Review: Williams Pinball Vol. 8 for PlayStation 5

Are you all set to explore the latest trio of tables for Pinball FX? Let’s jump into the details with our review of Williams Pinball Volume 8!

Welcome back to the captivating world of Pinball FX, with a fresh installment brought to you by the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC pack. This exciting set introduces three unique tables: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. Each table can be experienced in its traditional form or with enhanced features that Zen Studios is known for, adding 3D elements and extra visual effects. For Black Knight 2000, expect to see a 3D tower alongside a fierce Black Knight figure. Earthshaker! also gets a boost with enhanced lighting and special effects, featuring a 3D convertible racing across the screen, paired with a 3D seismograph. Banzai Run ups the ante with a 3D helmet, a rider on a 3D bike, and hand grips that mimic the feel of racing on a motorcycle.

Starting with Black Knight 2000, this table is intriguing with its upper and lower playfields, challenging players to approach the game with strategy. Once you launch the ball, it lands in the upper playfield, making its way down near the Magna Save feature. Here, you’ll want to propel it back to the upper area using the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane to maximize your score, as losing the ball here won’t hurt your score increases.

In Black Knight 2000, your tasks include hitting all the drop targets to spell KNIGHT, which rejuvenates the left kickback under time constraints, though you’ll retain any completed letters. By spelling BLACK, you can net a significant score bonus through the Skyway Ramp. The Lightning Wheel offers a random reward when the spin lamp is activated, and if it turns off, relight it via the left inlane rollover. Engage a Hurry Up by spelling WAR at the center, increasing in value with each successful shot until reaching the 1.5M mark. To activate the exhilarating multiball, lower the drawbridge by targeting its three segments, lock three balls, then prepare for multiball chaos.

Next up, we have Earthshaker!, a table that immerses you in a quest to predict earthquakes across various zones for hefty bonuses. By choosing the right speed on the spiral plunger lane, you can unlock substantial score bonuses. The Shelter sinkhole offers a chance at random rewards like extra points or a quick multiball. Hit the blinking ZONE targets and lanes to light up the ball lock, and send a third ball to start multiball play—unleashing the jackpot opportunity at the center ramp.

Activating Earthshaker!’s multiball earns you a table trophy, achieved by engaging the multiball feature after locking two balls with a third. Meanwhile, the Quick Multiball provides a swift way to boost your score, deploying two balls on the field.

Finally, there’s the adrenaline-pumping Banzai Run. Here, you’re racing against rivals to clinch the top spot. Hit the colored targets to challenge corresponding racers and advance to the vertical playing field—the standout feature on the backglass. This vertical area, Banzai Hill, tasks you with maneuvering the ball to the finish line once you’ve toppled the other racers.

Defeating each racer and reaching the #2 rank allows for multiball mode, with Time Lock illuminating and center ejecting a ball. Securing the jackpot involves locking one ball and navigating to Banzai Hill with the other, aiming to conquer the King of the Hill challenge. Engage in the Freestyle Course, by triggering it to target random competitors swiftly. Keep an eye on lap counters and leverage ramps for scoring bonuses if the double lap is activated.

Let’s turn our attention to trophies. Williams Pinball Volume 8 is part of Additional Tables #6 DLC, featuring a bronze trophy per table. Achievements include mastering all riders in Banzai Run, spelling BLACK in Black Knight 2000, and completing zones for a spectacular multiball in Earthshaker!.

In summary, Williams Pinball Volume 8 offers the iconic Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run tables in both classic and refreshed modes complete with dynamic 3D elements. Priced at $14.99, this Cross-Buy DLC grants access to both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions of Pinball FX for an engaging arcade experience.

This review of Williams Pinball Volume 8 is drawn from a PlayStation 5 version provided by Zen Studios.