Review of Williams Pinball Volume 8 for PlayStation 5

Ready for some new excitement in Pinball FX? Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store with the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC.

This exciting pack introduces three classic tables: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. You have the choice between experiencing these games in their authentic form or enjoying them with the updated touches that Zen Studios is known for. These updates bring new life to these classics with elements like 3D animations and enhanced lighting. On the Black Knight 2000 table, you’ll experience a dynamic 3D tower and a fierce-looking Black Knight, alongside improved lighting effects and additional flair. Earthshaker! offers a thrilling ride with new lighting features and effects, plus a cool 3D convertible racing across your screen and a 3D seismograph enhancing the bottom right of the table. Banzai Run really ups the ante with its 3D helmet, motorcycle, and rider, immersing you in the thrill of the race thanks to the ball mechanics.

In Black Knight 2000, the layout incorporates both upper and lower playfields, influencing your strategy right from the launch. The ball initially lands on the upper playfield before descending to the lower near the Magna Save. You’ll want to aim for the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane to keep the action—and your score—rolling on the upper playfield, where the stakes are highest.

Goals in this table include hitting the drop targets to spell KNIGHT, which reactivates the left kickback under a time limit, while completed bank letters stick around. Spell BLACK for a score boost via the Skyway Ramp, and hit the Lightning Wheel when the spin lamp is lit for a random bonus. Keep the flow going by maneuvering past the left inlane rollover to relight the spin lamp.

Achieving WAR on the central rollovers activates a frantic Hurry Up mode at the Skyway Ramp, with values climbing with every successful shot until you max out with a 1.5M score. After making three hits on the Drawbridge Targets, you’ll open a path for locking balls, setting the stage for multiball once three are secured. Fulfill the WIN criteria with corresponding rollovers to shake up your bonus multipliers and unleash RANSOM shots at the Drawbridge.

Moving on to Earthshaker!, your mission is to predict quakes and rake in scores by launching the ball with precision into four bonus-laden exits placed around the spiral plunger lane. The Shelter sinkhole awards random perks, from extra points to multiballs, and completing zones pushes your progress. Locking two balls at the shelter sinkhole readies you for a third, kicking off multiball action and unlocking a trophy in the process. Hitting the center ramp ups your captive ball bonus within a time frame, and quick multiball action will boost your scores rapidly despite only two balls being in play.

Lastly, Banzai Run brings the high-speed thrills of competitive racing to pinball. Target red, blue, yellow, and green to challenge their corresponding racers, shifting the scene to a vertical race on the table’s backglass. Reach the finish at Banzai Hill to progress and trigger multiball events once all racers fall and you ascend to rank #2. Locking a ball at this stage and rushing to Banzai Hill can crown you King of the Hill upon successful completion, amassing a jackpot.

Banzai Run also includes a freestyle mode accessed when the course prompts you, sending the ball careening to hit random targets. Achieve victory in the regular race to challenge rivals on the Freestyle Course, where laps on either side or ramps earn you extra laps.

As for trophies, Williams Pinball Volume 8 is tied to the Additional Tables #6 DLC, featuring a Bronze trophy per table. Achievements include ranking #1 in the motocross of Banzai Run, spelling BLACK and conquering Skyway on Black Knight 2000, and launching multiball on Earthshaker! after clearing zones.

You can get your hands on Williams Pinball Volume 8 as a Cross-Buy DLC for $14.99, allowing access to these revamped tables on both PlayStation 4 and 5.

Williams Pinball Volume 8 Review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Zen Studios. Enjoy unlocking the magic of pinball with this splendid DLC addition!