Hexa Pinball has officially lifted the curtain on its highly anticipated second title, The 3 Musketeers, a pinball machine inspired by Alexandre Dumas’ iconic swashbuckling novel. The full details of the game were released today, following an initial announcement of the title last October, which was accompanied by a cryptic teaser video but offered no further information. The grand unveiling was intended to take place concurrently at the Bouillon d’Art gallery in Bordeaux, France, and at the Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, Texas. However, unforeseen logistical challenges, specifically delays in clearing U.S. customs, prevented the game from reaching the Texas venue in time for its scheduled 4 p.m. reveal. Despite this minor hiccup, the comprehensive details of this ambitious pinball machine are now available.

A Tale of Adventure and Pinball Wizardry

The 3 Musketeers marks Hexa Pinball’s follow-up to their debut title, Space Hunt. This new venture plunges players into the heart of 17th-century France, casting them in the role of the ambitious young D’Artagnan. The game’s narrative challenges players to embark on a series of trials and tribulations, mirroring D’Artagnan’s quest to prove his valor and earn his place among King Louis XIII’s elite musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Their noble endeavors are, of course, met with formidable opposition from the cunning Cardinal Richelieu and his enigmatic secret agent, Milady de Winter. Milady de Winter is intricately represented within the game’s playfield, featured as a bash toy positioned beneath a lift ramp, promising an engaging interactive element for players.

The gameplay is designed to cater to a diverse audience, offering three distinct modes: a standard mode for the full experience, a competition mode for tournament play, and a simplified mode for newcomers to the game. A notable feature designed to enhance player engagement is the ability to pause the game at any point, allowing for strategic breaks. Furthermore, Hexa Pinball is integrating achievement tracking through its proprietary Plungr app, providing players with a digital record of their accomplishments and fostering a sense of community and competition among enthusiasts.

Editions and Exclusivity: Classic Charm Meets Elegance

Hexa Pinball is offering The 3 Musketeers in two distinct versions, each providing a unique aesthetic and feature set to appeal to different collector preferences and budgets.

The Classic Edition is priced at €7,890 (excluding VAT) and offers a robust and engaging pinball experience. This edition boasts a striking dark and bright decal art package that captures the spirit of the novel. The machine’s armor is finished in a "Musketeer’s Blue" powder coating, a thematic nod to the iconic uniforms. The translight, the illuminated artwork panel above the playfield, features a "Sunset" print, adding a warm visual ambiance. The Classic Edition includes standard glass and printed plastic decorations, ensuring a high-quality build that remains accessible.

For those seeking a more premium and exclusive experience, the Elegance Edition is available for €10,390 (excluding VAT) and is strictly limited to a production run of 200 units worldwide. This edition elevates the The 3 Musketeers experience with a host of luxurious upgrades. It features a distinct "Dark and Bright SideShield" art package, offering a more immersive visual presentation. The armor is finished in a "Brilliant Splendor" gold powder coating, exuding opulence and prestige. The backglass is a "Sunset mirrored printed" design, creating a dazzling visual effect. This edition also incorporates anti-reflection glass for enhanced clarity, handcrafted 3D decorations that add depth and texture to the playfield, and immersive side art that extends the game’s theme beyond the cabinet. Further enhancing the sensory experience, the Elegance Edition includes a shaker motor by Pinsound, providing tactile feedback that intensifies gameplay. Each unit is further distinguished by a numbered leather plaque and a certificate of authenticity, solidifying its status as a collector’s item.

A Symphony of Originality: Art and Sound Design

A significant aspect of The 3 Musketeers pinball machine is its commitment to original content. Unlike many licensed titles that draw from existing film or animation, Hexa Pinball has commissioned entirely new audio and video assets. This approach ensures a unique and cohesive artistic vision for the game. The stunning artwork gracing the machine is the creation of renowned artist Tristan Fallon, known for his distinctive style that brings characters and settings to life. Complementing the visual flair, the game’s captivating music is composed by Hervé Coussillan, promising an evocative soundtrack that transports players to the era of swashbuckling adventure.

Playfield Features: A Deep Dive into Gameplay Mechanics

The playfield of The 3 Musketeers is a meticulously designed arena of challenges and interactive elements. Players will navigate a vibrant and detailed environment that brings the novel’s world to life. Key features include:

• The Milady de Winter Bash Toy: Positioned strategically under the center ramp, this interactive element allows players to directly engage with the game’s primary antagonist, adding a dynamic layer to gameplay.
• The English Fleet Swinging Target: This unique target, inspired by naval battles, adds an element of unpredictable physics and challenge to the playfield.
• Wireform Ball Lock: A sophisticated ball lock mechanism, utilizing wireforms, presents an engaging objective for players to master, potentially leading to multiball modes.
• Cannon Over the Left Slingshot: A thematic visual and mechanical element, this cannon likely plays a role in triggering specific game events or scoring opportunities.
• Left Orbit Lane Spinner: This classic pinball feature adds speed and excitement to the gameplay, contributing to the overall flow and scoring potential of the game.
• Sculpts and Shots at the Top of the Playfield: The upper portion of the playfield is adorned with thematic sculptures and strategically placed shots, offering diverse objectives and pathways for the ball.

The detailed artwork, vibrant inserts, and thoughtful layout of the playfield, as showcased in accompanying imagery, underscore Hexa Pinball’s dedication to creating an immersive and visually engaging pinball experience. The game’s dual flipper setup is standard for modern pinball machines, allowing for precise control and strategic play.

Event Delays and Future Coverage

The planned dual reveal events were a testament to Hexa Pinball’s ambition to connect with the global pinball community. The Bordeaux event at the Bouillon d’Art gallery provided an opportunity for European enthusiasts to experience the game firsthand. The intended reveal at the Texas Pinball Festival, one of the largest pinball gatherings in the world, would have offered significant exposure in the North American market. The delay due to U.S. customs is a common occurrence for international shipments and highlights the complexities of global logistics.

Pinball News will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of The 3 Musketeers, including any updates on the potential delayed launch event in Frisco. Readers can anticipate further details as they emerge, particularly within Pinball News’ ongoing coverage of the Texas Pinball Festival. This commitment to in-depth reporting ensures that the pinball community remains informed about the latest developments from Hexa Pinball and other industry leaders.

The release of The 3 Musketeers signifies a bold step for Hexa Pinball, demonstrating their capacity to translate beloved literary narratives into engaging and aesthetically rich pinball machines. The game’s blend of classic storytelling, original artwork, innovative gameplay features, and distinct edition offerings positions it as a significant new entry in the pinball market.