Hexa Pinball today unveiled comprehensive details of their much-anticipated second title, The 3 Musketeers, a pinball machine inspired by Alexandre Dumas’s classic novel. This reveal follows an initial announcement in October of last year, which was accompanied by a teaser video but offered no further specifics regarding the game’s features or design. The planned dual unveiling was set to take place concurrently at the esteemed Bouillon d’Art gallery in Bordeaux, France, and at the prominent Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, Texas. However, unforeseen logistical challenges, specifically delays in clearing U.S. customs, prevented the game from reaching its American debut venue in time for the scheduled 4 PM reveal. Despite this hiccup, the full details of this ambitious project are now available.

A Tale of Swords, Sorcery, and Steel Balls

The 3 Musketeers marks Hexa Pinball’s sophomore effort, following their successful debut title, Space Hunt. This new machine immerses players in the swashbuckling world of 17th-century France. Players assume the role of the ambitious young swordsman D’Artagnan, embarking on a quest to prove his mettle and earn a coveted place among King Louis XIII’s elite musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The narrative of the game is intricately woven with the iconic characters and plotlines from Dumas’s novel, presenting players with challenges and trials designed to test their pinball prowess.

The path of D’Artagnan is not without peril, as he faces formidable adversaries in the form of the cunning Cardinal Richelieu and his formidable secret agent, Milady de Winter. These antagonists are integrated into the playfield design, with Milady de Winter notably represented by a dynamic bash toy positioned beneath a lift ramp, adding an interactive element to the game’s narrative progression.

Gameplay Mechanics and Editions

Hexa Pinball has incorporated a versatile gameplay structure to cater to a wide range of players. The 3 Musketeers offers three distinct modes: a standard mode for the typical pinball experience, a competition mode for head-to-head challenges, and a simple mode designed for accessibility and casual play. Further enhancing the player experience, the game includes the capability to pause at any point, allowing for strategic breaks, and features robust achievement tracking through the company’s proprietary Plungr app, fostering a sense of progression and accomplishment.

The company is offering the game in two distinct versions, each tailored to different levels of collector interest and budget.

Classic Edition

Priced at €7,890 (excluding VAT), the Classic Edition provides a solid foundation for experiencing The 3 Musketeers. This edition includes:

• Decal Art Package: Featuring both dark and bright thematic art.
• Powder Coated Armor: A Musketeer’s Blue finish on the machine’s armor.
• Printed Translight: A "Sunset" themed printed translight for the backglass.
• Standard Glass: The display is protected by standard glass.
• Printed Plastic Decorations: The playfield is adorned with printed plastic elements.

Elegance Edition

For the discerning collector, the Elegance Edition is available at €10,390 (excluding VAT) and is strictly limited to an edition of 200 units worldwide. This premium version boasts enhanced features and aesthetic upgrades:

• SideShield Art Package: Featuring exclusive Dark and Bright SideShield artwork.
• Brilliant Splendor Gold Armor: The machine’s armor is finished in a striking Brilliant Splendor gold powder coating.
• Mirrored Backglass: A "Sunset" mirrored printed backglass adds a touch of opulence.
• Anti-Reflection Glass: The playfield is protected by high-quality anti-reflection glass for optimal viewing.
• Handcrafted 3D Decorations: Intricate, handcrafted 3D elements elevate the visual appeal of the playfield.
• Immersive Side Art: The cabinet sides feature immersive artwork, drawing players further into the game’s theme.
• Shaker Motor by Pinsound: A Pinsound shaker motor provides tactile feedback, enhancing the immersive experience.
• Numbered Leather Plaque: Each unit is individually numbered on a premium leather plaque.
• Certificate of Authenticity: A formal certificate authenticates the limited edition status of the machine.

