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