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Houdini Master of Mystery

gameactive55 mentionsFirst seen Apr 3, 2017Last seen Mar 2, 2026

Profile

Houdini Master of Mystery is a game mentioned in 0 episode(s).

Aliases

Houdini "Master Mystery"

Relationships

No relationships

Facts

  • intelligence_thin_profilenoexpertfrom 2026-03-02

Claims (22)

  • factualhigh

    Houdini Master of Mystery has two physical ball locks: a top lock on the left side and a subway lock

    Source: Dave Brennan, American Pinball Tech ServiceHoudini Lock and Trough switch testing
  • factualhigh

    Loose or flaky connectors on the opto switch board can cause intermittent switch detection failures

    Source: Dave Brennan, American Pinball Tech ServiceHoudini Lock and Trough switch testing
  • factualhigh

    The right/subway lock uses three opto switches for ball detection

    Source: Dave Brennan, American Pinball Tech ServiceHoudini Lock and Trough switch testing
  • factualhigh

    The left lock uses three micro switches that require consistent centering to function properly

Recent Mentions (55)

  • Pinball machine by American Pinball; circus/magic escape artist theme; focal point of this gameplay video

    SDTM Exclusive: Houdini pinball gameplay Part 3Jun 18, 2017
  • Recently acquired pinball machine at PRPA HQ, players still learning its rules and mechanics

    037: What makes it a GREAT location?Mar 2, 2026
  • American Pinball title with 75 orders backlogged; delivery delayed; Kaneda predicts cancellations if Dennis Nordman's game (rumored Whitewater 2) releases before fulfillment

    Episode 693: "A Few Rumors To Chew On"Jul 6, 2022
  • American Pinball machine with open IP; darker theme compared to Oktoberfest; praised but noted as having limited broad appeal

    Episode 61: More Stuff, More Hotwheels, More DrinkingJun 19, 2020
  • Recent release, retail ~$7,000, secondary market $5,600-$5,900, described as brutally difficult on location play

    Two Fisting and Talking Smack!Apr 23, 2019
  • Pinball machine by American Pinball; theme based on Houdini magic escape artist; features interactive stage, catapult, thin targets, magnets

    SDTM Episode 47: Houdini Pinball Machine Review-Deluxe Edition

Contradictions

No contradictions detected

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Source: Dave Brennan, American Pinball Tech ServiceHoudini Lock and Trough switch testing
  • factualhigh

    The scoop plunger switch must activate consistently when balls feed from the lock to function properly

    Source: Dave Brennan, American Pinball Tech ServiceHoudini Lock and Trough switch testing
  • factualhigh

    Houdini Master of Mystery requires soldering LED strip connections rather than using plug connectors

    Source: Dave BrennanAdding Topper Lighting Kit
  • opinionhigh

    Houdini Master of Mystery plays poorly and is not enjoyable despite having an interesting layout

    Source: GeorgeTotal Nuclear Annihilation (Spooky)
  • factualhigh

    Houdini Master of Mystery shaker motors are now available for sale on American Pinball's website.

    Source: Ron and Bruce citing pinball newsEpisode 91 – Dynamic Duo
  • factualhigh

    Houdini Master of Mystery costs $7,000

    Source: Greg BoneSDTM Episode 55: This Or That? (Alice Cooper or TNA? JJP POTC or Houdini? & more)
  • opinionhigh

    Houdini Master of Mystery provides superior long-term replayability vs Dialed In!

    Source: GregSDTM Episode 50: This Or That? Road Trip!!! (Houdini or Dialed In! & more pinball)
  • factualhigh

    Houdini Master of Mystery had bugs in the code as of February 2018

    Source: GregSDTM Episode 50: This Or That? Road Trip!!! (Houdini or Dialed In! & more pinball)
  • factualhigh

    The game allows entry of a fourth initial letter despite claiming three-letter maximum (bug)

    Source: Host discovered during gameplay; plans to report to KuglerSDTM: Houdini pinball Stream
  • factualmedium

    Original designer John Popadiuk's version was scrapped and completely redesigned by Joe Balzer

    Source: Host reference to 'those who we don't speak of' being cleared outSDTM: Houdini pinball Stream
  • factualhigh

    The catapult launches balls 22 inches into the air into the trunk

    Source: Host providing technical specificationSDTM: Houdini pinball Stream
  • factualhigh

    Initial manufacturing batch had voltage/coil issues requiring post-shipment tuning

    Source: Host describing adjustments made per Joe Balzer guidanceSDTM: Houdini pinball Stream
  • factualmedium

    The game has 13 total modes (10 main, 5 jail, 4 secret, seance)

    Source: Host (based on Josh Kugler briefing)SDTM: Houdini pinball Stream
  • opinionhigh

    Houdini's audio significantly enhances the gameplay experience and creates atmosphere

