The rules seem to make this sound like a pretty linear game. What do you guys think?

Sounds like you always have to complete a couple of modes before you can access the upper playfield to complete that mode and progress through the game

Halloween Game Rules:
Halloween Guide To Survival/Massacre
Use flippers to change location of skill shot. Then launch and shoot fast!
Lock a ball behind each hedge to start hedge multiball. Reveal Michael behind each hedge by shooting the left ramp. Then hurry to shoot Michael Jackpots! Shoot the Michael Super Jackpot to complete mode.
Shoot the right ramp to get to the Smith Grove Sanitarium Playfield. Then shoot the scoop to start Sanitarium Mode. Complete all red lit shots for Michael to escape! Then gather patients for super Jackpot.
When Hedge Multiball and Smith Grove Sanitarium have been visited, you can qualify House mode by shooting the center ramp twice. Now get to that uppermost playfield! Complete orbits to battle Michael and shoot the balcony to win! (Hold the flipper on the upper playfield orbit for a wicked combo
Start pumpkin modes by shooting either left or right orbit and clear the center drop target bank. Now shoot the pumpkin to start mode! Follow lit shots and directions to help Michael get victims/help Laurie Strode escape! By finishing each mode to full completion, Jack-O-Lantern Multiball will be lit.
After visiting Hedge Mode, Sanitarium, House Mode, and all Six Jack-O-Lantern Modes, Boogeyman (sub) Wizard mode will begin. Lock all 7 balls in the order given to you to complete Boogeyman Wizard mode, the enjoy your victory lap multiball!!
If you've completed all modes to their fullest extent, Night He Came Home Wizard mode will be lit.

Looks like I can preorder a BSE or CE from Nitro. Anyone know where I can order the standard edition?

Look no further than the ultimate troll Jimmy West. You can find him on any thread that has a hint of negativity towards JJP.

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I watched the stream. Based on the layout of the playfield this plays exactly how I thought it would….unfortunately.

This will definitely appeal to some as this pin will play much different than your average game. Much like GnR. You have to approach it with a different mindset