Hexa Pinball has officially unveiled the full details of its highly anticipated second title, The 3 Musketeers, a pinball machine inspired by Alexandre Dumas’s timeless adventure novel. The revelation follows an initial announcement in October, accompanied by a brief teaser video, which left enthusiasts eager for more information. The planned dual unveiling events, one at the prestigious Bouillon d’Art gallery in Bordeaux and another at the Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, were intended to mark this significant release. However, unforeseen logistical challenges, specifically delays in clearing U.S. customs, prevented the machine from arriving in Texas in time for its scheduled premiere. Despite this minor hiccup, comprehensive details of the game are now available.

A New Chapter in Pinball History

The 3 Musketeers represents Hexa Pinball’s ambitious follow-up to their debut title, Space Hunt. This new offering immerses players in the swashbuckling world of 17th-century France, casting them in the role of 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: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Players will navigate a series of challenges and trials, facing opposition from the cunning Cardinal Richelieu and his formidable secret agent, Milady de Winter. Notably, Milady de Winter is represented on the playfield as a bash toy situated beneath a lift ramp, providing a tangible antagonist for players to engage with.

The game is designed with player flexibility in mind, offering three distinct modes of gameplay: normal, competition, and simple. This variety caters to different skill levels and play preferences, from casual enthusiasts to seasoned competitors. Further enhancing the player experience, the game includes the ability to pause at any time, allowing for strategic breaks. Moreover, Hexa Pinball has integrated achievement tracking through their proprietary Plungr app, adding a layer of gamification and encouraging players to strive for new high scores and in-game accomplishments.

Editions and Exclusivity

Hexa Pinball is offering The 3 Musketeers in two distinct versions, each designed to appeal to different collector and player sensibilities. The Classic Edition is priced at €7,890 (excluding VAT), providing a robust and engaging pinball experience. For those seeking a more premium and immersive encounter, the Elegance Edition is available for €10,390 (excluding VAT). This upgraded version is strictly limited to a production run of just 200 units, underscoring its exclusivity and collector appeal.

The differences between the two editions are substantial, reflecting Hexa Pinball’s commitment to offering varied tiers of quality and aesthetic.

Classic Edition Features:

• Decal Art Package: Includes both dark and bright decal options, allowing for personalized visual themes.
• Powder Coated Armor: Features "Musketeer’s Blue" powder-coated finish for the machine’s armor, evoking a sense of regality and strength.
• Translight: A "Sunset" printed translight contributes to the game’s atmospheric lighting.
• Glass: Standard playfield glass is utilized.
• Decorations: Printed plastic decorations add visual detail to the playfield.

Elegance Edition Features:

• SideShield Art Package: A more elaborate "Dark and Bright SideShield" art package enhances the cabinet’s visual impact.
• Premium Powder Coated Armor: Boasts a "Brilliant Splendor Gold" powder-coated finish for the armor, signifying a high-end aesthetic.
• Mirrored Backglass: A "Sunset" mirrored printed backglass offers a more dynamic and reflective visual experience.
• Anti-Reflection Glass: Upgraded anti-reflection glass ensures optimal visibility of the playfield.
• Handcrafted 3D Decorations: Features meticulously handcrafted 3D decorations, adding depth and realism to the game’s theme.
• Immersive Side Art: Enhanced side art contributes to a more immersive overall presentation.
• Shaker Motor: Includes a shaker motor by Pinsound, providing tactile feedback and amplifying the game’s action.
• Numbered Leather Plaque: Each unit is individually numbered with a leather plaque, signifying its place within the limited edition.
• Certificate of Authenticity: A certificate of authenticity accompanies each Elegance Edition, validating its rarity and collectibility.

Original Creations and Artistic Vision

A key aspect of The 3 Musketeers pinball machine is its commitment to originality. Unlike many licensed titles, this game is not based on an existing movie or animation. Consequently, all audio and video assets have been meticulously crafted by Hexa Pinball’s in-house team. This dedication to original content allows for a unique artistic interpretation of the classic tale. The game’s striking artwork is the creation of renowned artist Tristan Fallon, known for his distinctive style. The musical score, designed to enhance the adventurous and dramatic themes, is composed by Hervé Coussillan, promising an engaging auditory experience.

Playfield Design and Gameplay Elements

A detailed examination of the playfield reveals Hexa Pinball’s intricate design philosophy. The layout is engineered to capture the spirit of the novel, featuring various interactive elements and strategic shot opportunities.

• Cabinet Artwork: The exterior of the machine features detailed artwork, with specific attention given to the left and right sides, as well as the front view, all designed to immerse players in the 17th-century French setting.
• Display and Speaker Panel: The integrated display and speaker panel are crucial for delivering the game’s original audio and visual content, ensuring a cohesive player experience.
• Core Playfield Elements: The playfield itself is populated with classic pinball features, including two responsive flippers at the bottom, designed for precise ball control.
• Thematic Inserts and Artwork: Inserts are strategically placed to guide gameplay and highlight objectives, complemented by artwork that visually reinforces the narrative.
• Top Playfield Features: The upper portion of the playfield incorporates various sculpts and targets, adding complexity and visual interest.
• English Fleet Swinging Target: A unique "English Fleet" swinging target adds an dynamic element to gameplay, requiring players to time their shots effectively.
• Wireform Ball Lock: A wireform ball lock mechanism provides a satisfying visual and mechanical component for multi-ball modes.
• Milady de Winter Bash Toy: The previously mentioned Milady de Winter bash toy serves as a central interactive element, likely tied to specific game objectives.
• Thematic Toys: A cannon positioned over the left slingshot and a spinner in the left orbit lane are examples of thematic toys integrated into the playfield, enhancing both gameplay and visual appeal.

Documentation and Further Information

Hexa Pinball has provided comprehensive documentation for The 3 Musketeers, including a dedicated flyer and a product specification sheet. These documents offer a detailed overview of the game’s features, technical specifications, and artistic elements. The flyer provides a visually appealing summary of the game’s theme and key selling points, while the specification sheet delves into the technical aspects, material choices, and dimensional data. These materials are invaluable for potential buyers and enthusiasts seeking in-depth information about the machine.

Event Context and Future Coverage

The initial plan to reveal The 3 Musketeers at both the Bouillon d’Art gallery and the Texas Pinball Festival highlights Hexa Pinball’s strategy to engage with both European and North American pinball communities simultaneously. The delay at the Texas Pinball Festival, while unfortunate, underscores the complexities of international logistics in the specialized field of pinball manufacturing and distribution. Pinball News will continue to provide coverage on The 3 Musketeers, including any updates regarding a potential rescheduled launch event in Frisco, as part of its ongoing reporting on the Texas Pinball Festival. This commitment ensures that enthusiasts worldwide will remain informed about this significant new entry in the pinball landscape.