Houdini Master of Mystery

Houdini Master of Mystery is a highly regarded pinball machine that marks a significant milestone in American Pinball's history. Designed by Joe Balcer and released in December 2017, this solid-state electronic game replaced an earlier, never-produced version of the theme (2016's Houdini "Master Mystery," designed by John Popadiuk), and was among American Pinball Inc.'s first shipped titles.

The gameplay features a blend of magic-themed toys and pinball elements, including a milk can, steamer trunk, an animated interactive theater marquee, a spirit planchette, and a stage with a mechanical curtain that can make the ball disappear. Players navigate Houdini's world through two flippers, three pop bumpers, two slingshots, two catapults, and three magnets, with six stereo speakers immersing them in the experience. The game also boasts multiball action, adding to the excitement and challenge. Notable design features include factory-applied mylar in high-wear areas for durability, RGB LEDs illuminating the playfield, a 15.6-inch color LCD monitor on the backbox, and a 4.3-inch LCD on the playfield.

The Houdini Master of Mystery's design and art, credited to Jeff Busch and Matt Riesterer, pay homage to Harry Houdini's legacy, with game-specific flipper toppers adding an extra layer of detail. With its blend of magic and pinball, this machine had an MSRP of $6,995 when new.