.

Will this one be in your showroom?

So close.....i wanted one under the tree, but ill settle for a nice Valentine's gift.
JJ, please Answer phone on Wed when im able to give you a call. Your my closest distributor.

Hey don’t count them out yet. They still have 8 days left to box a game. At this point rightfully I think they are focused on thier commitment to themselves which is a Great team/business plan! They have really started this company on the right foot and I wish them great success in the long future to come. I am and will continue to be a supporter of businesses like API.

WHERE in DC? lyman’s?

Ayce Gogi is my guess.

Hopefully VUK.

It's got to be one of the two. Both are equidistant for me.. man hurry up guys!!

hours of live stream, often direct from each company's factory and featuring top players as well as the game designers.

dead flip promoting stern.
buffalo pinball promoting JJP.

all on youtube.
clearly marketing to showcase the games to potential customers.

Dialed In! pinball gameplay live from the Jersey Jack Factory 10/22/16 "Bro, do you even pinball?" [3 hours 7 minutes]

Dialed In! w/1.0 code (Jersey Jack, 2017) 5/25/17 "Bro, do you even pinball?" 3 hours 12 minutes [production games begin shipping]

from the expo reveal of JJPOTC:
Pirates of the Caribbean pinball reveal and gameplay! Jersey Jack Pinball at Expo 2017 [1 hour 33 minutes]

Guardians of the Galaxy Pinball Reveal | Nov. 20th, 2017 [from stern HQ: 1 hour 52 minutes, games ship within weeks]

NEW STAR WARS Pinball from STERN HQ! 07/05/17 [2 hours 15 minutes, games ship within weeks]

followed up with 6+ hours of show coverage a month later with running commentary by jack danger: Star Wars Pro "tutorial" 12 Billion .85 Code July 22nd, 2017

The game looks neat and the price point is attractive. But the girl giggle (?) sounds like a hyena and I think that part is extremely annoying. I've only read bits and pieces of the thread, but I know this has been mentioned. Maybe it will get changed?

Rob

Has any one ordered side rail art blades and shaker yet??? What are they charging for these,if at all???

...and Magic Glass? Cost??

VUK is getting one soon. Was there Friday and was talking to the tech working on TNA. He said that it is is on the way. They also have GOTG in as well.

I think API is more focused on building, boxing, and selling the first game before jumping on accessories at this point. Give them time I’m sure your accessories will be offered.