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

Zen Studios has faced some challenges making the leap from FX3 to the Nintendo Switch. Their latest release, Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8, is no different. You might be wondering, “What happened to Volume 7?” Well, it’s missing on the Switch. But let’s focus on the main question at hand: how do this collection’s tables stack up? As it turns out, the results are a bit all over the map.

Kicking things off with the standout table, we have Black Knight 2000. The title might be deceiving—this game originally hit the scene in 1989, as a follow-up to the 1980 classic. It captures the feel of that era perfectly. The vibrant colors and flashing lights transport me back to my arcade-going days, even if Black Knight 2000 wasn’t on my radar then. The music, though, really sets the mood with its catchy and amusing lyrics—“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.” It’s got a bit of a learning curve, but it’s engaging enough to keep you shooting for those high scores by nailing drop targets and ramps.

Next up is Banzai Run, one of two Pat Lawlor designs included here. While I’m a fan of his later creations like Funhouse and Addams Family, this motorcycle-themed table doesn’t really rev my engine. The use of space is odd—featuring a vertical playfield that, while inventive, leaves much of the table feeling barren and uninspiring to play. Plus, the less-than-fluid gameplay (is it just the Switch struggling here?) makes it even less enticing for me to invest time and effort in mastering. Despite its originality, it lacks the addictiveness you’d want from a pinball table.

Then there’s Earthshaker, the easiest table for racking up high scores. Its signature feature? Multiball with an intensely impressive HD rumble on the Switch—a bit gimmicky, perhaps, but it matches the earthquake theme nicely. Beyond this, it’s a decent table—neither groundbreaking nor underwhelming, but a good starting point for those new to pinball. Just don’t miss out on that HD rumble by using a controller that can’t leverage it.

Overall, Williams Pinball Volume 8 presents a mixed collection of tables. Black Knight 2000 delivers delightful ’80s fun, but at $14.99, you’d hope for the entire trio to provide similar entertainment levels. Earthshaker’s notable feature is its intense rumble, while Banzai Run feels like a missed opportunity, struggling to find its footing on the Switch. Perhaps wait for a sale or stick with Pinball FX3 for a more balanced experience.