Houdini is a pinball machine designed by Joe Balzer for American Pinball, themed around Harry Houdini and featuring a trunk catapult mechanism. Released in 2018 as American Pinball's first game, it became their signature title known for tight shot design and challenging gameplay. The game underwent significant redesign after original designer John Popadiuk's initial unplayable version was scrapped, with Balzer creating the final product that achieved commercial success and critical acclaim as one of American Pinball's best machines.
No aliases
Houdini 100th Anniversary edition artwork was created in two weeks by Christopher Franchi under Melvin Brower's direction
Houdini 100th Anniversary Edition artwork was created by Christopher Franchi in a two-week rush
Houdini's complexity at shows made it seem weak, but home play reveals engaging code and depth
The game features magnets under the hand and under the face that pull the ball in unpredictably
American Pinball machine; 100-unit run expected to ship May/June 2026
American Pinball game in active production; first released 2017; currently over 200 units still pending from original orders; on production line during factory tour.
American Pinball's first title; 100th Anniversary edition (limited 100 units) with new artwork by Christopher Franchi and restored 3D playfield sculpts announced at TPF
American Pinball's first title; 100th Anniversary Edition (100 units) revealed at Texas Pinball Festival with new Christopher Franchi artwork, sold out to distributors
American Pinball title; 50 of 100 units manufactured; all 100 promised delivery within 30 days
American Pinball re-release with new artwork by Christopher Franchi; 100-unit limited edition at $7,995; reskin of original playfield with new cosmetics; marketing materials included AI-generated elements
No linked glossary terms
Straightjacket mode is worth approximately 3x the value of other modes and includes multiball
Houdini has five film modes that must be completed to earn one Houdini letter
Seance multiball must be spelled twice to earn a Houdini letter
The crate shot feeds a catapult that launches the ball back into the crate to lock balls for trunk multiball
Houdini is underrated in the community
No significant code update has been released for Houdini recently
The Houdini machine is still running on its original board system
Sharp has previously defeated Houdini on Master difficulty
American Pinball converted Houdini from a non-functional prototype to a presentable game in 6-7 months
Houdini has challenging shooter mechanics and code structure that provides gameplay variety beyond typical five-mode-to-wizard progression
Houdini's visual design and artwork are among the most beautiful of any new pinball machine on the market.
The game features color-coded playfield elements: red for stage, blue for film, pink for combos, teal for jail hurries
The catapult mechanism on Houdini functions reliably and hits spot-on consistently
Houdini's tight shots are learnable and satisfying compared to machines like Ghostbusters which have unfair drains
Houdini has five film modes and ten stage modes
Houdini appeals to casual family players, not just hardcore enthusiasts
Master Magician wizard mode will be added to Houdini in the next software update, at least a couple weeks away
Houdini features adjustable verbosity options for mode introductions, but arcade operators rarely change default settings
Houdini's trunk catapult mechanism was not physically tested until 3-4 weeks before Texas Pinball Festival
Houdini achieves 90%+ trunk catapult reliability on properly configured machines, with one arcade location at 97%
American Pinball remaster; new artwork by Franchi; 100 units reported sold through to distributors
Hundredth anniversary release from Turner Pinball; cabinet-only with mirrored artwork by Christopher Franchi; brought to TPF; topper planned
American Pinball remaster with new Franchi art package released as 100-unit Limited Edition for Houdini death centennial; gameplay concerns persist
American Pinball's debut game (2017); 100th anniversary special edition announced at TPF; 100 units only; $7,995; new art by Christopher Franchi
American Pinball machine on display at TPF 2026, multiple units shown
American Pinball machine; original J-Pop design; reissued with Christopher Franchi artwork in limited 100-unit edition at $7,995; Kaneda reviews as good value with substantial game depth
American Pinball 2017 game; new 100th Anniversary Edition announced
2017 pinball machine by American Pinball; 100-unit Anniversary Edition announced March 19, 2026
American Pinball's first project; originally designed by Popadiuk but redesigned by Joe Balcer; Popadiuk exercised buyback clause
American Pinball's 2017 debut title; rumored to receive revised version with new artwork by Christopher Franchi for TPF reveal
Upcoming pinball game; announced by Joe Newhart to be playable at Allentown show; Joe Bowser will be present to answer questions
American Pinball's first game (2016/17); dark, brooding theme with challenging shots; built with high quality
American Pinball title; Orbital Albert's favorite boutique pinball machine of all time
American Pinball's release; praised as great build with toys and callouts; criticized for tight shot selection and slow gameplay speed
AP game with complex ruleset; recent major code update by Josh Kugler reinvigorated sales; praised for depth and replayability despite steep learning curve
American Pinball's first game; rushed to meet timeline; J-Pop's version was abandoned as geometrically unplayable; Joe Balser redesigned it; well-received; set template for quality
Spooky game; tight shots; custom-built from scratch; has Morse code programming on start button; educational about Houdini history
American Pinball game; cited as poorly executed design with tight shots and inadequate whitewood testing; Joel Balser attempted salvage
American Pinball machine currently shipping; recent code update added modes, rules, and call-outs; has challenging but playable shot layout
Featured at one of the three tournaments (Denver mentioned)
American Pinball's first major original release; features magician theme; redesigned by Joe Balcer in 4 months; praised for artwork and visual appeal; commercially successful; includes trunk shot and catapult shot innovations.
