Are you itching for a pinball fix? Then you’ll definitely want to check out the latest trio of tables for Pinball FX in the Williams Pinball Volume 8 review!
Let’s plunge back into the vibrant world of Pinball FX with the exciting Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC pack. This new collection introduces three classic tables: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. Each table offers the option to enjoy them in their original form or experience the enhanced version that Zen Studios has crafted. This includes 3D elements like the imposing 3D Black Knight, dynamic lighting, and special effects that really bring the game to life. Earthshaker! features an improved visual presentation with a 3D convertible racing across your screen and a 3D seismograph on the pinball table’s bottom right. Meanwhile, Banzai Run adds a 3D helmet, a bike-riding character, and handlebars that enhance the motorcycle-themed experience.
The Black Knight 2000 table is broken into upper and lower playfields, offering a fresh challenge. When you launch a ball, it starts on the upper playfield, above the WIN rollovers, before making its way down to the lower playfield near the Magna Save. The goal is to shoot it back to the top via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane to really crank up those scores. Securing a high score hinges on keeping the ball in the upper playfield for as long as possible!
While playing Black Knight 2000, your objectives include hitting all the drop targets to spell KNIGHT and activate the left kickback within a set time limit. All completed bank letters will be retained, thankfully! Spell out BLACK with the letters to earn a score bonus by shooting the ball up the Skyway Ramp. With the spin lamp lit, hitting the Lightning Wheel will yield a random reward, and you can reignite the spin lamp lights by hitting the left inlane rollover.
To further bolster your score, spell WAR at the central rollovers to prompt a Hurry Up challenge at the Skyway Ramp, with increasing value for each success, resetting after tackling the 1.5M point challenge. Hit all Drawbridge Targets to lower it, then use the open Drawbridge Ramp to secure the ball for a future multiball bonanza, which kicks off after locking three balls. Target the WIN rollovers to multiply bonus points and trigger the RANSOM shots at the Drawbridge.
Turning to Earthshaker!, the goal is to navigate different zones, predict quakes, and snag bonus points. The spiral plunger lane features four exits, granting significant bonuses based on launch speed. Sink the ball in the Shelter sinkhole for a rotating prize such as multiball or zone completion, and loop shots to increase bumper scores.
Zone targets and lanes illuminate the ball lock at Shelter, allowing you to lock two balls and send in a third to kick off multiball, lighting the center ramp for jackpot attempts. Hitting the center ramp boosts the captive ball’s timed bonus value. Quick multiball sends two balls out, ample opportunity to hike your score swiftly!
Our last contender is Banzai Run, brimming with adrenaline-pumping races. You’ll compete against Red Hot, Blue Beard, Yellow Belly, and Green Machine on their respective colored targets. Clearing each challenge moves the action to the vertical playfield displayed traditionally on a pinball table’s backglass.
Ascend to the finish line on Banzai Hill after defeating all racers to rank up to #1. Multiball lights up the Time Lock and center eject hole for ball locking, setting you up to snatch the jackpot by melding Banzai Hill navigation with captive ball shots.
An upper right closed area on the vertical field opens when Freestyle Course is active, letting the ball auto-target. Revisit racers in Freestyle Course if you’ve previously bested them. Hit the table’s laps to advance a single lap, or use ramps when double lap is lit to add two laps.
And now, a word about trophies! This Williams Pinball Volume 8 pack ties into the Additional Tables #6 trophy list, presenting three new Bronze trophies — one per table. Unlock them by reaching Rank #1 in Banzai Run’s motocross race, spelling BLACK and hitting the Skyway on Black Knight 2000, and completing zones to kick off Earthshaker!’s multiball.
Available for $14.99 as a Cross-Buy DLC, the Williams Pinball Volume 8 gives you access to all three tables for both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions of Pinball FX. Elevate your pinball frenzy with all the enhanced features Zen Studios offers and dive into a retro-modern pinball experience!
Disclaimer: This review of Williams Pinball Volume 8 is based on a PlayStation 5 version provided by Zen Studios.
