Some people love it some people hate it. Nobody can say what your gonna like. They can just give personal opinions which you have probably already read.
If your not sure don't buy anything till you have tried one or unless it's a great deal.

Is it your only game? It might get a little old quickly if it's your only game, as it's got a smaller than usual playfield and a timed gameplay that's different than pretty much anything else out there. I like it as part of larger collection, as it's cool and different.

Play a game before you buy. Quite very simple.

This is pretty dead on. I have a smaller collection, so for the money I'd rather get more "traditional" games. But if you have a larger collection (or just like the game anyway!) then go for it.

It's definitely not a game to have as your only game. If you had 5 or 6 other games then it might be a nice diversion for something different.

You don't have a collection listed here so it's difficult to help if we don't know what you like or don't like.

Anyhow I have my SC for 15 years now and still love it. But like others say it should be part as a larger collection, as your only pinball (especially if you get non-pinball playing friends over and want them to play on it) it may be too different.
You have to get used to the small flippers but after a few games you do - and switching over to a regular game then suddenly makes the others feel real easy..
It's a Lawlor game, the rules and sounds are fun. Being time based makes strategy totally different - usually you don't go too soon for multiball.
If you want a quick rush then the assault the vault mode is fun, insert the special token and play multiball trying to get a highscore; It's really a rush and nice that you can start it with a token.. it's similar to a wizard mode in other games (like TZ) that you'll almost never reach or have to play a long game for.. and now you can start it whenever you want.

If you like Pat Lawlor games, or fast games with short shots then you'll love this;. if you only care about fan layout games or games with lots of flow then you'll have to get used to it..

Anyway, you won't get bored, it's really challenging, just play it enough so you get used first to the small playfield and small flippers.

I didn't regret buying it, but I wanted to sell it after a couple weeks. If you enjoy cycling games in and out then give it a try. If you want to buy a keeper then you have to put the time in on the game first. Especially with this one.

SC is a GREAT game.

I bought one a few years back thinking it would be temporary, but it is still here and I dont see it leaving.

Despite the short flippers it is a GREAT playing game. Distinctive Pat Lawlor feel but OH SO UNIQUE.
Most people dont take the time to learn how to shoot the game and just flail around. Many people dont appreciate the timed aspect and strategy of what to do and how. After you learn how to play it, it is a keeper for many.

It is also like three games in 1. Regular game, backbox game (fun for what it is). and then of course the special game when you insert your first special coin in for the special 3rd game (no going to ruin it for you in case you have not done this before.)

He also has 15 games in his collection. I think SC would be a very cool game to own...just not in a two pin collection. (and it sounds like ST is on the way out)

I've had my SC since '97 and knew I wanted it the first time I played it. It is a game like no other. Multi Player games can get a little confusing but once you see that token roll down the glass, it's a thing of beauty. I'll agree with the others that it's better in a larger collection, but put some plays on it and keep an open mind. There's a lot going on under that little glass.

MV

I've played it and I wouldn't buy it. I've got to know I like a pin before spending thousands on one though. Maybe setup a virtual game to give you a taste of what it's like.

I've owned SC for almost 20 years.

It's a great game BUT only works well in a large collection.

My two cents...

Keep in mind that SC was designed to be a redemption game, not a full game with strategy objectives, wizard modes, etc.

Just something to play a quick game, maybe win a token to get a prize or a free beer.

It is very shallow and the game play (while still very challenging) is short and sweet.

If it's your only pin, it will get old FAST!

In a collection of other pins, it will be a breath of fresh air when you don't want to play seriously and just want to bat the ball around.

6000 usd is standard for players SC
7000 for HUO

Not sure what conversion rates are, but that is typical here.

It is a fun game and if you bore of it then you can always sell. they are not super common so price right there are plenty to buy. Also, more and more larger collections like to add them soma plenty supply if you domopt to sell.

You sound like me my first 4-5 years of collecting and to a degree still today. If my mind is set on a game or a theme, I'll talk myself into it every time. I bought plenty of games without ever putting one play on them. I don't have access to a lot of games locally and usually find games on route don't replicate the same feel in a home environment where you can hear all the sounds and put enough games on it to appreciate the rules. I've bought lots of games online and shipped them to my home.

I also don't like to wait and love instant gratification. Some people can hunt for a game for three years...not me. If I want it, I don't mind paying a small premium or taking a chance on an unfamiliar game that has good reviews from respected Pinsiders with tastes similar to mine.

I would do your best to hold off on getting SC and use that $$ to buy two lower cost , full featured pins.

I agree with the previous comments. I love Lawlor games but Safecracker is a bit different. Only played it a few times and thought it was fun. Goal is to get on the board where it largely turns into a video game. Kind of cool but I rather be flipping throughout the game. If you really want one go for it. Enjoy it until you are ready to move on. You should have no problem selling it since it is a very collectible/rare game.

SC is low on my list of classic Pat Lawlor games:

- TZ
- TAF
- FH
- RS
- NGG
- RBION
- NASCAR
- Roller Coaster Tycoon
- SC

I keep an eye on the vault and which gates are open. Get the lock lit and try and lock two balls before accidentally entering one of the entrances to the bank. Once all the balls are locked, determine which entrance has the shortest route. If the lower right gate is open I shoot for the roof entrance. Lower left gate open, shoot for the cellar. Upper left or upper right gate open shoot for the main entrance.

