Zen Studios has faced some challenges bringing FX3 to the Nintendo Switch, and Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8 continues that struggle. Aside from the mystery of “Where’s Volume 7?” (it’s not available on Switch), the key question is how well do these three tables perform? The answer is a mixed bag.
Let’s kick off with the standout table—Black Knight 2000. The name might suggest otherwise, but this table actually made its debut in 1989 as a sequel to the 1980 original. It truly encapsulates the era, from its vibrant colors to the dazzling lights that transport me back to arcade days gone by. The music is a real highlight, boasting 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.” There’s a bit of a learning curve here, but the challenge is engaging and you’ll find yourself eager to keep hitting those drop targets and ramps, chasing a new high score.
Moving on to Banzai Run, one of two Pat Lawlor creations in this collection. Personally, I lean more towards his ’90s masterpieces such as Funhouse, Addams Family, and No Good Gophers. The motorcycle theme doesn’t quite grab me, but the table’s layout is the bigger issue. Despite the novelty, the focus on the vertical playfield leaves too much empty space, making it visually unappealing and not very fun to play. On the Switch, there’s also a lack of smoothness—perhaps the stutter is a Switch-exclusive issue? Ultimately, it’s a unique concept but lacks the addictive pull needed to make me want to get better at it, even when there’s no cost for virtual quarters being used.
Then there’s Earthshaker, which is likely the easiest table for racking up high scores. Its standout feature is the multiball, which delivers an impressive and sustained HD rumble on the Switch. While some might view this as gimmicky, it does add an immersive touch that complements the earthquake theme nicely. Beyond that, it’s a solid, fairly straightforward table, appealing especially to newcomers in the pinball world. Just make sure you use a controller with rumble capabilities, or you’ll miss out on part of the experience.
Williams Pinball Volume 8 presents a somewhat uneven offering through these three tables. Black Knight 2000 shines with its nostalgic ’80s flair, but at $14.99, you’d hope for each table to deliver the same level of thrill. Earthshaker’s HD Rumble brings something different to the table, while Banzai Run feels like an experiment gone awry, struggling on the Switch. It might be wise to bookmark this set for a future sale or stick with the tried-and-tested Pinball FX3 for now.
