Review of Williams Pinball Volume 8 for PlayStation 5

Are you gearing up for some new pinball action? Then allow me to guide you through my perspective on the latest Williams Pinball Volume 8!

Let’s dive into the fresh collection offered by the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC for Pinball FX. This exciting pack introduces three engaging tables: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. You can indulge in these tables in their classic form or enjoy the enhanced experience that Zen Studios is known for, with modern twists including a 3D tower, a dynamic 3D Black Knight, elevated lighting, and special effects sprinkled throughout. Earthshaker! brings in extra flair with improved light dynamics, a speedy 3D convertible on the screen’s lower left, and a 3D seismograph on the lower right of the pinball table. As for Banzai Run, it doesn’t hold back with a 3D helmet, a virtual bike and rider, and the handlebars conceptualizing the intense motorcycle action captured through the flying pinball.

The Black Knight 2000 table presents you with a dual-level playfield, demanding a strategic approach. Once the ball is launched, it initially graces the upper playfield before descending near the Magna Save on the lower level. Your challenge is to propel the ball back to the upper deck via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane, maximizing your high score strategy and guarding against ball loss.

Now, what goals should you aim for on the Black Knight 2000? Target the drop points to spell KNIGHT and reset the left kickback, keeping pace with the time constraints. As you retain completed bank letters, try spelling out BLACK to snag a significant scoring surge by shooting the ball up the Skyway Ramp. When the spin lamp blazes, amaze the crowd by directing the ball into the Lightning Wheel for a random prize, and re-ignite the spin by scoring a hit on the left in-lane rollover.

Upon spelling WAR at the central rollover spots, unleash a Hurry Up on the Skyway Ramp. Watch the Hurry Up value climb with every successful strike, resetting post the 1.5M mark. Conquer all three Drawbridge Targets to lower it, and take a shot to lock in multiball marvels once three balls are locked. Accumulate bonus multipliers by spelling WIN via rollovers and aim for RANSOM shots to the Drawbridge.

The second table in this compelling set is Earthshaker! Here, you’re navigating through tremor zones, predicting earthquakes to net those hefty bonuses. If you’ve got the velocity, launch the ball through the spiral plunger lane exits for massive score enhancements. Aiming for the Shelter sinkhole lands you random awards like extra points, multiball bonuses, or zone completions, with the loop shots acting to lift bumper scores.

Zero in on the ZONE targets to unlock the ball lock at the shelter sinkhole. Secure two balls there, then release a third to initiate the multiball – lighting up the center ramp for a jackpot chase. Completing this engages a table trophy as well. Deliver strikes to the center ramp and boost the captive ball value within the time limit, while the quick multiball puts two balls into play, fast-tracking your scoring spree!

Finally, we have the adrenaline-pumping Banzai Run. Race to the top against opposing racers, striving for glory and the top rank. Challenge racers like Red Hot, Blue Beard, Yellow Belly, and Green Machine by striking their colored targets. This adventure will shift you to the vertical playing field on the backglass, traditionally showcasing a table’s title.

Ascend the Banzai Hill with the ball to conquer the upper-left finish line. Outrace all competitors to rank #2, unlocking a multiball segment when Time Lock glows and you manage to secure one ball. The path to the jackpot requires aligning two balls, climbing Banzai Hill, and claiming victory against the King of the Hill.

Within the vertical playfield’s confines, a closed section on the upper right awaits activation of the Freestyle Course, challenging racers previously bested. Add laps via pinball table sides or by navigating the ramps when double lap lights are active.

Before we close, let’s mention those coveted trophies! Williams Pinball Volume 8 forms part of the Additional Tables #6 DLC trophy lineup, offering challenges like defeating racers for top motocross ranking, spelling BLACK and making the Skyway shot on Black Knight 2000, and zone completions for multiball in Earthshaker!

This pack, featuring Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run, continues Zen Studios’ tradition of reimagining classic tables. With all available for Cross-Buy at $14.99, you can download these nostalgic gems on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 through Pinball FX.

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