[Review] Williams Pinball Vol. 8 on PlayStation 5

Are you set to explore a fresh set of pinball tables in Pinball FX? Let’s take a closer look at what the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC pack has in store for you.

Prepare to immerse yourself back into the world of Pinball FX with three exciting tables brought to you by the latest Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC. This bundle features the classic Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run. Each of these tables can be enjoyed in their original form, or you can experience the enhanced versions we’ve come to anticipate when Zen Studios revamps these vintage tables. Expect a towering 3D structure and an animated Black Knight in 3D, along with enhanced lighting and special effects. Earthshaker! adds its twist with improved visuals and effects too, including a speeding 3D convertible and a dynamic seismograph in 3D. Meanwhile, Banzai Run takes it a notch further with elements like a 3D helmet, a bike and rider in 3D, as well as handle grips, embodying the motorcycle aspect of the game as you bounce the ball around.

Let’s delve deeper into Black Knight 2000. This table is unique with its dual playfields, altering your strategy significantly. Balls enter the scene on the upper playfield right above the WIN rollovers, followed by a drop to the lower playfield near the Magna Save. Your objective? Launch the ball back up via the Skyway Ramp or Lightning Wheel Lane. This strategy becomes crucial if you aim to maintain high scores, as losing the ball in the upper playfield could impact your score-building efforts.

While engaging with Black Knight 2000, various objectives await. Your goal is to hit all the drop targets to spell "KNIGHT" and reactivate the left kickback within a set timeframe, all progress getting reset if time runs out. Fortunately, completed bank letters are retained! Spelling "BLACK" will also grant you a hefty score bonus if you maneuver the ball through the Skyway Ramp. When the spin lamp is lit, heading for the Lightning Wheel can bestow random rewards. If the lamp extinguishes, revitalizing it involves hitting the left inlane rollover.

Successfully spelling "WAR" at the central rollovers begins a "Hurry Up" mode at the Skyway Ramp, with its value rising with each successful shot but resetting after reaching a 1.5M Hurry Up. Lowering the Drawbridge comes after hitting all three targets, opening the Drawbridge Ramp for ball locks, building up to a thrilling multiball when you’ve secured three balls. Achieve a bonus multiplier boost and activate RANSOM shots by spelling "WIN" through the rollovers.

Onto the second table, Earthshaker! Here, you’ll explore different zones to forecast earthquakes securing hefty bonuses. Launch the ball with rapid speed for hefty rewards via the spiral exit points of the plunger lane. Managing to position the ball in the Shelter sinkhole offers a random reward, including extra points, a quick multiball, and zone completions among others. Successfully looping shots will elevate jet bumper scores too.

Hit the flashing ZONE targets and lanes until you unlock the ball lock at the Shelter sinkhole. Securing two balls sets the stage for another to usher in a multiball, lighting up the center ramp. Hit the cross-ramp to claim a jackpot. Embarking on a multiball also earns a coveted table trophy – more on these achievements shortly. Shooting the center ramp will accumulate a captive ball’s value for a limited-time bonus. A quick multiball deploys two balls into play, perfect for a rapid score surge!

Lastly, welcome the exhilarating pace of Banzai Run. This table emulates a thriller race where your aim is to outrace competitors and clinch the top spot. Tackling Red Hot means targeting red spots, while Blue Beard requires hitting blue spots, and so forth for Yellow Belly and Green Machine. Overcome each to transition to the vertical playfield above the table, typically reserved for displaying special artwork.

Embark on the Banzai Hill challenge, steering the ball to the upper left corner of the vertical field. Defeating all rivals and ranking #2 unlocks a multiball stage. During this mode, Time Lock enlightens, allowing ball locks via the center eject hole. Achieve a jackpot by locking one ball and transporting the second to Banzai Hill’s pinnacle, striking the captive ball to dethrone the King of the Hill.

The vertical field’s upper right bears a secluded zone accessible once Freestyle Course activates. During this phase, small balls auto-launch towards targets. Engage fellow racers during Freestyle if you’ve previously beaten them on the main course. Add laps to the race by hitting left and right table laps or earn double laps through ramps if the double lap lights are active.

Let’s discuss trophies! Williams Pinball Volume 8 introduces three new trophies aligning with the Additional Tables #6 DLC list: one Bronze for each table. Trophies await players who defeat all racers and ace the motocross race on Banzai Run, spell BLACK and embark on the Skyway on Black Knight 2000, and finish all zones plus start multiball on Earthshaker!

Overall, the Williams Pinball Volume 8 DLC pack offers Black Knight 2000, Earthshaker!, and Banzai Run, permitting gameplay in both classic and enhanced modes courtesy of Zen Studios’ expert tweaks. Expect elements such as a towering 3D Black Knight, enriched lighting, and nuanced special effects. Meanwhile, Earthshaker! and Banzai Run present their 3D and detail-enhanced facets. This DLC pack, priced at $14.99, offers a cross-buy opportunity for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 iterations of Pinball FX.

Disclaimer: This review of Williams Pinball Volume 8 is based on a PlayStation 5 version provided by Zen Studios.