If you’re one of the many who grew up playing XianJian QiXia Zhuan 仙劍奇俠傳 during the mid 90s, you would have experienced the breathtaking classic Chinese RPG as a child. The game for international English players was simply known as ‘PAL’ due to the game extension being “pal.exe”. The title has since been translated into “The Legend of Sword and Fairy” which is now known as “Chinese Paladin”, the title for the 2005 TV drama adaptation of the game.
PAL DOS/95/98: Xiaoyao and Yueru find a snake in Ling’er’s room (Who is actually Ling’er in her nuwa form)
So maybe you didn’t know about the game until you watched the drama. You’re keen on checking it out and giving it a play. However, you soon realise that there are a few versions… so, which one should you play? Here’s a quick run-down:
DOS version
First released in 1995, it is often cited as the most successful video game in Taiwan and Mainland China. It is also the hardest out of all versions due to the long and difficult mazes the player must overcome. (I think the challenge is fun though :D)
Ling’er fighting Bai Yue in the DOS version
Windows 95/98 version
A re-release for the Windows 95/98 platforms. Some typos and bugs in the DOS version were removed, and the whole difficulty reduced by simplification of mazes. Additionally, three-dimensional AVI clips were introduced in place of the original static pictures. (I personally don’t mind the DOS version even though they’re static.) Also, the RIX music used in the DOS version was replaced with MIDI tracks, which is inferior in quality to RIX.
A Nu during the ending sequence of the game (DOS)
A Nu during the ending sequence of the game (Win 95/98)
New Version Windows XP
This is a remake of the DOS version, with minimal changes to the original storyline. There are two alternate endings dedicated to the two female protagonists Zhao Ling’er and Lin Yue Ru. Initially released in 2001, it was titled in Chinese as Xin Xianjian Qixia Zhuan 新仙劍奇俠傳.
Character stats for Zhao Ling’er (Win XP version)
To compare the differences visually in all version, please out the image gallery below.
Is the game in English?
If you’re asking this question, it’s likely you can’t read Chinese or not very good at it. Other English fans have claimed they played the whole game without knowing the language at all. It’s always good to know what they’re saying, though there is no official English release of the game. However, check out this fan made version here for download!
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