Update 31st January 2021: A non-limited edition brass version of this puzzle was also produced in brass. https://www.mrpuzzle.com.au/houdinis-torture-cell-sequential-discovery-puzzle/
The object of the puzzle is to free Houdini from The Torture Cell.
To do that you’ll have to discover the tools and work out how to use them.
The idea for Houdini’s Torture Cell came from one of the locks in the incredibly complex The Opening Bat puzzle (part of the Sold Out Limited Edition 2010 series). Brian felt the idea was unique and very satisfying to solve so he revisited the idea and changed it to present in a way that would suit IPP; this way it’s available for lots more people to experience a great ‘Ah Ha’ moment.
The puzzle has been presented in such a way that most elements of the puzzle are visible to you. The puzzle is to then work out how to use them to solve it. You can literally sit and think about the solution without even touching the puzzle.
Another feature that Brian builds into these types of sequential discovery puzzles is to give you something to find almost immediately; better to maintain interest in the puzzle. You’ll find that with this puzzle too. Yes, there are lots of magnets in the puzzle but no “hitting” or “banging” is necessary to solve it.
The theme of the puzzle was designed specifically for IPP31 in Berlin. The puzzle celebrates Harry Houdini’s first public performance of The Torture Cell at the Circus Busch in Berlin on 12th September 1912. A small copy of the original poster from that show is printed on the presentation card.
Size: 100mm tall
WINNER: One of two Jury First Prizes in the Nob Yoshigahara Puzzle Design Competition 2012
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