Zen Studios has faced a few bumps in the road when it comes to shifting their game from FX3 to the Nintendo Switch. Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8 doesn’t quite smooth things over. First off, you might wonder, “What happened to Volume 7?” Well, it didn’t make it to the Switch. Now, the real question is, how do the tables in this volume hold up? The answer? It’s a mixed bag.
Let’s dive into what shines in this set. Black Knight 2000 takes the crown. Despite what the name might suggest, this game originally came out in 1989 as a follow-up to the 1980 classic. It absolutely captures the essence of that era. The vibrant colors and flashing lights take me right back to those joyful days in the arcade. While I might not have played it back then, it’s the music that nails the nostalgic vibe. With catchy lines like, “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,” it’s hard not to get hooked. Although it has a learning curve, it intrigues you enough to keep coming back, aiming for those drop targets and ramps, all in pursuit of a new high score.
Moving on, we have Banzai Run, one of two tables from designer Pat Lawlor in this collection. I’ll be honest, I lean more toward his designs from the ‘90s, like Funhouse and Addams Family. The motorcycle theme here doesn’t really resonate with me, but that’s not the main issue. The layout feels oddly barren, probably due to its focus on a vertical playfield. It makes for a visually dull experience, lacking that engaging flow. Plus, there’s a choppiness that I suspect might be unique to the Switch, and it detracts from the game’s potential appeal. While it’s not a complete miss and has a unique concept, it doesn’t quite captivate or entertain enough to dive back in for improvement, even in a virtual sense.
Then there’s Earthshaker, likely the easiest of the bunch for racking up high scores. This table’s standout feature is its multiball mode, highlighted by the Switch’s intense HD rumble. It might seem a tad gimmicky, but it does tie nicely into the earthquake theme. Overall, it’s a decent mid-tier table that may catch the interest of beginners dipping their toes into the pinball scene. Just make sure your controller supports rumble, or you’ll miss out on some of the fun.
In summary, Williams Pinball Volume 8 offers an inconsistent mix of tables. Black Knight 2000 delivers peak ‘80s entertainment, but at the cost of $14.99, you’d hope for more consistent thrills across all tables. While Earthshaker gives HD Rumble something to brag about, Banzai Run feels lacking in areas and doesn’t operate smoothly on the Switch. You might want to wishlist this pack for a future discount or stick with the familiarity of Pinball FX3.
