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Safecracker

gameactive27 mentionsFirst seen Jul 30, 2008Last seen Mar 6, 2026

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Safecracker is a classic Williams pinball game with a notable development history, originally pitched as a Monopoly-licensed title before being rejected by Parker Brothers and reimagined as Safecracker. The game exists in multiple formats across pinball platforms, including original Williams machines, digital versions in Pinball FX and Pinball Arcade. It has been featured across pinball media and communities, from collector acquisitions to competitive digital play, though quality implementations vary significantly across different versions.

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Facts

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Claims (1)

  • factualmedium

    Safecracker's token wizard goal uses pure random number generation with no set configuration, making it impossible to strategically complete.

    Source: Chris Frebus and Jared MorganWhen Pinball Loses Its Shine

Recent Mentions (27)

  • Vintage machine referenced for design throwbacks on JJP's Dialed In; Ron has owned one

    Episode 43 – Pinball PoetryMay 18, 2017
  • 1996 Pat Lawler design; compact 3/4-size novelty/arcade game; time-based (not ball-based); unique token-ejection mechanic; weighs 279 lbs; produced in very limited quantities (~27 units); high collector value; featured in this episode as Kevin's recent acquisition; difficult to service.

    The Grasley Garage! Holy Effing Safe Cracker!Mar 6, 2026
  • Non-bingo EM game owned by Phil Hooper; purchased new in box on closeout; liked the board game feature

    Episode 33 - Phil Hooper Interview 4-5-15Apr 13, 2015
  • Pinball machine referenced by Jared Morgan as powerful risk-reward game played in Australia

    Episode 90 - The Super CardJun 9, 2015
  • Referenced classic pinball game in booth commentary about risk-reward decision-making and draining mechanics

    INDISC 2019 - High Stakes Playoffs - SemifinalsApr 28, 2020
  • Mini pinball game played by Rachel at multiple venues; described as 'awesome' and rules-complex; Rachel wants to learn rules better

    Tribe Multiball with Tim and Rachel: Episode 16, Hotdoggin'

Contradictions

  • Existing: Safecracker is a Williams pinball game (established in mentions 0, 1, 2)vsConflicting: Mention 4 attributes Safecracker design to Pat Lawler with third flipper and undersized flippers as an example of Lawler pushing flipper design boundaries
    Resolved
    kept_existing · Mar 2, 2026

Related Glossary Terms

No linked glossary terms

Sep 16, 2021
  • Pinball machine used in qualifying with modified ROM; features board game mode and risk-reward decision making

    INDISC 2019 - Main Qualifying - Final HourApr 19, 2020
  • 1996 Valley (Williams) pinball machine featuring narrow body, timed gameplay, token mechanics, and board-game-style playfield layout

    Safe Cracker Pinball Let's PlayJan 24, 2021
  • Harry Williams dot matrix pinball machine, discussed as second least produced dot matrix game from manufacturer

    Day 3 of WORLD CUP SOCCER '94!! - 2 / 2Jan 19, 2015
  • Pinball machine with 30 coins in Dead Flip's new collection

    Dungeons and Dragons Pinball Let's PlayJan 24, 2021
  • Pinball machine with payout features similar to bingo tables, favorite of Nick Baldridge

    Pitch SlappedJun 16, 2015
  • Classic pinball table currently in Farsight beta testing; known for quarter-eating arcade behavior

    Forum Questions Part 1Jul 21, 2015
  • Pinball table; Pinball Arcade version has problematic timed tournament format; token wizard goal uses pure RNG with no set completion; no reward despite difficulty.

    When Pinball Loses Its ShineOct 17, 2016
  • Pinball table Chris considers his 'grail table'; Farsight nailed difficulty tuning after his harsh beta feedback

    Questions That Drift To the Future-pastNov 13, 2016
  • Pinball table from Pinball Arcade roster; odd shape with token compensation system; low priority for Zen inclusion per hosts' speculation

    Zen Williams Pinball RetrospectiveSep 26, 2018
  • Pinball table in Williams Pinball app. Chris collected excessive parts (300+) for this table. Unique challenge scaling: 5-star Survival goal (350k) is harder than 10-star or 15-star goals (600k each).

    Shifting SandsApr 24, 2019
  • Zen Pinball table; final table for Chris to max out; shows problematic coin reward randomness

    Volume 4 Announcement EveMay 17, 2019
  • Pat Lawlor pinball table criticized as polarizing demo material despite technical quality; considered not engaging enough for new players

    Recommend Tables Like You Recommend Home Theatre Test MoviesJul 3, 2016
  • Williams pinball machine; played by Jared for 12 million point game; brutal timed machine with vault token economy

    Let's ride bikes!Jul 27, 2020
  • Classic Williams pinball machine from 1990, compact-sized table with board game element, first major surprise in Volume 3 announcement

    Williams Pinball Vol 3 InterviewMar 6, 2019
  • Pat Lawlor game originally designed as Monopoly but license couldn't be secured; later adapted into Safecracker theme

    Episode 11 - Life of a Former Pinball ProgrammerJan 1, 2024
  • Bally/Williams classic; used as mechanical/rule complexity comparison point for High Roller Casino; has similar back-box game (Roll and Win) mechanic

    Episode 69 - Die on this Hill: High Roller CasinoFeb 10, 2025
  • Pat Lawler design with third flipper and undersized flippers; referenced as example of Lawler pushing flipper design boundaries; hosts distinguish from NASCAR's more conventional flipper implementation

    Episode 101 - Best Game Ever: NASCARSep 22, 2025
  • Pinball Arcade table that Chris's son Zach plays extensively, achieving all tokens award and leading Pinball Effects leaderboard

    My Little Star InksOct 3, 2022
  • Williams table showing significant performance issues at 4K, texture problems (pop bumper donuts), janky ball movement

    Pinball FX Early Access Gut ReactionsApr 4, 2022
  • Pinball game that was originally pitched as Monopoly game but rejected by Parker Brothers; became Safecracker instead

    TOPCast 62: Greg DunlapJul 30, 2008
  • Williams pinball game; home use only, perfect condition; recently acquired by Eric from Williams employee

    Episode 28 – Eric Meunier from Jersey Jack PinballJan 29, 2018