Review of Williams Pinball Vol. 8 for PlayStation 5

Are you game for a fresh set of tables in Pinball FX? Dive into our take on the Williams Pinball Volume 8 and see what it has to offer!

Pinball enthusiasts, it’s time to immerse yourself in the latest set from the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC, adding three iconic tables for even more entertainment: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. Each table stays true to its classic roots but gains an additional spark with Zen Studios’ magic touch. This includes unique enhancements like a stunning 3D tower and a fierce Black Knight for added flair, improved lighting, and some special effects sprinkled throughout. Earthshaker! also benefits from better lighting and extra effects, with a cool 3D convertible speeding across the bottom left, alongside a neat 3D seismograph on the bottom right. Banzai Run takes it up a notch with a 3D helmet, bike, rider, and hand grips, transforming the motorcycle action into pure pinball fun.

The Black Knight 2000 table introduces a double-deck playing field, which changes up the strategy for players. Balls first hit the upper area above the WIN rollovers before moving on to the lower level alongside the Magna Save. Your mission? Launch the ball back to the top via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane to nail that ultimate high score, as you can continue to build points on the upper playfield safely!

While exploring Black Knight 2000, you’ll be tasked with hitting all the drop targets to spell KNIGHT, allowing you to reignite the left kickback but beware the time constraints as they reset otherwise. Manage to keep those letters in check to spell BLACK and shoot the ball up the Skyway Ramp for bonus points. Light up the spin lamp and shoot into the Lightning Wheel for a mystery prize or keep the action going with rollovers to re-light it.

Land WAR at the central rollovers, and hurry to the Skyway Ramp for your chance to score bigger and better with each hit. Break down the Drawbridge Targets to reveal a ramp, essential for locking balls for a thrilling multiball adventure, ready to erupt once three balls are in place. Completing WIN with the right rollovers elevates your score multipliers and gets RANSOM shots prepped at the Drawbridge.

Next, we venture into Earthshaker!, where predicting quakes boosts your score. Strike the spiral plunger with gusto to land big bonuses. Shelter sinkhole delivers random goodies from extra points to multiballs and more, while loop shots lift jet bumper scores.

Secure ball locks by hitting blinking ZONE targets, setting the stage for multiball by locking a trio of balls, a necessity for claiming the table’s trophy – more on that shortly. Take the central ramp for a shot at increasing the captive ball value for a short-lived bonus.

The pack wouldn’t be complete without the high-octane Banzai Run. Here, you face rival racers aiming to claim top spot. Outpace Red Hot, Blue Beard, Yellow Belly, and the Green Machine by targeting their respective colors, leading you to the vertical playfield atop the pinball table.

Navigate the Banzai Hill to clinch victory among bikers, earning a multiball opportunity along the way. Time Lock lights up and capturing the jackpot requires sealing a ball before heading to Banzai Hill for the ultimate challenge to conquer the King of the Hill.

An exclusive vertical section opens with Freestyle Course, escalating the thrill with randomized target hits. Race against rivals in Freestyle as long as you’ve bested them before. Hit laps to accumulate race points or use illuminated ramps for double lap boosts.

Finally, let’s chat about trophies! With Williams Pinball Volume 8 falling under Additional Tables #6 DLC trophy collection, there are three new Bronze trophies to earn: achieve Rank #1 in the Banzai Run motocross race, spell BLACK and make it to Skyway on Black Knight 2000, plus complete zones and begin multiball on Earthshaker!.

The Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC pack featuring Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run brings classic charm alongside modern enhancements, standing out with dynamic 3D effects, improved lighting, and fresh visuals. At $14.99, this Cross-Buy deal lets you play your new tables on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, making for pinball excitement that stretches across generations.

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