    Source: SDTM hostSDTM Exclusive: Houdini pinball gameplay Part 3
  • factualhigh

    Houdini Master of Mystery has an MSRP of $7,000

    Source: SDTM hostSDTM Exclusive: Houdini pinball gameplay Part 3
  • factualmedium

    Houdini's speaker system has six speaker elements distributed across the cabinet front

    Source: SDTM host (citing JAL Bolster)SDTM Exclusive: Houdini pinball gameplay Part 3
  • opinionhigh

    The backbox design with wave speakers and side lighting is contemporary and fits the circus theme

    Source: SDTM hostSDTM Exclusive: Houdini pinball gameplay Part 3
  • opinionhigh

    At $7,000 MSRP, Houdini is a good deal given the features and sound system

    Source: SDTM hostSDTM Exclusive: Houdini pinball gameplay Part 3
  • factualhigh

    Houdini Master of Mystery features only one ramp

    Source: Greg BoneStraight Down The Middle: a pinball show Episode 10: This Month In Pinside (Texas Pinball Festival)
  • Jan 29, 2018
  • American Pinball game; has gap feature; deep code and gameplay; on Scott Ian's order list

    Episode 65: History Lesson, Hot Wheels, and More!!!Jul 29, 2020
  • Pinball game with shaker motor mod; hosts tested units and found value proposition unclear

    Pinball Junk Drawer Episode 23Jun 10, 2023
  • American Pinball's first game; sold well despite tight shot design; praised for mech quality

    Episode 20: Jurassic PinburghAug 8, 2019
  • Joe Balser design that began shipping recently before It Never Drains 2018

    It Never Drains in Southern California 2018 - Friday Night QualifyingJan 16, 2018
  • American Pinball's original 2015 game; returning to production after Oktoberfest; playfield print being given away as prize at Pintastic

    American PinballJul 5, 2022
  • American Pinball's first released game; features 26-inch monitor, RGB LED lighting, steampunk theme; shipped December 2017; uses color-coded modes with RGB LEDs to guide players; includes Seance and Trunk multiballs

    Joe Balcer and American PinballJul 16, 2018
  • Pinball title; 2 units displayed by American Pinball at IAAPA; features standard coin acceptor

    IAAPA UPDATEDec 3, 2021
  • American Pinball title; subject of the technical troubleshooting guide

    Houdini Lock and Trough switch testingMay 12, 2023
  • American Pinball game featured in this servo maintenance tutorial

    Curtain Servo Removal - AP HoudiniMay 5, 2023
  • American Pinball title subject of this technical upgrade documentation; early versions lacked EOS switches and had power supply limitations

    Flipper Coil Power and EOS UpgradesMay 5, 2023
  • American Pinball title for which toppers are now back in stock and receiving installation support

    Installing American Pinball TopperMar 9, 2023
  • American Pinball title requiring soldered LED connections for topper lighting kit

    Adding Topper Lighting KitMar 9, 2023
  • American Pinball's first released game (2015); reference point for production timeline and staff tenure

    Tour of American Pinball 2023Mar 10, 2023
  • Previous American Pinball release mentioned in teaser

    American Pinball Teaser 3Mar 11, 2023
  • Classic pinball layout that serves as foundation for Voodoo Carnival; Muhaha owns a physical copy; referenced throughout for comparison

    VOOdoo's Carnival Pinball VPXJan 24, 2022
  • Game criticized by George as not enjoyable despite interesting layout; described as playing like 'a dumpster fire'

    Total Nuclear Annihilation (Spooky)Nov 25, 2019
  • American Pinball; tight shots; features milk can/magic trunk mechanism; cheaper IP licensing

    Pinball Expo Recap w/ Doug from CoolToy!Oct 25, 2023
  • Referenced as comparison for extreme shot difficulty; host criticizes the game ('sucks'); used as benchmark for evaluating Blue Suede Shoes shot thinness

    Virtual Pinball: Elvis (Stern 2004) with PuP PackAug 26, 2020
  • American Pinball game; $7,000 price point; praised for code quality

    SDTM Episode 55: This Or That? (Alice Cooper or TNA? JJP POTC or Houdini? & more)Apr 4, 2018
  • American Pinball's signature game being played and discussed throughout stream

    SDTM: Blowing up some Houdini - Check out that last game!Feb 3, 2018
  • American Pinball machine; shipping soon; hosts anticipating gameplay video before wider distribution

    SDTM Episode 42: This Month In Pinside (November 2017)Nov 28, 2017
  • New game from unnamed manufacturer; features LCD integration, magic theme, one ramp, catapult mechanic, tight chain shot; praised for art package and potential; playable at Texas Pinball Festival; shipping timeline uncertain

    Straight Down The Middle: a pinball show Episode 10: This Month In Pinside (Texas Pinball Festival)Apr 3, 2017
  • Upcoming pinball game; unproven but generating positive feedback from hands-on testing; some players switched preference from Alien after playing both

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 14: This or That?Apr 29, 2017
  • American Pinball title distributed by Flippin' Out

