Safecracker by Imagic is a proto-Grand-Theft-Auto!

[Intelligentleman]

I picked up this game at Video Game Connection in Cleveland. I thought it was going to be just about cracking open safes, but there's a whole "overworld" part where you get to drive around in a car in 3/4 overhead view. After you crack a safe, you need to high-tail it back to your hideout because the secret police (black cars) start to come after you.

 

This is a must-have game, imo.

[cmadruga]

It is an interesting game from a technical standpoint. I thought I read somewhere that the city is made with GROM pictures.

Gameplay wise, it’s ok, not great. I think controls are awkward and it’s not so easy to drive around the city. Still, I appreciate the uniqueness of the game.
 

[Intelligentleman]

1 hour ago, cmadruga said:

It is an interesting game from a technical standpoint. I thought I read somewhere that the city is made with GROM pictures.

Gameplay wise, it’s ok, not great. I think controls are awkward and it’s not so easy to drive around the city. Still, I appreciate the uniqueness of the game.
 

The controls kinda start to make sense the longer you play. But I agree it's not exactly an intuitive experience! Still, I stand by my original thesis. This game embodies the fundamentals of Grand Theft Auto. Or, more accurately, the other way around.

Edited February 17, 2020 by Intelligentleman

[cmadruga]

I never thought of Safecracker as a proto GTA, but I can see your point. 

[Intelligentleman]

1 minute ago, cmadruga said:

I never thought of Safecracker as a proto GTA, but I can see your point. 

Not trying to force my opinion, however, some other similarities:

 

• Shoot a white civilian car - Loose points and alert the secret police (black cars).
• Pick the safe without dynamite and escape without alerting the secret police.
• Return to your hideout to escape the police and "reset" your alert level.

[wolfy62]

Thanks for sparking my interest in this game,I am going to pop it in!

[Intelligentleman]

32 minutes ago, wolfy62 said:

Thanks for sparking my interest in this game,I am going to pop it in!

Post back if you manage to get into the safe at the treasury. I've gotten as far as getting the four code numbers, but I always panic when the secret police starts coming after me! LOL

[JasonlikesINTV]

Obligatory mention:

 

[Intymike]

10 hours ago, Intelligentleman said:

Post back if you manage to get into the safe at the treasury. I've gotten as far as getting the four code numbers, but I always panic when the secret police starts coming after me! LOL

 

I made it until the end back in the 80s.

Had a lot of fun with the game. It's a bit underrated.

Maybe a good game to play for the next Intellivision day.  

 

[Intymike]

[Intelligentleman]

Finally cracked the treasury safe and got my gold bars. The game seems to loop back on itself with you visiting four more embassies. I think I'll try bumping up the difficulty to Medium.

[Intelligentleman]

Just got done going on a rampage, lol. I love this game.

[ASalvaro]

i remember going out to eat with my family and on the way back i talked them into stopping for a game at Toys R US and i bought Safecracker back in 83..i believe it was $29..had a lot of fun with it