I find Houdini to be a very HARD game as the shots are tight, the ball can be tough to get under control, and some of the objectives seem to be damn near impossible to complete. Yet, I really enjoy playing it! I also happen to really like the theme, artwork, sounds, and even the graphics which is certainly not the case with many of its detractors.

I don't think it's too hard though compared to some of my other games. TWD, for example, plays equally brutally and I've owned it for quite a while now.

I've made the following game adjustments from my initial set up which have helped increase its enjoyability:

- 5 balls (the BIG change)
- increased time limit of modes from 45 sec (default) to 60 sec
- decreased playfield slope from 6.5%+ to recommended 6%
- closed up outlane gaps to narrowest settings

My high score is 2.1 million and longest game has been about 20 minutes (both on 5 balls). I have never achieved more than 1 letter, played a mini wizard mode, or gotten beyond the second secret mission combo. It's still fun trying though!

Played some late night Houdini games and had a blast! Those who dismiss the game early on as too hard/no fun are sadly missing out as it really opens up the more you play. Inner loop shot is no big deal anymore and at least 1-2 trunk multi-balls per game are typical. Completed a majority of the stage and jail escape modes along with scoring an extra ball in the card toss (a first for me ) in a final 26 min game.

Houdini is truly special and like no other game in my lineup. And ... it's about to get even better with the coming code update from AP!

Are you referring to the chain links, Houdini letters, or both?

I'll make a mental note to check next time. I've never really paid much attention to these (or the chain links either for that matter) as I usually don't achieve more than a letter or two and I'm typically looking at the screen at the end of a game.

Not sure how many letters if any (see above). I tend to attack Houdini on a broad front and as far as I'm aware, I've yet to play (let alone complete) all 10 stage modes, or all 5 film modes, or all 5 jail escape modes, or all 5 secret mission combo shots in a game. Doing any of these earns you a letter. The times I've earned letters must have been for completing trunk or séance multi-ball jackpots or collecting all of the magic shop items.

Shot combos are required for the secret missions. The stage and film modes require a certain sequence of shots be made. Time limits on modes can be adjusted in the settings.

I knew about the chain links lighting per non-stage modes completed, but (ashamedly) hadn't associated the locks lighting in the interim as an indicator for trunk multiball balls locked so far. Good info to know and use - thanks Josh.

Looking forward to the coming code update! How soon does AP expect to release it?

A Bowen Kerins tutorial video would be great! Submit those requests for a Houdini video via his Patreon site.

https://www.patreon.com/pinball

Yep - like all games, it's a matter of "to each their own". Some more than others.

I happened to sell a NIB IMDN LE in order to buy a Houdini. I routinely play an IMDN Premium on route now and in an ideal world, I'd own both games. No regrets though as I really love Houdini's challenging gameplay and distinctively different character.

My tendency is to try and slam the ball in there. Consequently, I rarely seem to make this shot.

Gonna try your (and Joe's) recommended technique. Thanks.

Yep - that one I've already realized. Just a light backhand will do ya.

But you know - the shots are TOO DAMN TIGHT and that's why Houdini's no fun. Or so I hear anyway.

I find the Secret Mission shots to be difficult as I'm still trying to get past the second one.

Thanks Josh. I apparently need to dial in my game further in order to enable performing a drop catch with the left flipper immediately after shooting the right orbit. Currently, the most left flipper contact I typically get with the ball, after doing so, is just a glance off of its extended tip.