A Review of Williams Pinball Vol. 8 for PlayStation 5

Are you gearing up for some new pinball action with Pinball FX? We’ve got a look at the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC—let’s see what it has to offer!

We’ve got our hands on three exciting tables: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. You can enjoy each of these in their classic form or experience them through the vibrant lens of Zen Studios, complete with unique enhancements. Picture a 3D tower and a ferocious Black Knight, adding flair with improved lighting and extra effects. Over on the Earthshaker! table, there are flashy lights, a speedy 3D convertible on your left, and a 3D seismograph to your right. Meanwhile, Banzai Run revs it up with a 3D helmet, bike, and a rider racing to the finish.

Starting with Black Knight 2000, this table switches things up with both upper and lower playfields. Imagine launching your ball into the top playfield first, then watching it travel to the lower section by the Magna Save. The aim is to get that ball back up via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane to maximize your score. Keep the action up top, and you might just hit that top score without losing your ball.

So, how do you play the objectives on Black Knight 2000? Aim to hit the drop targets spelling out KNIGHT to reset the left kickback. Time is ticking, so act fast! Light up BLACK by completing it for a massive bonus with the Skyway Ramp shot. When you see the spin lamp light up, use the Lightning Wheel for rewards, and if it dims, reignite it with the left inlane rollover.

Scoring your way through the table involves spelling WAR to trigger a Hurry Up at the Skyway Ramp. The excitement builds with each successful shot, so you’ll want to master this. Lower the Drawbridge by striking all three targets, then shooting the ramp for a multiball challenge after locking three balls. Spell WIN at the rollovers for bonus multipliers and take a shot at the RANSOM on the Drawbridge.

Moving on to Earthshaker!, you’re on a mission to predict quakes and score big. Propel your ball through the spiral track to claim hefty score bonuses. The Shelter sinkhole holds surprises like extra points, multiballs, or zone completions. Lighting up ZONE targets unlocks the ball lock, priming you for a thrilling multiball round once the third ball hits.

To shine, hit the center ramp, boost the captive ball value, or engage in quick multiballs—each delivering a jolt to your score. Every successful shot will light the center ramp and offer a path to a jackpot, not to mention securing a trophy along the way.

Last on the list is Banzai Run, a table that puts you in the middle of an adrenaline-fueled race. Challenge opponents by hitting specific colored targets, which transports you to a vertical battle on the backglass. Triumph on Banzai Hill by reaching the top left corner to defeat rivals.

Break into multiball and race to the jackpot by using one ball to lock and the other to conquer Banzai Hill. There’s more: a hidden section opens during the Freestyle Course, automatically hurling your ball to random targets. Race through laps by hitting either side of the table to energize your game further.

Let’s not forget about the trophies. The Williams Pinball Volume 8 pack boasts a trio of achievements to earn—one for each table. Master the motocross in Banzai Run, spell BLACK on Black Knight 2000, and start that coveted multiball in Earthshaker!

This collection lets you experience Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run with a twist, thanks to Zen Studios’ remarkable adaptations. The combination of stunning 3D effects and unique features elevates the traditional experience. Even better, the Williams Pinball Volume 8 pack is available as a Cross-Buy, so with $14.99, you get these fantastic tables on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.

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