Hexa Pinball has officially revealed the full details of its highly anticipated second title, The 3 Musketeers, a pinball machine inspired by Alexandre Dumas’s iconic novel. The game’s title was initially announced in October of last year, accompanied by a brief teaser video, but further information remained under wraps until today’s comprehensive unveiling. The game was slated for a dual premiere, with planned launch events at the prestigious Bouillon d’Art gallery in Bordeaux, France, and concurrently at the Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, Texas. However, unforeseen logistical challenges, specifically delays in clearing U.S. customs, prevented the machine from arriving in Texas in time for its scheduled 4:00 PM reveal. Despite this setback, comprehensive details and imagery of the new pinball experience are now available.

A Tale of Swords, Strategy, and Siderails

The 3 Musketeers marks Hexa Pinball’s sophomore effort, following their successful debut title, Space Hunt. This new offering plunges players into the swashbuckling world of 17th-century France, casting them in the role of the ambitious D’Artagnan. Players will embark on a series of challenges and trials designed to emulate D’Artagnan’s quest to earn his place among King Louis XIII’s esteemed musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. The narrative of the game is further enriched by the presence of formidable adversaries, namely the cunning Cardinal Richelieu and his enigmatic secret agent, Milady de Winter. Milady de Winter is physically represented on the playfield as a bash toy strategically positioned beneath a lift ramp, offering players a tangible target to confront.

The gameplay mechanics are designed to offer a multifaceted experience, catering to a range of player preferences. The 3 Musketeers features three distinct modes: "Normal" for a standard game, "Competition" for head-to-head play, and "Simple" for a more accessible introduction. Additionally, the game incorporates a pause function, allowing players to temporarily suspend their game, and integrates with the company’s proprietary Plungr app for achievement tracking, fostering a sense of progression and accomplishment.

Editions for Every Noble

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). This version includes a robust decal art package available in both dark and bright themes, a "Musketeer’s Blue" powder-coated finish on the machine’s armor, a "Sunset" printed translite, standard glass, and printed plastic decorations.

For those seeking a more opulent and immersive experience, the Elegance Edition is available at a price of €10,390 (excluding VAT). This premium version is strictly limited to 200 units worldwide. The Elegance Edition boasts an enhanced "Dark and Bright SideShield" art package, "Brilliant Splendor Gold" powder-coated armor, a "Sunset" mirrored printed backglass, anti-reflection glass for superior visibility, handcrafted 3D decorations that add depth and character to the playfield, immersive side art that extends the game’s theme beyond the cabinet, a shaker motor by Pinsound for enhanced tactile feedback, a numbered leather plaque denoting its exclusivity, and a certificate of authenticity.

The detailed comparison of features between the two editions underscores Hexa Pinball’s commitment to offering differentiated product lines within the premium pinball market. The Elegance Edition’s inclusion of features like the shaker motor and 3D decorations suggests a focus on delivering a more sensory and high-fidelity play experience, aiming to justify the significant price differential.

A Symphony of Originality and Artistic Talent

A notable aspect of The 3 Musketeers pinball machine is its complete reliance on original audio and video assets. Unlike many modern pinball titles that leverage existing intellectual property from films or animated series, Hexa Pinball has opted to create a unique sonic and visual landscape for its game. This approach allows for a more cohesive and artistically driven interpretation of Dumas’s narrative.

The game’s striking artwork is the creation of the renowned pinball artist Tristan Fallon, whose distinctive style is expected to bring the characters and settings of The 3 Musketeers to vivid life on the playfield and cabinet. Complementing Fallon’s artwork is the original musical score composed by Hervé Coussillan, promising an immersive auditory experience that enhances the game’s adventurous theme. The collaboration between these artists suggests a high level of creative control and a dedication to crafting a unique, stand-alone pinball masterpiece.

Exploring the Playfield: A Deeper Dive

The playfield of The 3 Musketeers is designed to be a rich tapestry of interactive elements and thematic representations. Visual documentation reveals several key features:

• Cabinet Artistry: Images of the left, front, and right sides of the cabinet showcase the detailed artwork, hinting at the visual storytelling that players can expect even before engaging with the game. The art design appears to capture the romantic and adventurous spirit of the era.
• Display and Speaker Panel: The integrated display and speaker panel are crucial for delivering the game’s narrative, scoring, and audio cues. The design suggests a modern integration that complements the classic theme.
• The Playfield Itself: Multiple angles of the playfield reveal a densely packed environment with various targets, ramps, and mechanical features. The artwork on the playfield depicts scenes and characters from the novel, immersing the player in the story. Key elements include:
  • Dual Flippers: The standard two-flipper setup ensures classic pinball control and strategy.
  • Playfield Inserts and Artwork: Detailed inserts and artwork guide players through objectives and enhance the visual appeal.
  • Sculpts and Shots: The upper portion of the playfield features intricate sculpts and challenging shots, indicating a design that rewards precision and skill.
  • The English Fleet Swinging Target: This dynamic target adds an element of unpredictable action, likely tied to specific game objectives.
  • Wireform Ball Lock: A prominent wireform element serves as a ball lock mechanism, a common and engaging feature in modern pinball design.
  • Milady de Winter Bash Toy: As mentioned, this interactive target beneath the center ramp offers a direct confrontation with a key antagonist.
  • The Cannon: A cannon positioned over the left slingshot suggests a thematic integration of weaponry and potential for explosive gameplay moments.
  • Left Orbit Lane Spinner: The spinner in the left orbit lane provides visual and auditory feedback for fast-paced ball travel.

Promotional Materials and Future Outlook

Hexa Pinball has also released official promotional materials, including a flyer and a product specification sheet. The flyer provides a visually engaging overview of the game’s theme and key features, while the specification sheet offers a more technical breakdown of its components and capabilities. These documents are essential for potential buyers and enthusiasts seeking detailed information about the machine.

The company has indicated that further coverage of The 3 Musketeers, including details on any potential rescheduled launch event in Frisco, will be provided through Pinball News. This ongoing communication suggests a commitment to transparency and continued engagement with the pinball community.

The delay in the Texas launch, while unfortunate, highlights the complexities of international product distribution and event logistics. However, the comprehensive unveiling of The 3 Musketeers today ensures that enthusiasts worldwide can now appreciate the craftsmanship and thematic depth of Hexa Pinball’s latest creation. The game’s original theming, combined with the distinct offerings of its Classic and Elegance editions, positions it as a potentially significant addition to the contemporary pinball landscape. The success of The 3 Musketeers will likely be measured not only by its commercial performance but also by its ability to captivate players with its narrative, challenging gameplay, and the unique artistic vision brought forth by Hexa Pinball.