Zen Studios is still finding its way in bringing FX3 to the Nintendo Switch, and Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8 continues that trend. Immediately, you might wonder, “Where did Volume 7 go?” (spoiler alert: not on Switch), followed by, “How does this new trio of tables measure up?” Well, the results are a bit of a mixed bag.
Let’s dive into the standout of the collection: Black Knight 2000. Despite what the name might suggest, this table originally hit the arcades back in 1989, following up the 1980 original. It vividly captures the spirit of that era, with its vibrant colors and flashing lights transporting me back to my childhood arcade days. Let’s not forget the unforgettable music, complete with lines like, “You’ve got the power (ha ha ha ha ha), you’ve got the might (no way), get ready for battle (give me your money), beat the black knight.” This table demands a bit of practice to master, but its engaging gameplay keeps pulling you back for more as you go for those drop targets and ramps, all in pursuit of a new high score.
Next up is Banzai Run, one of two Pat Lawlor-designed tables in the compilation. Personally, I’ve always favored his work from the ’90s—games like Funhouse, Addams Family, and No Good Gophers. While the motorcycle theme doesn’t quite rev my engine, the bigger issue is how the playfield is laid out. The vertical focus is novel but ends up leaving the table looking sparse and a touch monotonous, both visually and in play. Couple that with some stuttering that might be exclusive to the Switch port, and it’s a table I find myself reluctant to spend time mastering, even with virtual coins at my disposal. Though it stands out conceptually and offers a unique twist, it doesn’t quite hook you in.
Earthshaker rounds out the set as perhaps the most user-friendly table when it comes to scoring big points. Its claim to fame is undoubtedly the multiball feature, which triggers a sustained HD rumble on the Switch that’s quite something. It could be considered a gimmick, but it does bring a thematic immersion, aligning with its earthquake motif. Beyond this, Earthshaker is a solid, middle-of-the-road affair, probably best for newcomers to the world of pinball. Just be sure you’re not using a third-party controller that lacks rumble, or you’ll miss out on a key piece of the experience.
Overall, Williams Pinball Volume 8 serves up a varied mix. Black Knight 2000 is a delightful throwback to the ’80s, but for $14.99, you’d hope for all tables to match its level of enjoyment. Earthshaker banks on its rumble feature, while Banzai Run is a bit underwhelming, struggling to perform smoothly on the Switch. If you’re interested, you might want to hold off until a sale, or perhaps stick with Pinball FX3 for now.
