Ready to rack up some high scores with new pinball challenges? Let’s delve into the exciting world of Williams Pinball Volume 8 for Pinball FX!
The latest addition to Pinball FX is the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC pack, bringing three classic tables into the mix: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. You have the option to enjoy these tables in their original form or opt for the enhanced version, which Zen Studios is renowned for. Expect 3D elements like a tower and a rather menacing Black Knight, with enhanced lighting and special effects sprinkled throughout. Earthshaker! ups the ante with a dazzling light show, effects, a sleek 3D convertible, and a 3D pocket seismograph that vibrantly comes to life on your screen. Meanwhile, Banzai Run goes all out with a 3D helmet, bike, and rider, complete with hand grips that mimic the feel of riding a motorcycle as you send the ball flying around.
Exploring Black Knight 2000 gives you two distinct playfields, each bringing its own strategies into play. The ball starts on the upper playfield and transitions to the lower playfield next to the Magna Save. The task is getting it back up via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane to rack up the highest score possible without losing the ball!
Challenges on the Black Knight 2000 include lighting up all drop targets to spell KNIGHT to relight the left kickback. Quick fingers are a must here, as a timer threatens to reset your progress, although completed bank letters remain. Spell BLACK and shoot for a massive bonus at the Skyway Ramp. Utilize the spin lamp by hitting the ball into the Lightning Wheel for random rewards—relight it by focusing on the left inlane rollover when needed.
Once you’ve spelled WAR using the central rollovers, unlock a Hurry-Up at the Skyway Ramp. The trick is to complete quick shots; the value increases with each hit until the 1.5M Hurry-Up resets. Achieving multiball euphoria involves lowering the Drawbridge by hitting all Drawbridge Targets and sinking three balls successfully. Spell WIN with the rollover series to bump up bonus multipliers while aiming your RANSOM shots to the Drawbridge.
Next up is Earthshaker!, where it’s all about visiting zones to predict quakes and boost your score. A perfect launch through the plunger lane’s spiral bonus zones can significantly crank up your score. Sending the ball to the Shelter sinkhole unravels random rewards, which can be anything from extra points to multiball or even completing a zone. Keep the game thrilling by raising jet bumper scores with loop shots.
Hit the ZONE targets and lanes to activate the ball lock at the shelter sinkhole. Once two balls are locked, bring in a third to start multiball, brightening the center ramp for cross-ramp jackpot opportunities. Multiball kicks off with a trophy—a bit more motivation to shoot for the stars! Shooting at the center ramp elevates captive ball values for time-bound bonuses. The quick multiball might only shoot two balls into circulation, but it’s a great boost for your scores.
The final offering is the energetic Banzai Run. In this table, you’ll race against competitors aiming to secure the #1 position. Hit red, blue, yellow, and green targets to challenge corresponding rivals. When successful, the action moves to the vertical playfield on the backglass, usually reserved for title art.
Here, the task is to navigate a ball through the Banzai Hill, aiming to reach the top-left finish line. Defeating all bikers and reaching rank #2 ushers in a frenzied multiball session. During this phase, Time Lock activates, setting up the jackpot opportunity by locking one ball and driving the other up the hill to dethrone the King of the Hill.
Additionally, there’s a secluded area in the upper right of the vertical setup, accessible when the Freestyle Course lights up. Once triggered, a small ball zooms through random targets, presenting a chance to match your freestyle prowess against prior conquerors. Hit laps on either side or catch double laps on ramps when highlighted.
For achievement hunters, Williams Pinball Volume 8 fits into the Additional Tables #6 DLC trophy list. Each table holds a unique Bronze trophy: Reach Rank #1 in the Banzai Run motocross race, spell BLACK, and aim for the Skyway in Black Knight 2000, and complete zones and initiate multiball in Earthshaker!.
The Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC featuring Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run is ready to bring classic pinball nostalgia with added flair from Zen Studios. Whether for original thrill or enhanced experience with 3D extras, this pack, available for $14.99 as a Cross-Buy DLC, lets you experience on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Disclaimer: This review of Williams Pinball Volume 8 was based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Zen Studios.
