Review of Williams Pinball Vol. 8 for PlayStation 5

Are you geared up to explore a brand-new set of tables in Pinball FX? Then you’re in for a treat with our review of the Williams Pinball Volume 8!

We’re diving back into the vibrant world of Pinball FX with a fresh DLC pack, Williams Pinball Volume 8. This exciting trio includes the beloved Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run tables. Each can be enjoyed in its nostalgic glory or with the added flair that Zen Studios is famous for, breathing new life into these classics. Expect enhanced lighting, special effects, and fun 3D elements like a tower and a fierce Black Knight. Earthshaker! also dazzles with a 3D car and a pocket seismograph, adding excitement to every play. Banzai Run ramps things up even more with a 3D helmet, bike, rider, and hand grips that immerse you in the action.

Black Knight 2000 sets itself apart with dual playfields, requiring strategic play. The action starts on the upper playfield above the WIN rollovers before descending to the lower section by Magna Save. Achieving a high score hinges on sending the ball back up via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane since any points earned up top remain intact regardless of where the ball ends.

During your Black Knight 2000 adventure, aiming for certain objectives is key. Hitting all the drop targets to spell KNIGHT will rekindle the left kickback, though it comes with a time constraint. Luckily, any progress is saved. Spelling BLACK and shooting through the Skyway Ramp scores you a handsome bonus. For a chance at a random reward, hit the Lightning Wheel when the spin lamp illuminates. If it dims, a left inlane rollover will reignite it.

Activate Hurry Up at the Skyway Ramp by spelling WAR at the central rollovers; the Hurry Up value climbs with successful shots and resets upon reaching the 1.5M mark. Overcome the Drawbridge Targets to lower the drawbridge and prepare for a spectacular multiball sequence after locking three balls. Spell WIN to enhance bonus multipliers and activate RANSOM shots at the Drawbridge.

Earthshaker! lets players predict earthquakes for hefty bonuses. Master launching the ball with enough momentum to cash in on the spiral exits of the plunger lane. At the Shelter sinkhole, snag random rewards like extra points or a multiball. The loop shots help boost jet bumper scores.

Light the ball lock by striking blinking ZONE targets and lanes at the Shelter sinkhole. After locking two balls, send a third to start a multiball, lighting up the center ramp to aim for the jackpot. This action unlocks the table’s trophy. For some quick points, shoot the center ramp to boost the captive ball value within a time limit. A quick multiball involves two balls—a handy way to rack up points swiftly!

In Banzai Run, the final table, adrenaline junkies challenge racers to claim the top rank. Hit color-coded targets to challenge competitors on the vertical playfield and climb Banzai Hill to the finish line on the upper left. Upon defeating all opponents and securing rank #2, unlock a multiball by lighting up Time Lock and securing one ball in the center eject hole. Climb Banzai Hill and hit the captive ball to face off against the King of the Hill.

Explore the Freestyle Course when it activates, navigating random targets as the small ball moves automatically. Test your skills against racers you’ve beaten in regular courses, and rack up laps by hitting side and ramp laps, which double if lit.

Now, let’s talk about the trophies! The Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC is part of the Additional Tables #6 trophy list, offering one unique Bronze trophy per table. To earn them, defeat all racers and clinch Rank #1 on Banzai Run, spell BLACK and shoot the Skyway Ramp on Black Knight 2000, and complete zones to start the multiball on Earthshaker!.

Williams Pinball Volume 8 delivers Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run all available in their classic form or with Zen Studios’ touches, including 3D elements and improved effects. It’s a fantastic Cross-Buy DLC for $14.99 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, offering plenty of pinball excitement.

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