I brought Houdini home about three weeks ago. At first I thought "oh man this game is too hard". but after a few games into it I was having lots of fun. My wife was a little slower coming around but is still learning the objectives. The variety of modes are great, tons of stuff to master,. This game will keep our interest for a long time. We have maybe 250 plays on it and looking forward to many more You need to be focused on what you are shooting for and I can hit all of the shots, although not always when I need too. We get lots of multiballs (5 or more a game) and stacking those with other modes is very rewarding. I am certainly becoming a better player thanks to this game.

Game flow? I have no complaints, the spinner is doable and always rewarding and makes for a perfect set up to the magic shop. Many people complain about drains from the key lane, my table rarely drains from there. I have had to adjust my scoop eject a little and the skill shot need a tweak too but I love how this game plays. I am on the latest code... It seems forgiving with the ball saves and the center post makes for welcome nudge saves.

The OP suggests adjusting game settings and I think that was the original point of this thread and so important to maximum enjoyment out of this unique machine. I have it set at 5 ball play, 60 sec modes and 5 ball max extra balls and some reduced completions for Houdini letters (oh and I turned off those irritating giggling girls) We regularly get games over 750k. 1.5 mill is our high score with three letters

I agree the ramp is rather hard, although I hit it a bunch when not trying. the Elephant illusion is maybe my least favorite.

first stage opening is rather easy requiring only a shot or two

Spelling seance is very doable by most players and that multiball is so much fun! and magic shop, often happens by accident but a good achievement.

I don't have a very hard time hitting the inner loop and enjoy setting up the lock at stage alley and FILM letters. all great objectives that are indeed rewarding. Several times I have hit the inner loop on the first flip off the plunge, sometimes coupled with ball locked skill shot and that feels like an accomplishment.

I often don't enjoy complex games when I first play them, primarily because I don't know the rules or what to shoot for. Houdini has great objective call outs and the color coded lighting that should be easy for newer players to pick up on.

I like the secret mission I always keep it in mind and try for it. I get the first one fairly often. The second a couple of times now, but the third never yet.When the ball comes down fast from the left orbit I usually deflect to my right flipper which puts me in a bad position for the scoop.can you score the combo by hitting the left orbit or must it be right (counter clockwise)?

I like Jeffs two suggestions The magic "wildcards" add a nice element but are no gimmes.

That is good to know as I am never sure what "directly" meant. It sounds like mission 5 might not be that bad if I could only hit that damn milkcan more regularly.