Zen Studios has faced a few challenges when moving from FX3 to the Nintendo Switch, and the latest installment, Pinball FX – Williams Pinball Volume 8, doesn’t break that trend. You’re probably wondering what happened to Volume 7 (spoiler alert: it’s not on Switch). Another burning question is how this set of three tables performs. Well, the results are a bit of a mixed bag, honestly.
Let’s kick things off with the highlight of the pack: Black Knight 2000. Now, don’t let that title deceive you; this table made its debut back in 1989 as a sequel to the original 1980 release. It embodies that era perfectly, with vibrant colors and an arcade vibe that might just transport you back to your younger days, even if you don’t specifically recall this one. But it’s the music that truly sets the mood, 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.” There’s definitely a learning curve involved, but it’s the kind of challenge that keeps you engaged, urging you to perfect those drop targets, ramps, and more as you chase that high score.
On the other hand, we have Banzai Run, one of two machines in this volume designed by Pat Lawlor. Although I’m a fan of Lawlor’s ’90s creations like Funhouse, Addams Family, and No Good Gophers, this particular motorcycle-themed table doesn’t quite hit the mark for me. The problem lies in the layout—the focus on a vertical playfield leaves too much empty space, making it both lackluster and a bit boring to engage with. Add to that a choppy performance (could be a Switch-specific issue), and it’s tough to find the motivation to keep playing, even when dropping virtual coins. Although it’s unique conceptually, it lacks the addictive pull that other tables have.
Then we have Earthshaker, arguably the easiest table to rack up those high scores. What stands out here is the multiball feature, coupled with an impressively sustained HD rumble on the Switch that plays perfectly into the earthquake theme. While it might seem like a gimmick, it adds a layer of immersive experience that fits well. Aside from that, it’s a solid, mid-level table, likely appealing to newcomers to the pinball scene. Just make sure you aren’t using a third-party controller without rumble, or you’ll miss out on a core part of the experience.
All in all, Williams Pinball Volume 8 offers a mixed bag of tables. Black Knight 2000 delivers peak ’80s nostalgia, but for the $14.99 price tag, you’d hope every table hits that mark. Earthshaker leans on its HD Rumble feature, while Banzai Run feels like a table still finding its footing—empty and a bit clunky on the Switch. It might be worth adding this pack to your wishlist for when it’s on sale, or you could simply stick with Pinball FX3 for now.
