Zen Studios is facing quite a challenge with their adaptation from FX3 on the Nintendo Switch to their new release, Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8. It begs the obvious question: “What happened to Volume 7?” The answer is simple—it’s not on Switch. But let’s shift our focus to the more pressing inquiry: “How do these three tables perform?” As it turns out, the results are a mixed bag.
Let’s dive into the standout among the trio: Black Knight 2000. Despite what its name might suggest, this table actually made its debut back in 1989, following the original from 1980. It perfectly captures the vibe of that era, with a dazzling light display and vibrant colors that transport me back to the arcade days of my youth, even if this particular table wasn’t a part of my memories. The real highlight is its soundtrack, belting out 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.” The table does come with a learning curve, but the thrill of aiming for drop targets and ramps keeps you engaged, driving that high score upward.
Next, we have Banzai Run, one of the two Pat Lawlor creations featured in this set. While I generally favor Lawlor’s works from the ‘90s like Funhouse and Addams Family, this one didn’t hit the mark for me. The motorcycle theme doesn’t quite appeal to me, and the way the table’s space is used leaves much to be desired. The emphasis on the vertical playfield offers a unique twist, but it ends up resulting in a table that feels rather vacant, visually uninspired, and a bit dull to play. Combined with a lack of smooth performance—could the stutter be exclusive to the Switch version?—it’s not a table I’d eagerly come back to, even with the lure of virtual “quarters.” It’s intriguing in concept but lacks the addictive pull.
Then there’s Earthshaker, arguably the easiest table of the three when it comes to racking up high scores. The standout feature here is definitely the multiball action, which activates a sustained HD rumble I’ve yet to experience on my Switch before. While you could call it a gimmick, it blends well with the earthquake theme, providing a fitting sense of immersion. Apart from this, Earthshaker falls into the category of being a reliable, if not groundbreaking, entry—particularly appealing to newcomers to the pinball world. Do remember to use a controller that supports rumble, though, or you’ll miss out on a key part of the experience.
Each table brings something different, leading to a rather uneven package with Williams Pinball Volume 8. Black Knight 2000 delivers an entertaining retro experience, but at the $14.99 price tag, you’d hope for similar excitement across the board. While Earthshaker’s main draw is the HD Rumble, Banzai Run feels more like a prototype figuring out its place on the Switch. You might consider adding this to your wishlist for when it goes on sale, or perhaps stick with Pinball FX3 for the time being.