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 16: Top 10 Dream ThemesMay 8, 2017
  • Referenced as game completed by hosts; shooting difficulty compared to Toy Story 4

    Disney-Pixar Toy Story 4 Pinball Machine Review (SDTM, 2022)Aug 5, 2022
  • Pinball machine frequently compared to Alice Cooper's Nightmare Castle for shot quality and playfield layout

    SDTM Episode 93: Alice Cooper Pinball Machine ReviewMay 27, 2019
  • Pinball machine described as disappointing overall despite some enjoyable moments

    S385: TWD (Stern) PRODec 18, 2020
  • American Pinball title; comparison point for lighting, shot difficulty, and overall design quality

    Hot Wheels Pinball Machine First ImpressionsJun 12, 2020
  • American Pinball title cited as example of strong theme integration and design execution

    Hot Wheels Pinball Unboxing & First LookJun 12, 2020
  • American Pinball game; strong theme integration and replayability; had code bugs as of Feb 2018

    SDTM Episode 50: This Or That? Road Trip!!! (Houdini or Dialed In! & more pinball)Feb 18, 2018
  • New American Pinball title with steampunk theme; features integrated speaker system in head, unique leg bolts, 15.6-inch monitor, LED lighting

    SDTM: Unboxing a Houdini pinball machineJan 19, 2018
  • Spooky Pinball game; Greg's preference over Star Wars; praised for theme, steampunk aesthetics, and sound design

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 27: This or That? (Dialed In vs Star Wars and more)Jul 25, 2017
  • Mentioned as Pat Lawlor design with similar magnet implementation to The Addams Family; aspirational game for speakers

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 28: Top 10 MagnetsAug 2, 2017
  • American Pinball's pinball machine featuring Harry Houdini theme, gameplay demonstration subject

    SDTM Exclusive: Houdini pinball gameplay Part 2Jun 18, 2017
  • American Pinball title, modern release, ~$7,000 price point, favored in multiple comparisons for depth and aesthetics

    SDTM Episode 46: This Or That? (Houdini or Total Nuclear Annihilation & more)Jan 4, 2018
  • American Pinball game referenced for having subway features; comparison point for Pirates' subway implementation

    SDTM Episode 52: Pirates of the Caribbean Pinball Machine Review - Deluxe Edition Part 2Mar 5, 2018
  • New pinball game anticipated for Louisville tournament; host expresses excitement about playing it

    SDTM Tutorial: Chuckwurt on Silverball Mania pinballMar 24, 2018
  • Pinball machine by American Pinball, themed around Harry Houdini escape artist; features trunk catapult, planchette scoop, seance multiball, and 10+ modes; priced at $7,000 base model

    SDTM: Houdini pinball StreamJan 22, 2018
  • American Pinball game playable at Flippin' Out Pinball booth during Pinball Expo

    SDTM Episode 35: This Month In Pinside (Pre-Expo Edition)Sep 26, 2017
  • American Pinball game; pre-orders opening at Flippin' Out Pinball; expected production start before year-end; enthusiastically received at Texas Pinball expo

    SDTM: a pinball show Episode 26: This Month In Pinside (Star Wars impressions, Spooky documentary)Jul 17, 2017
  • Referenced classic pinball game (milk can shot) used as mechanical design comparison standard

    Episode 785: "Galactic Tank & Mirrors Launch"Mar 22, 2023
  • American Pinball machine that Zach sold; recently received code updates; new accessories in development

    SDTM Episode 60: Zach Takes Over!May 11, 2018
  • First American Pinball game; featured catapult mechanism; serves as design contrast/predecessor to Oktoberfest

    SDTM Exclusive: Oktoberfest: Pinball On TapOct 19, 2018
  • Jersey Jack Pinball game featured in multiple This or That comparisons, described as having excellent shot geometry.

    SDTM Episode 78: LIVE This Or That/TWIP & SDTM Expo Seminar/NEW SDTM SegmentNov 8, 2018
  • American Pinball game; referenced as comparison point for Oktoberfest's gameplay quality and ball time

    SDTM Episode 76: This Month In Pinball/2018 Chicago Expo EditionOct 23, 2018
  • Referenced comparison title from American Pinball; used as reference for hex wrench attachment system and sound system differences (6.1 channel vs Oktoberfest's 2.1)

    Unboxing an Oktoberfest Pinball MachineMar 6, 2019
  • American Pinball's flagship game featuring a stage mechanism with a captive ball that requires periodic calibration

    Houdini Stage CalibrationMay 5, 2023
  • American Pinball's flagship title featuring Harry Houdini escape artist theme with trunk catapult mechanism; shown in prototype gameplay state

    SDTM Exclusive: Houdini pinball gameplay: Part 1Jun 18, 2017
  • First original game from American Pinball, released prior to Oktoberfest; game met Joe Balser during Houdini development before shift to Oktoberfest

    Oktoberfest Pinball from American Pinball!Oct 19, 2018