Pinball FX Legacy Review: Three Williams Classics on Switch
Last Updated: October 29, 2025
Zen Studios has long been the undisputed champion of digital pinball, and its partnership with Williams/Bally represents the pinnacle of preserving arcade history. While the platform has evolved from *Pinball FX3* to the new, simply-titled *Pinball FX*, the legendary tables remain the main attraction. Among the vast library, a trio of classics—*Attack from Mars*, *Black Rose*, and *World Champion Soccer*—stand as essential experiences. This review revisits these masterpieces on the Nintendo Switch, examining how they hold up in the modern era of digital pinball.
A Legacy of Silverball Action
The Williams brand is synonymous with the golden age of pinball, representing a level of design and innovation that defined an era. Zen Studios’ meticulous work in recreating these classics has been a gift to both preservationists and new players. The attention to detail is paramount; Zen has captured not just the table layouts but the unique feel, sound design, and complex rule sets that made these machines icons.
For pinball purists, the authentic Pro Physics simulation offers a challenging and rewarding experience that mirrors the real-world machines. Meanwhile, newcomers can benefit from the platform's quality-of-life features, including graphical enhancements, in-game tutorials, and online leaderboards that add a modern competitive edge to these decades-old designs.
Table Breakdown: An All-Star Lineup
Though no longer bundled in a single pack as they were in previous iterations, these three tables represent a perfect cross-section of what made Williams a giant of the industry.
Attack from Mars (1995)
Widely celebrated as one of the greatest pinball machines ever made, *Attack from Mars* is a B-movie sci-fi epic brought to life. The objective is simple and immensely satisfying: repel a Martian invasion by destroying their flying saucers. The gameplay is pure, chaotic fun, centered around a wobbling Martian ship in the middle of the playfield. The humor is infectious, the objectives are crystal clear, and the rewarding shot-making is second to none. Landing the final hit to destroy the main saucer and trigger the frantic "Strobe Multiball" is a timeless moment of pinball euphoria that translates perfectly to the digital format. It remains an absolute must-own for any fan of the sport.
Black Rose (1992)
This swashbuckling, pirate-themed table invites you to sink ships, collect treasure, and prove your mettle on the high seas. Its most defining feature is a player-controlled cannon on the lower playfield. You load the pinball and fire it at targets up-field, an interactive gimmick that remains thrilling and unique. *Black Rose* is a notoriously challenging table, demanding precision to master its tight shots and deep rule set. Sinking the entire fleet to summon and defeat the Kraken is a difficult but incredibly rewarding accomplishment for skilled players seeking a true test of their flipper skills.
World Champion Soccer (1994)
Originally released as *World Cup Soccer '94*, this table perfectly captures the electrifying energy of the world's most popular sport. The gameplay is fast and has a wonderful flow, with the primary goal being to score on a goalie protected by a moving target. Its most iconic feature is a large, spinning soccer ball that deflects shots and introduces an element of controlled chaos. Locking balls in the goal to start the multiball sequence, accompanied by the roar of the crowd and announcer commentary, is a fantastic experience. It’s an accessible and intuitive table that's easy for anyone to enjoy, yet it offers significant depth for dedicated score-chasers.
The Pinball FX Experience on Switch
On the Nintendo Switch, these classic tables perform admirably. The visuals are crisp and the frame rate remains solid, which is absolutely critical for a game that demands split-second timing. The primary advantage of the Switch is its portability, allowing for a quick game anywhere, anytime.
For the most authentic experience, playing in handheld mode with the screen oriented vertically (TATE mode) is highly recommended. This perspective mimics the view of a real machine and is the definitive way to play. While the Switch version may lack the high-end ray-tracing and graphical flourishes found on more powerful consoles and PC, the core gameplay and world-class physics simulation remain fully intact, delivering a top-tier pinball experience on the go. In the current *Pinball FX* platform, these tables are available as individual purchases, allowing players to pick and choose their favorites to build a custom collection.
The Verdict: Timeless Design, Essential Collection
Zen Studios continues to provide an unmatched service to pinball fans, and these three tables are shining examples of their craft. *Attack from Mars*, *Black Rose*, and *World Champion Soccer* are not just digital curiosities; they are masterclasses in game design that remain as addictive and engaging today as they were in the arcades of the 90s.
While the delivery method has changed over the years, the quality is undeniable. Each table offers a distinct and unforgettable experience, from the accessible fun of *World Champion Soccer* to the deep challenge of *Black Rose* and the perfect chaos of *Attack from Mars*. For anyone new to digital pinball or a veteran looking to round out their library, these three tables are, without question, essential purchases.