Zen Studios has faced some challenges making the leap from FX3 on the Nintendo Switch, and Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8 doesn’t stray from this trend. The first thing you might wonder is, “Where did Volume 7 go?” Well, it’s not on the Switch, to cut to the chase. The next pressing question would be, “How do the three tables included in this volume measure up?” The short answer: it’s a bit of a mixed bag.
Kicking things off with the standout table, we have Black Knight 2000. Despite what the name might suggest, this table was originally released back in 1989 as a sequel to the 1980 original, and it captures that era beautifully. The vibrant colors and flashing lights whisk me back to those nostalgic arcade days, even though this specific table wasn’t one I frequented as a kid. What really hits home for me is the music, featuring lyrics such as, “You’ve got the power (ha ha ha ha ha), you’ve got the might (no way), get ready for battle (give me your money), beat the black knight.” While there’s definitely a learning curve here, the drive to conquer drop targets and ramps to boost your high score provides a compelling reason to keep coming back.
Next up, there’s Banzai Run, one of two Pat Lawlor creations in this collection. I have to confess I lean more towards his ’90s gems like Funhouse, Addams Family, and No Good Gophers. The whole motorcycle theme doesn’t really grab me, but the way space is utilized on this table is the bigger issue. While the vertical playfield approach is certainly unique, it results in a lot of empty space, making the game feel dull both visually and in terms of gameplay. Plus, there’s a lack of smoothness—could that stutter be unique to the Switch? This table fails to catch my interest enough to learn and improve my skills, despite spending virtual coins. It’s not a bad concept—definitely creative—but it’s lacking the kind of addictiveness that makes pinball irresistible.
Finally, Earthshaker might be the easiest table in this set to rack up high scores. The most noteworthy feature here is the multiball—my Switch has never experienced such prolonged HD rumble! It might seem gimmicky, but there’s something fitting about the immersive effect that the earthquake theme brings in. Apart from that, it’s a pretty standard table, likely appealing most to those new to pinball. Just make sure you’re not playing with a third-party controller that lacks rumble support, or you’ll miss out on a vital part of the experience.
All in all, Williams Pinball Volume 8 delivers a somewhat inconsistent collection of tables. Black Knight 2000 offers a delightful blast from the ’80s past, but at the $14.99 price point, you’d hope for all the tables to reach similar heights of enjoyment. Earthshaker’s highlight is its HD Rumble feature, while Banzai Run feels like it’s still figuring out the ropes—underwhelming and not entirely smooth on the Switch. It might be worth putting this pack on your wishlist for a sale down the line, or sticking with Pinball FX3 in the meantime.
