Hexa Pinball today released comprehensive details of their highly anticipated second title, The 3 Musketeers, a pinball machine inspired by Alexandre Dumas’s timeless swashbuckling novel. The official announcement, which follows a brief teaser video released last October, was slated for simultaneous unveilings at the prestigious Bouillon d’Art gallery in Bordeaux, France, and the renowned Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, Texas. However, logistical hurdles, specifically delays in U.S. customs clearance, prevented the game from reaching the Texas event in time for its scheduled 4:00 PM reveal. Despite this minor setback, the full specifications and imagery of the game are now available, offering enthusiasts a detailed look at Hexa Pinball’s latest creation.

A Legacy Reimagined in Pinball

The 3 Musketeers marks Hexa Pinball’s follow-up to their successful debut title, Space Hunt. This new machine plunges players into the heart of 17th-century France, casting them in the role of the ambitious young swordsman D’Artagnan. The core gameplay revolves around D’Artagnan’s quest to prove his mettle and earn a coveted place among King Louis XIII’s elite musketeers: the stoic Athos, the boisterous Porthos, and the elegant Aramis. Players will navigate a series of challenges and trials, mirroring D’Artagnan’s journey from hopeful aspirant to seasoned warrior.

The narrative on the playfield is further enriched by the presence of formidable antagonists. Cardinal Richelieu, the cunning First Minister of France, and his formidable secret agent, Milady de Winter, stand as obstacles to D’Artagnan’s success. Milady de Winter is physically represented on the playfield as a bash toy strategically positioned beneath a lift ramp, offering a tangible target for players to engage with. This inclusion promises dynamic gameplay interactions and thematic depth, bringing the novel’s central conflicts to life through interactive pinball mechanics.

Gameplay Features and Editions

Hexa Pinball has designed The 3 Musketeers with a variety of play styles in mind. The game offers three distinct modes: Normal, Competition, and Simple. This versatility ensures that both casual players and seasoned pinball wizards can tailor their experience to their preferences. Furthermore, recognizing the demands of modern gaming, the title includes the ability to pause gameplay at any moment, providing players with greater control over their sessions. Player progress and achievements are meticulously tracked through the company’s proprietary Plungr app, fostering a sense of accomplishment and community among users.

The The 3 Musketeers pinball machine is available in two distinct editions, catering to different levels of collector preference and budget.

Classic Edition

Priced at €7,890 (excluding VAT), the Classic Edition provides a robust and engaging pinball experience. This version features:

• A comprehensive Dark and Bright Decal art package, offering distinct aesthetic options.
• Musketeer’s Blue Powder Coated Finish Armor, providing a durable and thematically appropriate exterior.
• A Sunset Printed Translight, enhancing the visual appeal of the backglass area.
• Standard Playfield Glass, a reliable and functional component.
• Printed Plastic Decorations, adding detailed visual elements to the playfield.

Elegance Edition

For the discerning collector, the Elegance Edition is offered at €10,390 (excluding VAT) and is strictly limited to 200 units worldwide. This premium version elevates the experience with a host of exclusive features:

• A Dark and Bright SideShield Art Package, extending the game’s visual flair to its cabinet sides.
• Brilliant Splendor Gold Powder Coated Finish Armor, signifying a higher level of craftsmanship and luxury.
• A Sunset Mirrored Printed Backglass, adding depth and a touch of opulence to the display.
• Anti-Reflection Glass, ensuring optimal visibility of the playfield from all angles.
• Handcrafted 3D Decorations, introducing tactile and visually striking elements to the cabinet and playfield.
• Immersive Side Art, creating a more complete visual narrative on the machine’s exterior.
• A Shaker Motor by Pinsound, providing haptic feedback that synchronizes with gameplay for enhanced immersion.
• A Numbered Leather Plaque, a subtle yet significant marker of its limited-edition status.
• A Certificate of Authenticity, verifying its genuine status as part of the exclusive run.

Artistic and Auditory Design

A notable aspect of The 3 Musketeers is that, unlike many modern pinball machines, it is not based on an existing film or animated property. This allows Hexa Pinball to exercise complete creative control over its aesthetic and sonic elements. All audio and video assets are original creations, developed in-house by the Hexa Pinball team. The captivating artwork adorning the machine is the work of renowned artist Tristan Fallon, whose distinctive style is expected to bring the D’Artagnan narrative to life with vibrant detail. The game’s musical score is composed by Hervé Coussillan, promising an auditory experience that complements the game’s swashbuckling theme and enhances player engagement.

Playfield Features and Visuals

Examining the playfield of The 3 Musketeers reveals a thoughtfully designed environment packed with interactive elements. The artwork, consistent with Tristan Fallon’s style, evokes the historical setting and adventurous spirit of the novel. Key features include:

• The Milady de Winter Bash Toy: Positioned under the central lift ramp, this interactive element provides a thematic target and a dynamic gameplay component.
• The English Fleet Swinging Target: This unique target, designed to resemble a fleet of ships, adds a strategic element to gameplay, likely requiring precise shots to activate or progress through certain objectives.
• Wireform Ball Lock: A common yet essential feature in modern pinball, the wireform ball lock mechanism is integrated into the playfield, offering opportunities for multi-ball modes and strategic ball management.
• Cannon Over Left Slingshot: A thematic sculptural element, this cannon adds visual interest and could potentially be involved in specific game mechanics or scoring opportunities.
• Left Orbit Lane Spinner: Spinners are classic pinball features that provide immediate feedback and scoring for fast-paced shots, contributing to the game’s overall dynamism.
• Sculpts and Shots at the Top of the Playfield: These elements suggest a multi-layered playfield design, offering varied shooting angles and potential for complex combos and objectives.

The inclusion of detailed inserts and vibrant artwork across the playfield, combined with the carefully crafted sculptural elements, indicates a commitment to creating an immersive and visually engaging experience for players. The dual flipper setup is standard for modern pinball, ensuring precise control and responsiveness crucial for executing complex shots.

Event Context and Future Outlook

The dual launch events highlight Hexa Pinball’s global ambitions. The choice of a gallery in Bordeaux, a city steeped in French history and culture, for one unveiling speaks to the game’s thematic roots. The simultaneous event at the Texas Pinball Festival, a premier gathering for pinball enthusiasts in North America, underscores the company’s intent to capture a significant share of the international pinball market. The delay in the Texas reveal, while unfortunate, is a common occurrence in the logistics of international shipping and event planning. Such minor disruptions are rarely indicative of deeper issues with the product itself, especially for a company making its second major release.

The successful delivery and demonstration of The 3 Musketeers at the Bordeaux event, and the subsequent full reveal of details, suggest that Hexa Pinball is on track to deliver on its promises. The availability of detailed flyers and product specification sheets further reinforces the company’s transparency and preparedness. These documents provide potential buyers with essential information regarding the game’s technical specifications, features, and pricing, facilitating informed purchasing decisions.

Pinball News has indicated that further coverage of The 3 Musketeers, including potential details from a rescheduled launch event in Frisco, will be provided. This commitment suggests ongoing engagement with the product and the broader pinball community, promising continued insight into Hexa Pinball’s operations and their impact on the industry. The company’s trajectory, following Space Hunt, suggests a deliberate strategy of developing unique, high-quality titles that appeal to both seasoned collectors and new players alike. The The 3 Musketeers title, with its blend of classic literature, engaging gameplay, and premium features, is poised to be a significant addition to the contemporary pinball landscape. The success of this title will be closely watched as an indicator of Hexa Pinball’s long-term viability and potential for future innovation within the competitive pinball manufacturing sector.