Review of Williams Pinball Vol. 8 for PlayStation 5

Are you gearing up for some new pinball action with Pinball FX? Let’s jump into our review of Williams Pinball Volume 8!

We’ve got three exciting tables ready to go in this latest DLC pack: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. You can enjoy them in their original form or experience the added flair that Zen Studios brings to these classic setups. Expect enhanced visuals like a 3D tower and a feisty 3D Black Knight, along with better lighting and some special effects thrown in for good measure. Earthshaker! adds to the excitement with its improved lighting effects, a speedy 3D convertible racing across the bottom left of your screen, and a nifty 3D pocket seismograph on the table’s bottom right. Banzai Run pulls out all the stops, introducing a 3D helmet, motorcycle, and hand grips that immerse you further into the game.

Let’s start with Black Knight 2000. This table combines upper and lower playfields, which makes for a unique challenge. Balls enter the upper playfield first and then drop to the lower field near Magna Save. To score big, you’ll want to send the ball back to the upper playfield via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane. Here’s a tip for those high scores: keep that ball moving on the upper level as long as you can to maximize your score without fear of losing it!

During your Black Knight 2000 session, you’ll be working to hit targets spelling out KNIGHT to reactivate the left kickback, all against the clock! Complete the bank letters and spell BLACK to earn a significant point bonus. When the spin lamp lights up, shoot into the Lightning Wheel for a bonus. Don’t worry if it dims; just hit the left inlane rollover to relight it.

And, if you manage to spell WAR at the central rollovers, you can trigger a Hurry Up at the Skyway Ramp. This Hurry Up value increases with successful shots but resets after hitting 1.5M. Hit the Drawbridge Targets to lower it and shoot for the Drawbridge Ramp to lock balls. Lock three and you’re into a thrilling multiball mode. Spell WIN with rollovers to boost those bonus multipliers and activate the RANSOM shots.

Next, we venture to Earthshaker! Here, the aim is to visit zones, predict earthquakes, and stack up bonuses. There are four lucrative exits at the end of the plunger lane spiral, ready to boost your score if you hit them with enough force. Shoot the ball into the Shelter sinkhole and enjoy a rotating reward—everything from extra points to a quick multiball. Loop shots will elevate the jet bumper scores too.

You’ll be hitting the ZONE targets and lanes to light up the ball lock at the shelter sinkhole. Lock two balls and send a third down to engage multiball, lighting the center ramp for jackpot opportunities. This also bags you the table’s trophy—more on that soon! Shoot the center ramp for a timed bonus on the captive ball value. Quick multiball jumps two balls into play, spicing things up and boosting that score!

Finally, let’s talk about Banzai Run, which delivers fast-paced pinball fun. You’ll be squaring off against rival racers to snag that top rank. Hit the red, blue, yellow, and green targets to take on competitors like Red Hot and Green Machine, leading you to a vertical playing area at the backglass. This is where you’ll steer toward victory on the Banzai Hill, aiming to hit the finish at the upper left.

Once you’re number two among the bikers, it’s time for multiball mayhem. The Time Lock lights up, and hitting the center eject hole locks a ball. To snag the jackpot, lock a ball and then take the other to Banzai Hill, scaling the leaderboard to shoot for the captive ball and defeat the King of the Hill. The Freestyle Course adds extra spice, where small balls dart to random targets when activated, letting you tackle racers beyond the main course. Rack up laps on the side lanes or double them on the ramps if it’s lit.

Before we go, let’s not forget about the trophies! Williams Pinball Volume 8 comes with three trophies—one bronze each. To claim them, reach Rank #1 in Banzai Run, spell BLACK and conquer the Skyway on Black Knight 2000, and start the multiball in Earthshaker! It’s all in the details and precision.

The DLC pack offers both the nostalgic charm and modern embellishments we expect from Zen Studios. Want improved graphics, new 3D elements, and a way to relive classic pinball fun on both PS4 and PS5? For $14.99, this Cross-Buy DLC delivers all that excitement and more.

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