I don't own it, but have played a few long ago and more recently.
It's a great game. I personally think it's overpriced right now, but that's just my opinion.
I'd pick one up if it was a good deal, but at the current "average" price I think I'd go with something else for the money.
Looks like you have newer games in your collection. Maybe a classic like Banzai Run is just what you need.

My case exactly. Played it and loved it 25 years ago. Recently found one for sale at a reasonable price. Kept it for 9 months, then sold it. The vertical PF is unique. You won't get bored with it. On the other hand, the regular PF is just meh... So in the end, it really depends on many pins you can keep. My lineup is small, so it had to go.
If you find one at market's price, try it! I doubt its value will decrease, so you won't take a big risk.

I to have been coveting banzai run for years, I have some great memories of the game as you do. At today's market price it does begin to become harder to justify. I still will hunt for one and hope to find one for a fair price. I hope you manage to find one for a fair price and if you decide it doesn't fit in your collection that it is easy to find a new owner for.

BR is a great game for sure, but there are other system 11's that are more fun in the long run (WW and ES come to mind). $3200-3500 should be the top end for a minty BR, so make sure you get some cash in the deal if you do a trade.

Banzai Run is my favorite SyS11. As far as gameplay, I always try to keep in mind what the pin was at the time it was introduced...1988. Compared to today's megadeep software, complicated layouts, moving toys, wizard modes, etc., it doesn't compare; but it's a very fun game for what it is. Trying to get King of the Hill by trying to hit that captive ball on the upper pf and then watching the ensuing light-show is a treat.

It was a major departure from other games of that era, with a vertical playfield, lifting magnet, odd cabinet, and was Pat Lawlor's first design. Besides there wern't that many made. Most are going to have worn playfields, broken ramps and broken plastics.

The weakest issue on this game is the interconnect board and broken ramps and plastics. There isn't much on the upper pf that's going to give you problems. Besides it hinges down and lays on the lower cabinet so fixing anything is very accessible.

Yes it's the most expensive of the Sys11 games. I'm going to guess about $2800 to $3,000 for an honest example and definitely more for excellent examples.

Does the "backbox" fold down too for easy transport?

Yes.

Very fun game. Going for the million point jackpot is always my goal.

Definitely a great game if it can be found for that amount. There is one locally available but it is pretty worn and far above that price range.

The game transports nicely in a 1986 Renault Encore. Top folded down . front hanging out

I paid $750 for mine not working and sold it for $2K fully working (playfield was rough). That said, I do regret selling it as it was a great game to play and awesome to look at.

-BB

Yes. Just like any Sys11, WPC game. Once it is folded up for transport its a one heavy SOB and kind of awkward as far as it's center of gravity. It doesn't really want to sit on it's butt when folded up; so keep it strapped to a dolly and keep one hand on it at all times.

BTW, when setting it up, it does have a couple carriage bolts that run through the sides of the head to lock it in the upright position, FWIW.

This game is fantastic. I agree with Schudel, up there at the top of the system 11 heap.

BR was always a hit with kids while it was in my lineup, that upper playfield is what did it for them. Sold it and I personally don't really miss it.

Don't quote me on this, but I thought I read somewhere this was the first game to introduce "Victory Laps".

It took me 3 years to break one loose from a guy who used it as a filing table. It was covered with papers that were a few years old. Patience might payoff for you, but dont expect to find one for cheap. One of the local shows could be your best bet for playing one and deciding if the game still has its appeal.

I remember Starbase and played games there once. I am suprised to hear that they are still going today.

I bring my XR-7 BR to the Texas Pinball Festival every year. If you ever want to play a super rare version of the game take a flight out to Texas in March

In my opinion Banzi Run a title well worth the expence and floorspace ( floorspace the greater challenge for some ) . Gets as much play as any DMD " A " list title in my collection . Shane

This is encouraging. We have been trying to decide on whether or not to sell our Banzai Run or attempt to put it on location in a 24/7 laundromat. Initially I decided it would be far too bulky to move before someone told me the head actually folds down like a real pin. From reading the comments here I think we should pull the trigger and share this great game with the public again. Heck why not, we already have a Baby Pac Man at the place and it earns as much as any of the other pins we have there (at least $20 a week per machine). It's a well watched place and we don't have the typical abuse/vandalism issues that are commonly heard of.

I've had one in my collection for about 3 years now and think it's a fun game, especially consdiering the era when it was produced and it was PL's first design at Williams! Very inovative design concept, fast play, cool sounds and art etc. Mine is also a restored XR7 example, next time you're in Los Angeles you can stop by and give it a try to judge for yourself.

I will be placing my Banzai Run on location, too. Right after I get it in 100% shape. Bought the game just to place it out where the public can get a shot at it. It is a fun game that you just don't see very often as Williams didn't make that many of them and it is 25 years old.

Turns out mine is a relatively rare example with red lamp boards and the "XR7" test clearcoat. I think there are just a handful of those across the country. Thanks to Mike Schudel for helping me figure it out. That clearcoat really worked, too. No wear on the playfield.

I have owned BR and loved it. What I would say is that if your collection is less than 4 games you are going to tire of it.
At the time I owned mine I had three machines and I found myself playing BR less and less so I sold it to buy a T2.
I do miss it though and now that I have six machines would buy another one tomorrow.

Great light show and superb sound when you get a credit. The Instant Rematch shot is a real nerve jangler. It also has the finest music I have ever heard in a pin ( King Of The Hill ).

I thought I would love this game, but it's not for me. I played it at PAPA several years ago and it was not good at all. But then I beat Trent Augenstein on it at Pinburgh last year so I liked it a little more. It's very unique, but the game play is just not for me. I actually like the way the lower playfield plays much more than the upper. The upper is just too steep for me and feels more like a Pachinko than real pinball. YMMV.

I know it would not be my favorite game from the era, but I'd love to own one. Great example of the crazy cool shi* Lawlor did back then.

Chris