The first time on the board game I try and get in the vault. The odd thing is you can only move 1-5 spots but the cop can move 1-6. So If it looks like the cop is going to catch me I cash out and start TNT multiball and get some points and time.

But if you just want to keep the clock going and points going, if you accidentally get to the board game, you can cash out and go to TNT multiball for points and time.

But breaking into the vault to get the token to hopefully play Token Multiball where tokens spit out when you are trying to play is a rush. Also, don't forget to use the token(s) to play Assault on the Vault mode after your game is done.

No other pinball is like this...or ever will be.

It is a great game. Not going to tell you yes or no. Its going to be your option in the end. I will tell you to look for these things before buying.
1. Playfield warp. This is one HEAVY little playfield with a lot on it. Someone does make playfield braces. If it doesnt have them. Get them!
2. Make sure you have working token dispensor mechs in backbox as well as special token mech. Without it you wont be playing the special game.
3. Make sure you get as many tokens as possiable.
4. Topper and both wings to backbox cone with it.
5. Finnally the decals fade easy. See if you have any fade issues.

Jyst my checklist to buying one.
If you need, or have questions. Pm me.
Magicchiz

You can't play this one, or you've never played the game at all? You really have to play it to know. Some people don't care for it, but personally I've found it to play similarly to a full size pin, but with the benefits of more interesting strategies since it's a timed game and the additional vault game. I love mine.

I just picked one up as well. I'm playing the crap out of it, so is everyone else. Even Pat! It's literally in my office next to my desk because...well, because my other personal games are taking up the rest of our lobby. It's a fun game, and I got a prototype (#11), from a former Williams employee's private collection. It's not going anywhere any time soon.

I'm making myself a set of wings, since this game didn't have any when it was in the kitchen at the Williams factory...

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I am amazed how many people commenting have obviously never played the game enough to actually 'get' how to play it.

It is NOT merely a redemption game nor is it a board game, lol.

It is the real deal pinball, great shots, and very well done for the uniqueness of a small pf with small flippers.

So many write it off as novelty and dont ever learn how to play and the strategy like schudel points out.

Personally, I've never understood the attraction of this game. Yes, I've played it multiple times, but the whole small-playfield thing just turns me off. Never owned one, never will.

Then there's my friend that loves the game and has owned it 3 different times, IIRC.

I think if you're having so many reservations about buying it, it's gonna have a tough time living up to those expectations. As you've stated, you're obsessed with "owning" it. That thrill will mostly be gone once it's in your house. You'll need to love the gameplay if it has any chance of staying around.

I owned one for 6 years. It's a fun game, but I wish ATV was incorporated into the main game somehow. I stopped playing it after a while, but it remained a family favorite so I held onto longer than I would have and eventually sold it to fund a different game. Glad I owned one but don't miss it.

Yes it will....when you re-list it in a few weeks

In all seriousness, I love SC; it’s a really fun different type game. I could play for hours. But like others have said, in a small 2-3 pin collection, probably not the best choice. Worst case, reread the first line in this post....

so 6800usd?

that is in the range and I am guessing it is more rare over there. Likely easy to sell if you do bore of it.

Enjoy the new game.

Post back and let us know how it worked out!

Safecracker was part of a two pin purchase that initially got me into the hobby back around 2000. I bought it and a Scared Stiff as a package deal for my first games. I still have Safecracker, I still love it, and it is one of the games I can't imagine selling. That said, I have a large collection. If I had never expanded beyond a couple games, I would have gotten rid of it more than a decade ago.

As much as I love it, there is absolutely zero question you will get tired of it QUICKLY in a 1-2 game collection.

I have 2 people waiting in line to buy mine if I ever sell it. They're going to have a long wait

Yep.

Feel the love...

You will enjoy it. When you are done, let it go to someone else for them to love.

8B6AD0EC-DB76-435C-A66D-7A830DE2DBAB (resized).jpeg

Very neat and unique game. Didn't get to play it that much, but looks pretty interesting.

I have one and really like it, but a I have a good size collection, it's a big hit for people that never played it, it can be brutal at times, not like any other pin I have ever owned, which makes it unique, loved it from the first time I played it, but for a small collection I would not recommend it, Great feeling when you break the bank, and play assault the vault it is just crazy fast

Guests love getting a token and being able to take it home as a treat.

Congrats, I’m seriously jealous. Figure I’ll own one one day myself.

Those tokens sell for ten dollars each on eBay!

They were either to redeem for prizes or for people to collect. It was just a rarer coin to make it more about the bragging rights to have gotten one. The prototype token is the rarest and it's an antiqued brass color.

I removed all my original tokens and replaced with 30mm pachislo tokens I picked up from ebay for a few cents a piece. That way none of the originals go home in people's pockets.

Personally, I think it’s a really cool game and very unique! Trying to pick one up at the Ohio show this year.

John - I could be interested in the Star Trek 25th Have sent you a PM