Are you all set for some fresh pinball excitement? Let’s delve into our take on the Williams Pinball Volume 8 for Pinball FX!
Get ready to explore three thrilling new tables in the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC for Pinball FX. This enticing collection features Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. Each table offers two playing modes: the original or Zen Studios’ enhanced version, which includes dynamic visuals like a striking 3D tower and a menacing 3D Black Knight, along with enhanced lighting and eye-catching special effects. With Earthshaker!, you’ll see improved lighting effects, a 3D convertible speeding along the bottom left, and a realistic 3D seismograph on the right corner. Banzai Run ramps up the energy with a 3D helmet, bike, rider, and hand grips reflecting the motorcycle you control by hitting the ball.
Jumping into Black Knight 2000, the dual playfields add a unique twist to your pinball strategy. The adventure begins on the upper playfield and travels to a lower setting next to the Magna Save. Mastering the upper playfield via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane is crucial for racking up points while the ball is safe from danger.
Your mission on Black Knight 2000? Spell out KNIGHT with drop targets to reset the left kickback within a time frame, while retaining completed letters. Aim to spell BLACK and score big by sending the ball up the Skyway Ramp. When the spin lamp is aglow, the Lightning Wheel offers a surprise reward. Letting the lamp go dark isn’t the end; light it up again by rolling over the left inlane.
Should you spell WAR over the central rollovers, a rewarding Hurry Up sequence is activated on the Skyway Ramp, which ramps up with each hit. Lower the Drawbridge Ramp post by targeting all three Drawbridge Targets, setting the stage for a spectacular multiball, once you’ve locked three balls. And if WIN is spelled with the rollovers, enjoy multiplied bonuses while making RANSOM shots to the Drawbridge.
Next up is Earthshaker!, where you’re tasked with navigating fault zones to predict earthquakes for great bonuses. Mastering the spiral plunger lane with fast launches means bigger bonuses. The Shelter sinkhole offers enticing random rewards like extra points or a quick multiball. Each loop shot nudges up the jet bumper scoring.
Blinking targets spell ZONE, lighting the ball lock opportunity at the Shelter sinkhole. With two balls locked, shoot the third to start a multiball and open up the center ramp; aim here to hit the cross-ramp and score a jackpot. Triggering multiball rewards the table’s trophy—more trophy insights coming up. The center ramp ups the captive ball bonus, while a quick multiball with just two balls still rapidly inflates your score.
Lastly, speed onto Banzai Run, where racing other riders brings the ultimate test for the top racer position. Challenge different riders by targeting colored areas: red, blue, yellow, or green. Achieving this unlocks the vertical playfield on the backglass, where the title and artwork usually appear.
Climb the Banzai Hill, pushing the ball to the upper left finish line. After besting all competitors and attaining rank #2, jump into multiball mode. Here, Time Lock highlights the center eject hole for a ball lock. To win the jackpot, maneuver to Banzai Hill with another ball, target the top center to defeat the illustrious King of the Hill.
For extra competition, access the Freestyle Course in the upper right of the vertical playing field when activated. Play through the course by randomly hitting targets. Adding laps can be as easy as hitting marked table spots or utilizing ramps when a double lap is on offer.
Now, let’s break down the trophy hunt. Williams Pinball Volume 8 belongs to the Additional Tables #6 DLC set, featuring three new Bronze trophies – one per table. Your objectives? On Banzai Run, beat all riders to clinch the top race rank. Spell BLACK and make the Skyway shot on Black Knight 2000. For Earthshaker!, complete the zones and activate a multiball.
Don’t miss out on this action-packed DLC featuring Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. Play these with their classic charm or the vibrant enhancements Zen Studios is known for, boosting every aspect from a 3D castle to powerful motorbike simulations. As a Cross-Buy DLC, snagging this pack for $14.99 grants you access on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
This review is based on a PS5 copy kindly provided by Zen Studios.
