Collector Value Est.

$3,100–$5,500

USD · Market estimate

Near-mint / restored. Worn or stored examples sell for 30–60% less.

Notable Features

Flippers (3), Pop bumpers (3), Slingshots (2), Spinning targets (3), Vertical up-kickers (2), Ramps (2), Scoops (2), 3-bank drop targets (1), Eyeball targets (6), Captive ball (1), 3- and 6-ball Multiball modes, Autoplunger shaped like doorhandle with head of cryptkeeper. Shaker motor. Actual measured weight: 255 lbs (includes legs).

Historical Notes

At the end of the credits, it says 'IN LOVING MEMORY OF: WILLIAM GAINES'. William Gaines (aka Bill Gaines), was the publisher and co-editor of EC Comics, which published the "Tales from the Crypt" comic series along with its related comics "The Vault of Horror" and "The Haunt of Fear". Page 5 of the English manual (page 2 of the Spanish manual) references a video mode where "the player will interface with the Display to help the Crypt Keeper defeat foes." This mode as described did not appear on the games leaving the factory. John Borg told us that he did develop the Door Prize select video sequence. Pictured in the listing is a backbox with five green inserts on the top. There were no lamps or other special lights mounted inside to shine through these inserts. We asked designer John Borg if special lighting was intended and if any of these backboxes made it into production. He replied:I believe I had some GI and flash in the backbox. It would cast a haze on the big molded topper. Costed out (was eliminated) before production. I had one of the early 30 or so prototypes and don’t remember if my game had these inserts added to the top of the backbox or not. I’m thinking not. [The game pictured] must have been an engineering sample they sold. We asked Lyman Sheats if he participated in this game. He replied that the only thing he contributed to the game was a few suggestions for game rules. We previously listed the Manufacture Date as December, 1993. This game was produced from Nov-4-1993 to Jan-6-1994.

Where to Play It

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Current addresses, hours, and condition reports from the Pinball Map community.

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