Recent pinball machine featuring catapult shot and LCD on backglass
American Pinball's first release by designer Balcer; Oktoberfest priced $400 higher at $7,400
American Pinball game that Bill suggests Sherlock Holmes would pair thematically with, forming a complementary game line
American Pinball game receiving code updates with bug fixes and enhancements; American Pinball game number two in current lineup
American Pinball title being showcased at Helicon Brewing event; autographed translight giveaway for high score
American Pinball game; production stopped to transition to new facility
American Pinball title; 'jam-packed for $7,500'; shown at DPO Expo Netherlands; cited as example of value-add competitor design
American Pinball title; flipper mechanics discussed as problematic initially but improved with code updates allowing adjustable power settings; mentioned as reference point for flipper quality comparison
American Pinball title; praised for thematic depth and historical accuracy but noted as difficult/alienating to casual players
American Pinball game; hosts reference quality issues and reliability problems; represents era when AP had better build reputation
American Pinball title; mentioned as part of inventory that needs to sell before new production can commence.
American Pinball game mentioned as example of hidden magnet use (ball save to right with pulsing magnet effect on target hits). Host references this as similar design philosophy to GTF.
American Pinball title currently in production; ramping up in earnest in new year
American Pinball's debut game (2017). Based on historical figure Harry Houdini. Developed in ~4 months from concept to prototype. Features iconic trunk/catapult mech. Biggest seller among AP's early games. Known for challenging, unique layout and Houdini-specific theme authenticity.
American Pinball title; back in production with orders; described as good location game by Don
American Pinball's escape artist-themed game; took 6-7 months to develop from non-functional prototype
Pinball machine discussed and compared for home use
New American Pinball game by John Papadiuk, priced at $6,995, built in four months, features Tommy-style ball on top, magician theme
American Pinball game with tight shots, magician theme, educational pop-up facts about Houdini, $5k pricing
New game at Allentown show; features multi-stage lock mechanism; single-edition model; praised for mechanical design; causes screen glitching at show
American Pinball title; Kaneda suggests re-releasing in new cabinet with updated Matt Andrews artwork
American Pinball machine; praised for unique coding of each mode; Ian's pick for best rules; complex shooting layout
American Pinball's upcoming machine with updated DMD orientation (vertical to horizontal), catapult trunk feature, video mode; shipping planned end of year
American Pinball's new title; very early build, playable, has chains on pop-ups, unique cabinet design; very long lines at Texas Pinball Festival
Pinball game by American Pinball; recently shipped ahead of schedule
Historical pinball machine referenced as example of wow-factor mechanical feature (ball flying through air)
J-pop design; described by Kaneda as 'absolutely beautiful'; speculated as possible match for mystery game based on aesthetic standards
American Pinball's first major release; designed by John Papaduke, reworked by Joe Balser; criticized for tight shots due to no whitewood testing
American Pinball machine; Kaneda advises company to stop remaking past IP
Referenced for its steampunk color palette, compared to possible Rush art style
American Pinball machine with stage curtain mechanism requiring calibration
American Pinball machine referenced as having tight shots, noted as 'the King of all the tight shots' post-2012
Spooky title; new sound mix by Cleland; new skill shot added; custom decals by Flash Instinct; reference point for pricing ($6,200+)
American Pinball machine at 2017 Chicago Expo showing design refinements including improved lighting, saturated colors, new wire forms, horizontal LCD display
Pinball machine by American Pinball designed by Joe Balzer, released in 2018, featuring trunk catapult mechanism and thematic shot integration
American Pinball machine ranked #10 by Greg; praised for challenging shooting and code structure
American Pinball game designed by Joe Papaduke, featured in designer interview segment
Referenced as comparable game with ball launch to upper playfield area
American Pinball's first title; original theme with impressive art and catapult mechanic; tight shots limited its market appeal
Pinball machine owned by Tom Graff; experienced CPU failure; replacement unit sent quickly
American Pinball game with approximately 740 units sold
Praised for speed, tight mechanics, stadium lights; featured in 'This or That' segment; has passionate fan base despite mixed reputation in community
