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

Zen Studios has faced some challenges in migrating from FX3 on the Nintendo Switch, and the latest entry, Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8, isn’t spared from these issues. Now, you might be wondering what happened to Volume 7 (hint: it never made it to the Switch), but the pressing concern is how this new set of tables holds up. Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a mixed bag.

Let’s kick things off with the standout table—Black Knight 2000. Its name might suggest something futuristic, but this gem actually hails from 1989, a follow-up to the 1980 classic. It beautifully captures the essence of its time, boasting vibrant colors and lights that whisk me back to the arcades of my childhood, even if I didn’t specifically play this one back then. What truly sets it apart, though, is its catchy soundtrack with 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.” Sure, there’s a learning curve, but it’s one that will happily have you coming back for more, as you target those drop zones and ramps in pursuit of a new high score.

Moving on, we have Banzai Run, one of the two tables designed by Pat Lawlor in this set. I’ve got a soft spot for his ’90s creations (think Funhouse or Addams Family), but this one doesn’t quite do it for me. I’m not particularly drawn to the motorcycle theme, but the real issue lies in how this table’s space is utilized. Its vertical playfield is an interesting concept, but it leaves vast regions feeling empty, which makes both playing and watching pretty underwhelming. To top it off, there’s a lack of smooth gameplay (could stuttering be an exclusive problem on the Switch?), making it a chore to engage with, even if you’re putting in those virtual coins. It’s certainly unique in its design, but it falters when it comes to keeping you hooked.

Finally, there’s Earthshaker, arguably the easiest table for landing high scores. The standout feature here is the multiball mode, which comes with an intense HD rumble effect (I can’t recall another game causing my Switch to vibrate so much). It might seem a tad gimmicky, but it aligns well with the table’s earthquake theme, offering a fun, immersive experience. Beyond the rumble effect, it’s a straightforward table, likely appealing to newcomers to pinball. Just be sure not to miss out by using a controller that lacks the rumble feature, or you’ll lose some of the charm.

In summary, Williams Pinball Volume 8 presents an uneven collection of tables. Black Knight 2000 delivers an enjoyable slice of ’80s excitement, but considering the $14.99 price tag, you’d expect all the tables to deliver similar fun. Earthshaker rides high on its HD Rumble feature, while Banzai Run is a table still finding its footing—sparse and sluggish on the Switch. I’d recommend adding this to your wishlist and waiting for a discount, or perhaps sticking with Pinball FX3 for now.