[PlayStation 5] Review of Williams Pinball Volume 8

Eager for some fresh pinball action in Pinball FX? Dive into the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC with us!

Let’s revisit Pinball FX as Williams Pinball Volume 8 brings us three timeless tables: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. These tables can be enjoyed in their original glory or with the Zen Studios touch, which includes enhancements like a 3D tower and the menacing 3D Black Knight, along with upgraded lighting and visual effects. Earthshaker! boasts nifty features too—a 3D convertible zooming on-screen and a 3D pocket seismograph that adds to the immersive experience. Banzai Run takes things further with its 3D motorcycle gear, encapsulating the thrill of hitting the ball as if riding a bike.

The Black Knight 2000 table is unique with its two playfields—upper and lower—requiring strategic thinking. Initially, the ball lands on the upper playfield atop the WIN rollovers, before rolling down near the Magna Save on the lower field. The challenge is to propel the ball back up via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane to maximize scores without losing the ball.

While playing Black Knight 2000, you’ll aim to hit all drop targets to spell KNIGHT, relighting the left kickback within a time frame. Complete the letters to spell BLACK and rack up score bonuses by shooting the Skyway Ramp. The lit spin lamp can be utilized to snag random awards through the Lightning Wheel. If it goes dim, relight it using the left inlane rollover.

If you manage to spell WAR on the central rollovers, you can activate a Hurry Up at the Skyway Ramp, which increases in value after each successful hit and resets after the 1.5M Hurry Up. Lower the drawbridge by hitting all three Drawbridge Targets, allowing access to lock balls for a thrilling multiball extravaganza once you’ve secured three. Spell WIN with corresponding rollovers to boost bonus multipliers and activate RANSOM shots to the Drawbridge.

Onto the second table, Earthshaker! Here, your mission is to visit zones, anticipate earthquakes, and clinch big bonuses. The spiral ending in the plunger lane packs four exits offering juicy score bonuses if the ball is launched with enough speed. Sink the ball into the Shelter sinkhole for rotating random rewards, including extra points, quick multiball, and zone completion. Loop shots significantly boost jet bumper scores.

Hitting blinking ZONE targets and lanes lights the ball lock at the Shelter sinkhole. By locking two balls, you’re set to send a third down, triggering multiball and lighting up the center ramp, allowing you to aim for the cross-ramp jackpot. Achieving multiball earns the table’s trophy. The center ramp increases the captive ball value for a timed bonus. The quick multiball introduces just two balls, optimal for rapidly boosting scores.

The last table, Banzai Run, is an adrenaline-packed race where you aim to top the leaderboard. Challenge racers like Red Hot and Blue Beard by hitting corresponding colored targets. Upon triggering a challenge, ascend to the vertical playfield atop the table—a distinct feature usually reserved for display art.

Tackle the Banzai Hill by steering the ball to the finish line on the vertical screen’s upper left. Once you’ve dethroned all racers and secured #2 rank, dive into multiball action with the Time Lock activated. Lock a ball in the center eject hole, then conquer the summit on Banzai Hill by shooting the captive ball to defeat the King of the Hill for a jackpot.

A hidden area in the upper right of the vertical board becomes accessible during the Freestyle Course. Here, the small ball spontaneously targets racers, adding laps on either side or doubling laps with the ramps when the double lap is active.

Finally, collect trophies from the Williams Pinball Volume 8 pack from the Additional Tables #6 DLC trophy list, with a unique Bronze trophy for each table. Achievements include defeating all racers and securing Rank #1 on Banzai Run, completing zones for multiball on Earthshaker!, and spelling BLACK to shoot the Skyway on Black Knight 2000.

At $14.99, the Cross-Buy Williams Pinball Volume 8 pack delivers Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, with Zen Studios’ signature enhancements setting a lively stage for classic pinball thrills.

Disclaimer: This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Zen Studios.