Review: Williams Pinball Volume 8 for Pinball FX on Nintendo Switch

Zen Studios has faced some challenges moving from FX3 to the Nintendo Switch, and with Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8, those challenges are still evident. You’re probably wondering, “What happened to Volume 7?” Well, it hasn’t made its way to the Switch. The more pertinent question now is how this set of three tables stacks up. The answer? It’s a bit of a mixed bag.

Let’s kick things off with the standout table: Black Knight 2000. Don’t be misled by the title—this table actually made its debut in 1989, as a sequel to the 1980 original. It’s a full-on throwback to that era, capturing the essence of arcade nostalgia with its vibrant lights and colors. The music is especially nostalgic, featuring lyrics like “You’ve got the power, you’ve got the might, get ready for battle, beat the black knight,” which really hit the retro vibe spot-on. Although it has a learning curve, the table offers more than enough to keep players engaged, encouraging them to chase high scores through a series of drop targets and ramps.

Now, let’s talk about Banzai Run, one of two creations from Pat Lawlor included in this collection. Personally, I have a soft spot for his ’90s gameplay designs (like Funhouse and Addams Family). The motorcycle theme here doesn’t quite appeal to me, but the bigger issue is how the table space is used. While the concept itself is interesting with a vertical playfield, it leads to an overly sparse layout, making both the visual and gameplay experience somewhat underwhelming. Plus, on the Switch, there seems to be a lack of fluidity, which could be unique to this console. Sadly, it’s hard to find the motivation to keep returning to it, despite the virtual quarters you might want to spend. It’s innovative, but doesn’t quite hit the mark when it comes to being captivating.

Earthshaker stands out as probably the easiest table to rack up high scores on. The multiball feature is particularly memorable, given the sustained HD rumble it generates on the Switch—gimmicky, sure, but it adds a layer of immersive fun that ties in well with the earthquake theme. Beyond that, it’s a relatively standard table, likely to catch the interest of those who are new to pinball. Just a tip: make sure your controller has rumble features; otherwise, you’ll miss out on some of the fun.

In conclusion, Williams Pinball Volume 8 delivers a mix of experiences. Black Knight 2000 offers top-notch 80s enjoyment, but for a price of $14.99, you’d expect the other tables to reach similar levels of excitement. Earthshaker’s highlight is definitely the HD Rumble, while Banzai Run feels like a “work in progress” with its sparse design and performance lags on the Switch. You might want to add this to your wishlist for a sale, or stick with Pinball FX3 for now.