A Data East game with an incredible Paul Faris artwork package for the playfield and backglass, and an average gameplay design and ruleset.
Most owners have the game for exactly these reasons, and no other.
DE screwed up and really wasted the great potential of this game.
Sound quality for music and callouts is above average for most DE games.
The game is completely missing the original true musical orchestration, that would have greatly improved the game experience.
The organ takes up so much space on the right corner of the playfield it completely dominates the entire game.
The single ramp seems almost like an afterthought, similar to the repetitive ramp in Star Wars.
It just does not seem to provide the game with more comparable flow.
The "Magic Mirror" (trapdoor subway scoop) is the other main feature which controls the game speed.
Very difficult to find a game now that:
1) Does not have a delaminating backglass or scratches, particularly the Phantom's Mask
2) Does not have a worn playfield
3) Does not have a cracked wood planking cabinet
4) Does not have broken plastics / worn decals which need to replaced (repo sets are finally available)
5) Does not have a broken organ, motor assembly, or worn out trapdoor
It commands a higher price than it is truly worth, but if you a POTO opera fan this game is a must.
I have only seen ONE NOS playfield in nearly 30 years since 1990.
I have only seen FIVE NOS backglasses in the same period, although I am sure there still a few out there.
Many of these games did not survive past the late 90s into the early 00s.
If you do find a HUO game, buy it immediately, if not, skip it because it probably will not be worth your time to fix or own, as the theme is not conducive to most family collections and has little game depth.