If you are looking for a reason to jump back into Pinball FX on the Nintendo Switch, Williams Pinball Volume 10 is one of the better collections currently available. Featuring three classic tables—Comet, Fire!, and Diner—this pack offers a great mix of nostalgia and challenge, with Comet and Fire! making their debut in digital emulation.
The Tables: Comet, Fire!, and Diner
Comet (1985) captures the vibe of a defunct Chicago amusement park. It features a unique playfield layout, including a lack of an inlane at the bottom right and inverted lanes on the left. The roller coaster visual effect is a standout, though the dunk tank remains a rather grim detail of the original design.
Fire! (1987) is defined by its incredibly bombastic audio and a unique cylindrical fire plug that pops up between the flippers, acting as a handy save mechanic. While the animated fire effects and water arches are a nice touch, the gameplay loop can feel repetitive, making it a better fit for beginners than seasoned pros.
Diner (1990) is the highlight of the trio. Centered around serving customers based on early 90s political figures, it offers the most balanced design. It eschews the overwhelming audio of Fire! in favor of solid, accessible challenges that keep you coming back for extended sessions.
Performance and Presentation on Switch
Pinball FX continues to offer robust modes, including Arcade, Professional, and Practice options. You can customize various gameplay elements, though most settings must be configured before starting a session. However, the experience is not without its frustrations. Switching to vertical mode in handheld is cumbersome, as the screen does not rotate automatically. Furthermore, the engine's current state on Switch leaves tables looking a bit dark and blurry, leading to a desire for a future version optimized for the Switch 2.
Despite these technical gripes, if you are a fan of classic pinball, this volume is an easy recommendation. Just be sure to lower your subwoofer settings before firing up Fire!.
- Comet and Fire! are available in emulation for the first time.
- Diner offers excellent, balanced gameplay for long sessions.
- Deep customization and multiple gameplay modes.
- Handheld vertical display is awkward to use.
- The current engine can appear dark and blurry on Switch hardware.
- Fire! audio is excessively loud.