Review: Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8 (Nintendo Switch)
Zen Studios has had a rough go transitioning from FX3 on the Nintendo Switch. Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8 is no exception. Besides the obvious question of, “Where is Volume 7?” (answer – not on Switch), the next would be, “How does this trio of tables fare?” As you’ll see, the results are mixed.
But let’s start with the best table, which is Black Knight 2000. Don’t let the title fool you—this table was first released in 1989 (a sequel to the 1980 original) and represents the era in full display. The colors and lights take me back to my childhood in the arcade, even if I don’t remember this one from my youth. But it’s the music that really nails the vibe with lyrics 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 has a learning curve, but it will keep you coming back as you aim for drop targets, ramps, and more to see your high score climb.
Banzai Run is one of two Pat Lawlor machines in this collection. I must admit I prefer his ’90s work (Funhouse, Addams Family, No Good Gophers, to name a few). The motorcycle theme isn’t really my thing, but worse is how the real estate on this table gets used. While I appreciate the novelty, the vertical playfield focus leads to a table with a lot of empty space, making it boring to look at and dull to play. Add in a lack of smoothness (is stutter unique to the Switch?), and I’m left with a table I can’t see myself wanting to learn and improve, even when popping in virtual quarters. It’s not bad on a conceptual level and quite unique, but it comes up short in addictiveness.
Earthshaker is probably the easiest of the tables to get high scores on. The most noteworthy thing achieved here is multiball (I’ve never seen such sustained HD rumble on my Switch). Gimmicky? Perhaps, but there is an element of fitting immersion with the earthquake theme. Beyond that, this is just a solid, middle-of-the-road table, probably appealing most to those just getting acquainted with pinball. Just make sure you aren’t using a third-party controller lacking rumble, or you’ll be missing out.
With a mixed trio of tables, Williams Pinball Volume 8 offers an uneven package. Black Knight 2000 is peak ’80s fun, but for $14.99, you’re hoping for every table to be of comparable entertainment. Earthshaker’s big claim to fame is HD Rumble, while Banzai Run is a “growing pains” table—empty and struggling to run on Switch. Wishlist this pack for a future sale, or stick with Pinball FX3.
