Hexa Pinball today officially released comprehensive details for its highly anticipated second title, The 3 Musketeers, a pinball machine inspired by Alexandre Dumas’s timeless novel. The game’s title was initially announced in October of the previous year alongside a brief teaser video, but this marks the first complete reveal of its features and design. The unveiling was slated to occur concurrently at two prominent locations: the Bouillon d’Art gallery in Bordeaux, France, and the Texas Pinball Festival in Frisco, Texas. However, unforeseen delays in U.S. customs clearance prevented the game from arriving in Texas in time for its scheduled 4 PM reveal on the festival’s opening day. Despite this logistical hiccup, Pinball News is now able to provide an in-depth look at this new offering from Hexa Pinball.

A Swashbuckling Adventure on the Playfield

The 3 Musketeers serves as the follow-up to Hexa Pinball’s debut title, Space Hunt. This new machine immerses players in the world of D’Artagnan, the ambitious young Gascon who seeks to join King Louis XIII’s elite guard of musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. Players will embark on D’Artagnan’s journey, undertaking challenges and trials designed to prove his valor and earn his place among the legendary trio. The narrative of the game pits the player against the formidable Cardinal Richelieu and his cunning secret agent, Milady de Winter. Milady de Winter is notably represented on the playfield as a bash toy situated beneath a lift ramp, offering a tactile element to the game’s antagonists.

The game’s design prioritizes player engagement and accessibility, offering three distinct gameplay modes: "Normal," "Competition," and "Simple." This variety caters to different player preferences, from those seeking a standard experience to competitive players and newcomers to the hobby. Furthermore, the game incorporates modern features such as the ability to pause gameplay at any time, a crucial element for players who may need to step away temporarily without losing progress. Achievement tracking is integrated through the company’s proprietary "Plungr" app, allowing players to monitor their progress and compare their scores with others in a digital community.

Editions and Exclusivity: Classic and Elegance

Hexa Pinball is offering The 3 Musketeers in two distinct versions, each designed to appeal to different segments of the pinball market. The "Classic Edition" is priced at €7,890 (excluding VAT), providing a robust pinball experience rooted in the game’s core mechanics and theme. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a more premium offering, the "Elegance Edition" is available at €10,390 (excluding VAT). This upgraded version is strictly limited to 200 units worldwide, emphasizing its exclusivity and collectible value.

The differentiation between the two editions lies in a range of enhanced cosmetic and functional features.

Classic Edition Features:

• Decal Art Package: Includes both "Dark" and "Bright" decal options, allowing for a personalized aesthetic.
• Powder Coated Armor: Features "Musketeer’s Blue" powder-coated armor, contributing to the machine’s robust and thematic appearance.
• Translight: A "Sunset" printed translight enhances the visual appeal of the backglass area.
• Glass: Standard glass is utilized for the playfield cover.
• Plastic Decorations: Printed plastic decorations are incorporated into the playfield design.

Elegance Edition Features:

• SideShield Art Package: An upgraded "Dark and Bright SideShield" art package provides a more immersive visual experience.
• Brilliant Splendor Armor: The machine boasts "Brilliant Splendor Gold" powder-coated armor, signifying a higher level of finish and luxury.
• Mirrored Backglass: A "Sunset" mirrored printed backglass offers a more dynamic and visually striking display.
• Anti-Reflection Glass: This premium feature reduces glare, improving visibility and player comfort.
• Handcrafted 3D Decorations: Unique, handcrafted three-dimensional elements are integrated into the playfield, adding depth and artistry.
• Immersive Side Art: Elaborate side art wraps around the cabinet, enhancing the overall thematic presentation.
• Shaker Motor: A "Pinsound" shaker motor provides tactile feedback, intensifying gameplay moments and immersion.
• Numbered Leather Plaque: Each of the 200 units features a uniquely numbered leather plaque, signifying its limited edition status.
• Certificate of Authenticity: A formal certificate accompanies each Elegance Edition, validating its authenticity and collectible nature.

Original Creations and Artistic Vision

A notable aspect of The 3 Musketeers pinball machine is that it is not based on any pre-existing film or animated adaptation of Dumas’s novel. This approach has allowed Hexa Pinball to create entirely original audio and video assets, ensuring a fresh and unique experience for players. The artwork for the machine has been meticulously crafted by the renowned Tristan Fallon, an artist celebrated for his contributions to the pinball industry. The musical score, which aims to evoke the era and adventurous spirit of the story, is composed by Hervé Coussillan. This dedication to original content underscores Hexa Pinball’s commitment to developing distinct and artistically driven pinball machines.

Playfield Design: A Realm of Dueling and Intrigue

The playfield itself is a testament to the game’s theme, featuring numerous elements designed to recreate the swashbuckling adventures of the musketeers. Detailed imagery of the playfield reveals a carefully orchestrated layout intended to challenge and engage players.

Key features observed on the playfield include:

• The Milady de Winter Bash Toy: Positioned under the central ramp, this interactive element allows players to directly engage with one of the primary antagonists.
• The English Fleet Swinging Target: A dynamic target that likely represents naval skirmishes or significant plot points, adding an element of unpredictable action.
• Wireform Ball Lock: A visually striking wireform mechanism serves as a ball lock, a common feature in modern pinball that enhances multiball gameplay and strategic depth.
• Cannon Over the Left Slingshot: A thematic embellishment that likely serves a functional purpose within the game’s mechanics, perhaps related to scoring or triggering events.
• Left Orbit Lane Spinner: A classic pinball feature that adds speed and a satisfying sensory feedback to successful shots.
• Sculpts and Shots at the Top of the Playfield: Intricate sculpts and well-defined shots at the upper portion of the playfield suggest multiple pathways and objectives, contributing to the game’s complexity and replayability.

The artwork on the playfield, as seen in accompanying images, showcases vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that bring the 17th-century French setting to life. Inserts are strategically placed to guide players and highlight scoring opportunities, while the overall aesthetic is cohesive and immersive, drawing players into the narrative of D’Artagnan’s quest.

Event Disruption and Future Outlook

The planned dual launch events highlight Hexa Pinball’s ambition to reach both European and North American markets simultaneously. The disruption at the Texas Pinball Festival, while unfortunate, underscores the logistical challenges inherent in international product launches. Such delays can impact initial market reception and create a ripple effect on subsequent sales and promotional activities. However, the commitment to providing a full reveal through media outlets like Pinball News demonstrates the company’s dedication to transparency and engaging with the pinball community.

The postponement of the Texas reveal means that details regarding any rescheduled launch event in Frisco, or further information about the game’s availability and distribution in North America, are eagerly awaited by enthusiasts. Pinball News has indicated that it will continue to provide updates on The 3 Musketeers, including coverage of the Texas Pinball Festival, promising further insights into this exciting new pinball machine. The availability of a detailed flyer and product specification sheet further equips potential buyers with the information needed to make informed decisions, signaling a proactive approach to market engagement despite the initial event setback. The inclusion of features like the Plungr app integration suggests a forward-thinking approach to community building and player retention, aiming to foster a dedicated fanbase around their titles. As Hexa Pinball establishes its presence in the competitive pinball market, The 3 Musketeers represents a significant step in showcasing their design philosophy and commitment to delivering engaging, thematic pinball experiences.