Zen Studios has hit some bumps in the road when it comes to moving FX3 over to the Nintendo Switch, and Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8 doesn’t escape unscathed. First off, you’re probably wondering, “Hey, where’s Volume 7?” Well, unfortunately, it’s not available on the Switch. So, how do these three tables hold up? Well, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest.
Let’s dive into the standout feature first: Black Knight 2000. Now, despite what you might think from the title, this table actually came out in 1989, building on the 1980 original. It’s a nostalgic journey back to the arcades of old, bursting with vibrant colors and blinking lights that might remind you of your childhood—even if this particular table doesn’t ring a bell for you. However, it’s the music that really steals the show, with over-the-top 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.” There’s a bit of a learning curve here, but it’s the kind of challenge that’ll have you flipping those paddles again and again, chasing high scores by hitting drop targets and navigating ramps.
On to Banzai Run, one of two tables designed by Pat Lawlor found in this collection. While I generally favor his work from the ’90s (think Funhouse, Addams Family, No Good Gophers), this motorcycle-themed table just doesn’t quite do it for me. The layout, which focuses on a vertical playfield, leaves too much empty space and makes the table feel visually dull and not particularly exciting to play. Plus, there’s a lack of smooth gameplay—could this be a Switch-specific glitch?—that hampers my motivation to improve, even after countless virtual “quarters.” It’s a novel concept, sure, but it falls short on the fun factor.
Then there’s Earthshaker, probably the most forgiving table in terms of racking up high scores. The highlight here is undoubtedly the multiball experience—I’ve never felt such prolonged HD rumble on my Switch. While some might call it gimmicky, the earthquake theme makes it all feel appropriately immersive. Overall, Earthshaker is a decent, middle-ground table that’s likely to appeal to pinball newcomers. Just make sure you’re not using a third-party controller that lacks rumble, or you’ll miss a big part of the experience.
All told, Williams Pinball Volume 8 presents a trio of tables that offer an uneven experience. Black Knight 2000 is a blast of ’80s nostalgia, but when you’re shelling out $14.99, you kind of hope for every table to be equally entertaining. Earthshaker makes its mark with HD rumble, and Banzai Run feels more like a “trial-by-error” table—sparse and somewhat clunky on the Switch. Maybe keep an eye out for a sale and consider sticking with Pinball FX3 for now.
