Safe Cracker (pinball)
| Company type | Pinball machine |
|---|---|
| Industry | Arcade games |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Pat Lawlor |
| Products | Pinball machines |
| Parent | Midway (Bally brand) |
Safe Cracker is a pinball machine released in 1996, featuring a safecracking theme. It was designed by Pat Lawlor and manufactured by Midway under the Bally brand. The total production count is estimated at around 1,148 units.
Description
Unlike conventional pinball games that rely on a set number of balls, Safe Cracker employs a timed gameplay system. Players can keep playing as long as the countdown continues, even after losing balls.
This machine is more compact compared to typical pinball tables. The primary goal involves breaking into a bank’s safe through three distinct play zones:
- The playfield includes targets that open entry points to the bank via the rooftop, cellar, or front door.
- Once inside the bank, the game transitions to a board game displayed on the backglass. Players spin a dial numbered from 1 to 5 and navigate around the board while trying to evade a security guard who moves based on a six-sided die roll. The objective is to reach the central safe without being caught. Successfully doing so releases a "magic token" from the vault for players to catch.
- Capturing the "magic token" initiates "Assault on the Vault," a 90-second multiball sequence involving four balls. During this mode, players aim to hit drop targets and ramps to penetrate the vault.
Digital versions
Safe Cracker has been licensed for inclusion in Pinball FX 3 across various platforms. A remastered edition was launched for Pinball FX on March 31, 2022. Before this, it was available on The Pinball Arcade until June 30, 2018, when it was removed following license expiration.