Creative Vision and Artistic Collaboration

A notable aspect of The 3 Musketeers pinball machine is its commitment to original content. Unlike many licensed pinball titles, this game is not based on any existing film or animation adaptation. Consequently, all audio and video assets have been meticulously crafted as original creations by Hexa Pinball. The captivating artwork adorning the machine is the work of renowned pinball artist Tristan Fallon, known for his distinctive style and attention to detail. The musical score, designed to evoke the era and enhance the adventurous spirit of the game, is composed by Hervé Coussillan. This dedication to original IP allows Hexa Pinball to present a unique artistic vision for the beloved literary work.

Playfield Design and Features

The playfield of The 3 Musketeers is a meticulously designed arena for D’Artagnan’s adventures. Key features observed in the detailed imagery include:

• Central Ramps and Targets: The playfield features multiple ramps and targets, strategically placed to guide the ball through various game objectives. A prominent lift ramp is visible, hinting at interactive play mechanics.
• Milady de Winter Bash Toy: As mentioned, a bash toy representing Milady de Winter is integrated beneath the center ramp, serving as a physical representation of a key antagonist and likely a target for specific game modes or challenges.
• The English Fleet Swinging Target: A unique swinging target, themed as "The English Fleet," adds a dynamic element to the upper portion of the playfield, promising unpredictable ball interactions.
• Wireform Ball Lock: A sophisticated wireform mechanism is employed for ball locking, a feature often found in premium pinball machines to create multi-ball events and complex scoring opportunities.
• Cannon Target: A cannon, positioned over the left slingshot, suggests an interactive element that could be activated during specific game modes, perhaps simulating artillery fire.
• Orbit Lanes and Spinners: The left orbit lane features a spinner, a common pinball element that registers rapid hits and contributes to scoring, adding a satisfying mechanical feedback.
• Sculpts and Thematic Elements: The top of the playfield appears to incorporate various sculpted elements and thematic shots designed to immerse players in the Musketeers’ world.

The machine’s cabinet itself is a testament to the theme, with detailed artwork visible on the sides, showcasing the characters and dramatic scenes from the novel. The display and speaker panel are designed to be visually appealing and integrate seamlessly with the overall aesthetic.

Event Logistics and Future Coverage

The initial plan to unveil The 3 Musketeers at both Bordeaux and the Texas Pinball Festival aimed to reach a broad audience of pinball enthusiasts. The delay at U.S. customs, while unfortunate, underscores the complexities of international logistics for specialized equipment. Hexa Pinball has assured that further information regarding any potential rescheduled launch event in Frisco will be provided. Pinball News will continue to cover this development as part of its comprehensive reporting on the Texas Pinball Festival.

The availability of both a product flyer and a detailed specification sheet further demonstrates Hexa Pinball’s commitment to transparency and providing potential buyers with thorough information. These documents, available for download, outline the technical specifications, features, and artistic merits of The 3 Musketeers, allowing enthusiasts to make informed decisions.

Broader Implications for the Pinball Industry

The launch of The 3 Musketeers by Hexa Pinball represents a significant move for the company as they establish their presence in the competitive pinball manufacturing landscape. By choosing an original theme based on a beloved literary classic, Hexa Pinball is carving out a niche that appeals to both pinball aficionados and literary fans. The company’s focus on original artwork and audio, coupled with the distinct Classic and Elegance editions, suggests a strategy aimed at catering to diverse market segments, from casual players to dedicated collectors.

The success of The 3 Musketeers could set a precedent for Hexa Pinball, influencing their future product development and their ability to secure distribution channels. The inclusion of modern features like app integration and multiple gameplay modes demonstrates an understanding of contemporary player expectations. As the pinball industry continues to evolve, with a growing demand for both innovative new machines and faithful reproductions of classic themes, Hexa Pinball’s approach with The 3 Musketeers will be closely watched by enthusiasts and industry observers alike. The company’s ability to navigate logistical challenges and deliver a high-quality, engaging product will be crucial to its long-term success. Further details regarding the game’s availability and potential wider release will undoubtedly be a point of interest for the global pinball community.