Are you eager to explore a fresh batch of adventures in Pinball FX? Allow me to guide you through what Williams Pinball Volume 8 has to offer!
The latest addition to Pinball FX comes with the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC pack, and it’s bringing three tantalizing tables to the forefront: Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. Each table presents the option of experiencing it in its classic form or enjoying the extra enhancements introduced by Zen Studios. These enhancements include stunning 3D animations, like the menacing Black Knight or an intricate tower, and a variety of lively visual effects that breathe new life into these classics. Earthshaker! also receives visual flair with improved lighting and a vivid 3D racecar and seismograph animation adding depth to the playfield. Meanwhile, Banzai Run takes it up a notch with dynamic elements such as a 3D rider and motorcycle components that make the gameplay more immersive.
Let’s dive into what makes the Black Knight 2000 such a fascinating challenge. This table is all about strategic play between its upper and lower fields. Balls take their initial run on the upper playfield, zooming above the WIN rollovers before descending to the lower deck near the Magna Save. Getting the ball back to the upper level via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane can significantly boost your score since you risk nothing from losing the ball up top!
When you’re tackling Black Knight 2000, various goals will keep you engaged. You’ll need to hit drop targets to spell out KNIGHT to reignite the left kickback. Time constraints make this task tricky, though you do keep any completed bank letters. Fill in BLACK for a score boost by aiming at the Skyway Ramp, and be on the lookout for that spin lamp. When it’s alight, shooting for the Lightning Wheel brings rewards, which aren’t available once the light goes out unless you relight it using the left inlane rollover.
Unlock a Hurry Up by spelling WAR at the center rollovers. The value of this bonus increases with precise shots, resting once you hit the maximum. Lower the Drawbridge by smashing all three targets, then launch the ball across the ramp to set off a multiball sequence once you secure three ball locks. Spell WIN to enhance bonus multipliers and prepare RANSOM shots at the Drawbridge.
Next up, Earthshaker! transports you to a realm where predicting tremors and raking in points is the name of the game. Launching the ball with just the right momentum awards hefty bonuses as it exits via the spiral plunger. Visit the Shelter sinkhole for random rewards like extra points or starting a quick multiball. Loop shots here also help increase your jet bumper scores.
To light the ball lock, strike the blinking ZONE targets and lanes, locking two balls at the shelter sinkhole lets you send in a third to kick off multiball. This lights up the center ramp, enticing you to hit cross-ramp jackspots. Success here even secures the table’s trophy—more on trophies soon. Shoot the center ramp for a time-based bonus boost. Even in a quick multiball mode, having two balls spinning around is enough to ramp up your score.
Finally, Banzai Run puts a thrilling spin on pinball by pitting you against racers as you strive for the #1 spot. Engage with different colored targets to challenge rivals: Red targets take on Red Hot, blue for Blue Beard, and so forth. Defeat all bikers to unlock the vertical playfield dubbed Banzai Hill, located on the backglass. Maneuver the ball to the top left finish line. Once you conquer your competitors and reach rank #2, a multiball segment awaits. Light the Time Lock and secure a ball in the center eject hole before endeavoring to knock out the King of the Hill by taking the fight back up to Banzai Hill.
There’s more than just races on Banzai Run. Engage the Freestyle Course for a chance to challenge previous racers amidst random target strikes. Add laps by reaching the table’s sides or double them through active ramps if all conditions are right.
Let’s talk trophies. By indulging in Williams Pinball Volume 8, which is part of the Additional Tables #6 DLC trophy list, you get three exciting challenges. These include: dominating all racers and achieving top motocross rank on Banzai Run, completing the BLACK spelling task and Skyway shot on Black Knight 2000, and initiating multiball for Earthshaker!
Williams Pinball Volume 8 doesn’t just offer nostalgia; it revitalizes these classics for both old fans and newcomers alike. Available as a Cross-Buy DLC for $14.99, players are granted access to all three pinball tables for both PS4 and PS5, making it a splendid addition to your Pinball FX experience.
This review is based on a PlayStation 5 copy provided by Zen Studios.
