This was a really surprising game. I'd seen the game all weekend and just didn't want to stand in the long line to play it. Finally decided to invest the time this morning, and wow - glad I did. What a fun game and super fast! The inner loop super-tight shot feeding into the incredible ball launch was just too much fun. I don't like one ramp games, but this doesn't feel like its limited by the single ramp. The game played fast and smooth and the tight shots felt very rewarding when you nailed them.

I especially liked the "handwritten" mode explanations. When you start a mode, the game tells you exactly what you need to hit (in steps) to finish the mode. I found myself reading the sequence required, then keeping it rolling through my head as I tried to execute the shots. Its a really cool use of the display and makes it very clear what you need to do.

Lots of lanes and holes that you just happen upon as you play. This is really cool and fits the magic theme as the ball at times seems to disappear when you don't expect it. I also didn't expect the center-playfield magnets playing havoc with the ball. I nearly laughed out loud.

Houdini really felt polished and played very well. Sure flailing around gets you a clunk-fest, but hitting the shots is rewarding and fast. Loved it. Congratulations to American Pinball.

The ball launches from the milk can to a trunk in the back corner. Its pretty impressive using a much different mech from AS. I never saw it miss the "three point shot" and it seemed very accurate. By contrast, AS missed its granny shot many times in every game I played. Many observers were commenting on how much more accurate Houdini was, but I'm sure it can get out of adjustment just like anything else. Surely there is a way to re-adjust if necessary.