And Houdini isn't? C'mon - WOZ Is pretty, but Houdini is MUCH cooler looking overall!

Houdini. Next challenger.

I wouldn't go that far as, again, WOZ is pretty. Glad you agree though!

First off SKB, I do like WOZ. It's a wonderful game and in an ideal world I would have one in my collection. The truth is most of these game vs. game comparisons are just silly when it comes down to it as, in this case, both games are usually great. The impetus for me in this thread is to fight for the underdog. I absolutely HATE it when a game is unfairly underrated on Pinside due to critics' limited familiarity with it, as more often than not, seems to be the case with Houdini haters currently.

Secondly, I'm truly disappointed to hear that you, of all Pinsiders, feel that Houdini has "nothing exciting or fun about it". Ouch! I really don't know how someone of your skill level can possibly say that if you are truly familiar with its deep ruleset and the many gameplay options that it consequently offers. If challenging shots = "unfun", then I guess Houdini is guilty. However, in a home gameroom environment, I have honestly found it to not only be fun as well as beautiful, but creatively unique in many respects, historically interesting, and addictive to play! The bottom line for any game is whether you want to hit the start button again - and in this respect Houdini has not failed to disappoint me.

If you haven't already, check out this fine gameplay stream by Buffalo Pinball:

Unfortunately, based on Buffalo Pinball's just released subsequent review of Houdini, I am confident that if Nick Lane had been able to participate in this stream or play a Houdini in a similar home gameroom environment, his opinion of its gameplay would definitely be more positive. Houdini is not an ideal location game due to its admittedly quirky presentation style as well as its difficulty. Rather, it's best suited for pinheads who appreciate a game that will seriously test their abilities as well as entertain them in an unconventional manner.

Well stated and there's no denying that The Wizard of Oz theme holds a special place within American arts and culture. Does the game really need to play "We're off to see the Wizard" so damn often though?

Although I don't totally agree with your overall assessment, I appreciate your insights man. I too really like fast flowing, brutal, in-your-face games like Iron Man, TNA, and AC/DC, but yet ... I really enjoy Houdini's stop & go gameplay too. Between its well integrated magic theme, demanding shots, deep code, wealth of unique playfield features, rich artwork package (including the fabulous art blades), dramatic musical selections, and historical charm, it is a fun game to be savored - not rushed through. Kind of like sipping a fine bourbon as opposed to throwing back a shot. It's definitely not for everyone, but to each his own. I sincerely find it to be a treasure to own and play. Hopefully more pinheads will too as they become more familiar with the many positives that Houdini has to offer.

I respectfully, but wholeheartedly disagree with this assertion. Both games present well overall.

You said that Houdini "doesn't come close to WOZ in overall presentation". I disagree as I think they are both great in terms of presentation and this is all I'm disputing. The degree of technological advances in either game is irrelevant to my point.

Yep - we definitely disagree.

I'll say this though - I enjoyed playing WOZ on route and seriously considered buying one in the past before subsequent games grabbed my attention (and money). Now this thread and you guys have me looking at WOZ again!

Dammit.

I'm a sucker for beautiful games. WOZ looks great and The Hobbit looks fantastic in my book! Just wish the gameplay on TH grabbed me as much. Perhaps the new code upgrade will change that.

In the meantime, Houdini's looks and gameplay are both really appealing for me. And now I'm somewhat jonesing to play WOZ again.