American Pinball's first game; preceded Oktoberfest; designer Joe Balser's personal project
American Pinball's debut title; designed and produced in four months (November 2016 to March 2017); features 22-inch catapult shot as signature mech; premiered at Texas Pinball Expo in March 2017
American Pinball's previous game; baseline for commercial comparison to Oktoberfest; described as playable but underperforming commercially
American Pinball game; recent major code updates delivered by Josh Kugler; delayed Kugler's availability for Oktoberfest work
American Pinball game with Gottlieb design style; prototypes built in three months; programmer active on Pinside with regular updates; target shipping end of year.
American Pinball game confirmed to work with new in-house circuit board set
Pinball machine known for tight/challenging shots; discussed as design comparison point during Deadpool shot layout analysis
Pinball game designed by J-Pop for American Pinball; planned Q2 2017 release; displayed at Expo as non-functional diorama playfield with fundamental design flaws (geometry, routing, mechanical conflicts).
Proposed American Pinball game themed around magician Houdini; designed by J-Pop; priced at ~$7,000; announced via leaked press release and website
American Pinball pinball machine subject of modification tutorial
American Pinball prior game; challenging shot selection; regarded as prior best-selling American Pinball game
American Pinball's first title; interesting theme but difficulty curve alienated casual players
American Pinball game; deluxe model being simplified in production
American Pinball game; described as massively hard; designed by Joe Balzer; released late in year
American Pinball game; referenced as having excessively tight shooter/shots; design flaw example attributed to Dave Fix era
American Pinball's first title; underwent major redesign from initial concept; had prizes for top players
American Pinball's first game; discussed as comparison point for Oktoberfest gameplay preference
American Pinball title featured with 10 machines for tournaments and play; grand prize new machine
American Pinball game at Pin-a-Go-Go 2017; featured free t-shirt promotion on Saturday; praised for smooth play but noted for long bonus countdown
American Pinball's first pinball machine title, production version revealed March 2018
Pinball machine used as grand prize raffle at the show, drawn Sunday afternoon
American Pinball game; served as grand prize raffle machine for Sunday draw; seminar covered game design, rules, and development process
American Pinball title; displayed at MGC 2019
American Pinball's first title, produced 2017
American Pinball title; 2 machines exhibited at IAAPA
American Pinball's first title; same backbox profile design language as Hot Wheels
First American Pinball game; released prior to Hot Wheels
American Pinball game with game tips/track mode feature planned for Oktoberfest update
First American Pinball release designed by Joe Balcer
American Pinball game in production; final run includes original 3D sculpts
American Pinball title; target for Classic version treatment similar to Legends of Valhalla
American Pinball's debut game, subject of this comprehensive tutorial
American Pinball game; 200+ unfilled orders; production to resume after GTF Signature Edition run
American Pinball game; physical mod in development
American Pinball title scheduled to return to production after Oktoberfest run completes
American Pinball title programmed by Josh Kugler
American Pinball game receiving final current-spec Deluxe Edition in Late Summer before manufacturing changes
American Pinball game scheduled for July/August production (200 units), with upgraded subwoofer/coil/power systems
American Pinball game; praised by Don as underrated with innovative mechanics
Stern pinball; known for brutality; Joe borrowed from another collector for extended evaluation; features Master Magician mode with reversed flippers
Data East machine; features narrow thread-the-needle shots used as hurry-up targets; weak flippers; poor mode indication; Chris played 4 times, disliked each time
American Pinball machine; criticized for slow table speed and narrow shooting lanes
J-Pop design that was drastically changed by American Pinball; referenced as example of original design being modified for better gameplay
American Pinball title; beta test code available to community; Josh Kugler managing beta testing
American Pinball title; receiving code updates; continuing post-release support
American Pinball title; MSRP $7,395; in production alongside other titles in 2023
American Pinball title; approximately 700 units sold according to Barry Oursler
American Pinball's first game (with P-Rock board system); baseline for backward compatibility of new boards
Pinball machine being seriously considered by Dr. Pin and Mrs. Pin for home collection acquisition; discussed as top contender along with Meeble Madness and three other options.
