Williams
High Speed Pinside Rating
This game received 371 approved Pinsider ratings and currently rates 7.957 /10
High Speed
Score breakdown
Score breakdown in the 4 main categories:
Game Design: 8.089
Artwork: 7.6
Sounds/Music: 7.198
Other Aspects: 8.298
Pinside staff rating
This is how we, the very knowledgeable (wink wink) Pinside.com staff & moderators rate this game. 5 of us have rated this game.
Found 190 ratings (with comment) on this game
There are 190 ratings (that include a comment) on this game.
Currently showing results page 2 of 8.
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7.538/10
2 years ago
Spring Valley, WI
Perhaps the one pin that was responsible for pinball's resurgence in the mid-80s. Its popularity spawned ports to video games, such as the Nintendo Entertainment System. The premise was simple - light the stoplights red, run the light, then evade the police. The game played fast, living up to the namesake, and involved placing shots up ramps and stationary targets to change the lights. It is a good game for beginners. Experienced players might get bored with the ruleset simplicity. Might not be the best 1980s pin, but it played an important role in the history of the industry.
9.064/10
2 years ago
This is a fun theme. I love the lights, the flashing from the siren. It does get repetitive with the ramp and running from the police. But it is hard enough for the beginner to moderate player to learn and grasp without draining balls. It has a special place in this world being based on a true story of the pinball designer getting pulled over at high speeds.
7.945/10
2 years ago
This is definitely one of my favorite pre-dmd games. I typically am more into deep rulsets that challenge me to get to a wizard mode, but I can still have fun with these older pins when they shoot well, and that is definitely the case here. I'm a sucker for games with on upper flipper ramp shot and that's the center of focus on this game. Nail away at the ramp for lights and then the jackpot during multiball. Simple premise, but tough to play. I always enjoy this one.
Klagenfurt
8.164/10
2 years ago
I really enjoyed this game. Its such a fun game to shoot and I rather like the simplistic rules. I actually feel sometimes games can be too deep and the rules too convoluted. I personally really enjoy classic simplistic rules(I still love deep games too), but when a game shoots like this well and also is challenging to boot, I don't think it needs a deep rule set. Its enough of a challenge to just get multi ball.
The game is smooth as I said above, but if you miss a shot, it can be costly. Its not very forgiving if you lose control(I know most games are like that, but trust me, this is a unforgiving, but fair game).
I like the art. Think its great and it fits the theme. The playfield art while not amazing, certainly is easy to read and understand. The backglass is very nice and I love the mirror on it. The beacon light at the top is a nice touch. Adds a good bit of flair to the game.
All in all this is a classic for a reason. Would it work in a small collection.,.. Possibly. I think it could also be a persons only pin. Would it get old, sure... But, for most people I think you'd only want this if you have a few more modern and deeper games.
But, it plays great, unique layout, looks great, and for the time had great music and callouts. Not so much callouts as voice samples. But, it tells a story and that was ground breaking.
The game is smooth as I said above, but if you miss a shot, it can be costly. Its not very forgiving if you lose control(I know most games are like that, but trust me, this is a unforgiving, but fair game).
I like the art. Think its great and it fits the theme. The playfield art while not amazing, certainly is easy to read and understand. The backglass is very nice and I love the mirror on it. The beacon light at the top is a nice touch. Adds a good bit of flair to the game.
All in all this is a classic for a reason. Would it work in a small collection.,.. Possibly. I think it could also be a persons only pin. Would it get old, sure... But, for most people I think you'd only want this if you have a few more modern and deeper games.
But, it plays great, unique layout, looks great, and for the time had great music and callouts. Not so much callouts as voice samples. But, it tells a story and that was ground breaking.
8.590/10
3 years ago
I always enjoyed this pin. So much so I bought one and fixed it up. 15 years now, it is still fun. I like the theme: turn the lights red, run the red light, get away! Open playfield with a couple challenging skill shots. Love ripping the freeway ramp spinners. I used to own Getaway too. But I sold that one. Should say something.
6.293/10
3 years ago
Saw the ratings on this and kept my eyes open for one for sale in my area. Finally got one and am kind of disappointed. Game plays fast which is nice but the music gets annoying pretty quickly. The play is repetitive too. It’s all about the ramp shot. And the lack of anything in the middle makes for too many straight down the middle no chance to save balls. Will definitely be putting this one up for sale soon.
8.380/10
3 years ago
Heemskerk
A true classic with that great steve ritchie story Thats told in the back glass and pf.
It looks like a easy game but when you have to hit the ramp and you mis it all the time it can kick you in the .....
but if you hit it and you can escape the police you always want to try it again and again.
It looks like a easy game but when you have to hit the ramp and you mis it all the time it can kick you in the .....
but if you hit it and you can escape the police you always want to try it again and again.
7.353/10
3 years ago
Total classic. It is one of the best pins of its' era and denotes the times perfectly. It has one if the highest "price vs. Fun" margins out there.
Crossfield, AB
7.772/10
4 years ago
I had a High Speed for about a month as a package deal trade, and really enjoyed it in that time period. I would totally recommend this game as a budget game in a one pin lineup. This game is not terribly deep, but does require skill. The goal is simple, hit all the green targets, then the yellow, then the red, then hit the Ramp to start multiball and the ramp again to hit the jackpot. Sounds simple, but that 3rd flipper ramp shot is a challenge... especially in multiball! Replacement parts are readily available on this machine with the notable exception of the Williams Pop Bumper Caps with the stripe and W. The loop shots provide variety and getting the upper traffic light colors requires skill. The only cheap drain in the game is hitting the rubber in the back behind the bumpers and having it hit back straight back the middle. Theme integration is excellent in this, and I like the overhead shots of the cars. Playfield wear is common on these, especially in the upper playfied past the upper mylar. A hardtop has been released for this title, and is driving the price of this machine upward. If you are looking for a game of deep exploration that tells a story, this is not for you. If you want a fast and fun game to work on your skills with, this game fits the bill.
8.147/10
4 years ago
This game was my go-to game in the middle to late 80s! Having grown up with classic EM machines, playing this one was like when Dorothy opened up the door in the Wizard of Oz and black and white became color! It has a cool theme, an interesting layout and that certain "I just have to try it again" quality that makes this an 80s William's SS classic! Millennials used to games like LoTR, Twilight Zone or Jurassic Park, may find High Speed somewhat simplistic (many prefer The Getaway) but the original will always hold a special place in my heart! (Update 4/13/21) My son and I have just finished upgrading the lighting to LEDs which was a nice improvement! He has been playing the game now for about five years and is becoming quite proficient at picking shots! Just like me, he is enjoying HS during his college years! This one deservedly carries the moniker "classic!!
8.163/10
4 years ago
For such a simple design this game is extremely fun. I really like the call outs you get once you have "Run the red light" and are trying to escape (get multiball). The innovative use of the upper switching ramp is cool. The overall design is so well done with all of the details considered that game flow and game play are simply top notch. So while this game may not have all of the bells and whistles that other newer games have the flow and speed of the game makes this a keeper.
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