[PlayStation 5] Review of Williams Pinball Vol. 8

Ready to try out a fresh set of tables in Pinball FX? Let’s dive into the latest Williams Pinball Volume 8 review!

We’re back on the pinball scene with the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC, rolling out three fresh tables: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. You can experience these classics in their original form or enjoy enhanced versions brought to life by Zen Studios, which include dynamic 3D elements like a towering Black Knight, as well as upgraded lighting and special effects. Earthshaker! benefits from similar enhancements, adding a 3D race-ready convertible and a mini-seismograph, while Banzai Run features detailed 3D upgrades like a helmet, bike, and handlebars, reflecting the thrill of a motorcycle race via the pinball itself.

Black Knight 2000 offers a dual-layer playfield, meaning your strategy needs to adapt on the fly. The ball initially lands on the upper playfield, above the WIN rollovers, before transitioning to the lower playfield by the Magna Save. Your goal is to propel it back to the upper field via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane to maximize scoring opportunities and prevent ball loss while boosting your score!

As you tackle Black Knight 2000, your objectives include hitting all drop targets to spell KNIGHT and reactivating the left kickback within a time frame—a task that resets if not completed, though you’ll keep the bank letters you’ve already secured. Collect a major score bonus by spelling BLACK and hitting the Skyway Ramp. For extra rewards, aim for the Lightning Wheel when the spin lamp is lit. If the spin lamp goes dark, reactivate it by hitting the left inlane rollover.

Spell out WAR at the central rollovers to initiate a Hurry-Up bonus at the Skyway Ramp, where its value increases with each successful shot up to 1.5M before resetting. Lower the Drawbridge by targeting all three of its panels and aim for a multiball event by locking three balls, shooting WIN rollovers for bonus multipliers, and tackling the Drawbridge with RANSOM shots.

When playing Earthshaker!, your mission is to earn bonuses by predicting earthquakes as you navigate through different zones. Launch your ball with speed to claim bonuses at the spiral plunger lane exits. Hit the Shelter sinkhole for random rewards like extra points, multiball, or zone completion, while loop shots enhance jet bumper scores.

To ignite a multiball, hit blinking ZONE targets and lanes to light up the ball lock at the Shelter sinkhole, then dispatch two balls before launching a third to access a jackpot opportunity. Scoring the multiball also nets you the table’s trophy. Meanwhile, the multiball boosts your score by focusing on the timed bonus at the center ramp during quick multiball moments.

Banzai Run propels you into the fast lane, where you compete against other racers to climb to the top. Challenge rivals like Red Hot, Blue Beard, Yellow Belly, and Green Machine by hitting their respective colored targets, which leads you to a vertical playfield on the backglass, commonly reserved for table titles and graphics.

This Banzai Hill run requires guiding the ball to the finish line at the top left of that playfield. After outpacing all racers and achieving a #2 rank, you’re set for a multiball. With one ball secured in Time Lock via the center eject hole, use the remaining one to reach the pinnacle and shoot the captive ball to dethrone the King of the Hill.

A secret Freestyle area on the vertical playfield’s top right opens during Freestyle Course mode, compelling you to hit random opponents. Challenge racers post-victory on this course, feeding laps via side shots or bonus laps through ramps when illuminated.

Let’s also touch on trophies! Williams Pinball Volume 8 is included in the Additional Tables #6 DLC, adding three Bronze trophies—one per table. Achieve Rank #1 in motocross on Banzai Run, spell BLACK and use the Skyway on Black Knight 2000, and complete Earthshaker!’s zones to trigger multiball, unlocking these prestige points.

Williams Pinball Volume 8 delivers Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run, playable with classic flair or Zen Studios’ enhancements. The pack is a Cross-Buy DLC at $14.99 for both the PlayStation 4 and 5 versions of Pinball FX, ensuring you won’t miss out on the action across devices.

This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy of Williams Pinball Volume 8 kindly provided by Zen Studios.