American Pinball pinball machine featuring captive ball servo mechanism on stage playfield element
Original American Pinball machine being featured; one of original builds with gold trim and Mercio playfield; still running original Boys board
American Pinball release; version 21.01.21 code update released
Spooky Pinball game; subject of 2018 controversy regarding SDT's in-depth interview/tour and perceived review bias
American Pinball title on loan to studio for streaming; has beta code; being featured on Flippin' Out Pinball stream
American Pinball's first game title; player-focused theme; well-constructed machine at accessible price point.
American Pinball game discontinued in August 2019 with no plans for future regular production
American Pinball game receiving new run with updated cabinet design and improved power management coil system
Recently added to arcade two blocks from Martin's location; contrasting play style to Willy Wonka
American Pinball game receiving code updates while Oktoberfest approaches production
American Pinball's debut title; released under time pressure; experiencing high secondary market turnover per unconfirmed reports; winner's prize for American Pinball tournament at Expo
American Pinball's first title; production ending to transition to Oktoberfest manufacturing
Pinball machine; Joe Balzer involved; described as 'really nice and beautiful game'
American Pinball game being given away as tournament prize at 2018 Expo
Pinball title; referenced for playfield aesthetic similarities in Harry Potter design
Original AP/Popadiuk deal (2015); Popadiuk fired, Joe Balcer redesigned from scratch; symbol of original project failure
American Pinball table with ridiculously narrow shots, used as comparison for difficulty-by-design mechanics
American Pinball's early unlicensed game; completed in four months; referenced as example of complexity that required Hot Wheels to take more approachable design approach.
American Pinball's best game to date (per Orbital Albert); only game with one 'fresh idea'; 2018 release
American Pinball's first release; original design by John Popadiuk was unplayable and replaced by Joe Balcer design
American Pinball title; production winding down as most interested buyers have obtained units
American Pinball title praised by Vincent as quality product; referenced as collector interest signal post-ownership change
American Pinball title currently in production at Palatine factory
Praised early American Pinball title; referenced as example of quality manufacturing base that attracted Vincent to acquisition
American Pinball's first game; production winding down
American Pinball title, described as extremely difficult and lacking in flow, poor gameplay experience due to difficulty level
American Pinball's first machine; features iconic melt cannon mech; considered their best game
Previous American Pinball title; Albert's previous favorite from manufacturer; now superseded by Cuphead in his assessment
American Pinball game speculated to be in production line for remanufacture
American Pinball title; showing at TPF; predicted to face comparison to Alice Cooper; criticized for tight shots and floaty mechanics
Previous American Pinball game; same artist (Jeff Bush) but different visual aesthetic; referenced for comparison
American Pinball's second game, subject of this episode's review featuring interactive stage mechanism
Boutique pinball; mentioned for tight shots and streaming audio issues (high-pitched sounds)
Referenced as having more under-the-glass content than Harry Potter
American Pinball's primary title; themed around Harry Houdini; features trunk catapult and tight shot design; currently at software version 18.5.4 with 35+ per week production
American Pinball first release; 100 units shipped; tight shots, beautiful presentation; mode difficulty feedback discussed
American Pinball title; designed by Joe Bousler; features magnets, inverted/reverse flippers, multiball; Gabe planning to acquire at show.
American Pinball title; Joe Balzer design; improved with Sydney Jill voice actor; predecessor to Oktoberfest