Prince of Qin (20th Anniversary Edition-Crash Fix)

Title: Prince of Qin

Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
Developer: Beijing Object Software Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Beijing Object Software Co., Ltd.
Release Date: January 11, 2022

Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 7, Windows 10
- Processor: Intel Pentium II
- Memory: 1024 MB RAM
- Graphics: 2 MB DirectX 7 compatible graphics card
- DirectX: Version 7.0
- Storage: 2 GB available space
- Sound Card: 16-bit sound card

Build.8087562
- Added full-screen toggle functionality. Press Alt+Enter to switch between full-screen and windowed mode.

Build.8047532
- Fixed a crash issue that occurred by default at 1920 resolution.

Build.8005732
- Solutions for Crash Issues

1. For crashes occurring on some Windows 11 systems, please modify the properties of POQ.exe to run in Windows 7 compatibility mode.
2. For crashes when setting the resolution to 1080, enter the game at a lower resolution first, then set it to 1920×1080 and enable static lighting. This will allow normal gameplay. We are working to optimize and resolve this issue as soon as possible.

This re-release is intended to allow players who deeply loved Prince of Qin twenty years ago to relive its former glory. Accordingly, we have optimized the resolution for modern system environments and display sizes, now supporting windowed mode and 1080P resolution.

Prince of Qin is an action role-playing game developed by Object Software, originally released on July 6, 2002. The game begins with the death of Qin Shi Huang at Shaqiu and continues until the fall of the Qin Dynasty. As the first unified feudal dynasty in Chinese history, the Qin Empire lasted a mere 15 years from its establishment to its collapse, aptly described as a premature demise. During this period, the rebellions against Qin led by Chen Sheng and Wu Guang from Dazexiang also ended prematurely due to internal strife. Finally, the suicide of the Conqueror of Chu, Xiang Yu, at the Wu River evokes lament for a hero's untimely death. Through the protagonist's eyes, the game portrays the society of that time: desolate and sorrowful, filled with loss—laborers dying far from home, commoners conscripted to guard the frontiers, righteous armies fighting valiantly, and Qin soldiers making a desperate last stand. It seems only the word "殇" (shāng, meaning premature death or mourning) can so succinctly capture this essence. The fate of Fusu in the game is inextricably intertwined with this concept of "殇."

Prince of Qin is an action RPG that Object Software spent three years and invested millions in developing. Upon its release, it won acclaim from numerous players and achieved remarkable success overseas. In North America, it successfully secured a contract with the renowned distributor Strategy First. In Japan, it was fully represented by the veteran company CAPCOM. It was the first domestic RPG to achieve such impressive results. The Qin Dynasty was the first feudal dynasty in Chinese history. Its founder, Emperor Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng), is also one of the greatest monarchs in Chinese history. He unified the warring states of the Warring States period and established the Qin Empire. He standardized weights, measures, and script across China, and ordered the construction of the famous Great Wall. The game's protagonist is his eldest son, Fusu. In Chinese history, Fusu was framed and killed by his younger brother, Huhai. However, in this game, Fusu does not die. As the crown prince, he embarks on a difficult journey for revenge. Crown Prince Fusu, who guarded the frontier and strived for good governance, should have been the rightful successor. His father's inexplicable death, his brother's unfounded framing, the unjust slaughter of his family, the heartless betrayal by old friends, the selfless aid of righteous individuals, and the meticulous care of his beloved—all drive Fusu to seek vengeance and strive to make a difference in this chaotic era. Can he kill those who framed him? How can he possibly turn the tide and prevent the Qin Dynasty's collapse? Can he live forever with the one he loves? Can he establish his own kingdom where the people live and work in peace and contentment? We believe that after playing our game, you will find a satisfying answer.

Game Story

The Qin Dynasty was the first centralized autocratic empire in Chinese history. Its founder, Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng, is also regarded as one of the greatest monarchs in Chinese history. He unified the warring states of the Warring States period and established the Qin Empire. He standardized weights, measures, and writing systems across China and commissioned the construction of the famous Great Wall. However, he seemingly made one grave mistake: exiling his eldest son, Fusu, to the frontier. Historically, Fusu was framed and killed by his younger brother Huhai and the eunuch Zhao Gao. But in this game, Fusu survives. As the crown prince, he embarks on a difficult journey for revenge.

The protagonist, Fusu, was originally the rightful heir to the throne. His father’s unexplained death, his brother’s baseless schemes, the unjust slaughter of his family, the betrayal by former friends, the selfless aid of righteous allies, and the unwavering care of his beloved—all drive Fusu to seek vengeance and strive for greatness in this chaotic era. Can he kill those who framed him? Can he reverse the tide of the Qin Dynasty’s collapse? Can he live peacefully with the one he loves? Can he establish his own kingdom where the people thrive? Everything depends on the player’s efforts!

You never imagined that you, the esteemed Crown Prince of Qin, would one day find yourself fleeing for your life across a thousand miles. An imperial decree from your father actually orders you to commit suicide—no matter how hard you think, you cannot fathom why. If not for General Meng Tian’s desperate efforts to cover your escape, you would have long become a wronged soul in the underworld. Now, only one thought fills your mind: return to Xianyang!

Breaking through the encirclement at Shangjun, you face relentless pursuit and searches by Qin soldiers along the way. Your body is already covered in wounds, your armor stained with blood. Days of desperate flight have left your nerves nearly numb; even the pain of your injuries seems faint. Outside Zhaocun Village, you encounter the farmer Zhao Wu and his wife, who often delivered grain to the military camp. They point you toward the road south to Xianyang and, noticing your conspicuous armor, offer you their own humble clothes. You remove your bloodstained armor, change into peasant attire, and continue your flight south. Yet shortly after you leave, Qin soldiers catch up. Zhao Wu conceals your whereabouts, but the soldiers discover your discarded armor.

Finally, let’s discuss the game’s title. Qin Shang (秦殇) embodies the very soul of the game. The character “殇” (shāng) is profound—it means “to die young” or “to die away from home, often in battle.” This ancient, evocative word aligns perfectly with the game’s essence. The story begins with Qin Shi Huang’s death at Shaqiu and ends with the fall of the Qin Dynasty. As the first unified feudal dynasty in Chinese history, Qin lasted a mere 15 years from its establishment to its collapse—a fitting metaphor for a premature end. During this time, the uprisings led by Chen Sheng and Wu Guang at Dazexiang, later torn apart by internal strife, also met an untimely demise. Finally, the tragic suicide of Xiang Yu, the Conqueror of Chu, at the Wujiang River laments the early death of a hero. Through the eyes of the protagonist, the game portrays a society filled with desolation and sorrow: laborers dying far from home, commoners conscripted to guard distant frontiers, righteous rebels fighting courageously, and Qin soldiers making their last stand. Only the word “殇” could so succinctly capture this imagery. And Fusu’s fate in the game is inextricably tied to this concept of “殇.”

Feature Systems

Gathering System

By hunting beasts, players can obtain various animal hides, bones, and sinews. Through mining and logging, various ores and timber can be acquired. Trading and commerce allow access to more rare items. All items can potentially be forged by players into their own divine weapons or peerless armor. Players can name the weapons they craft, making them unique personal artifacts. In the game, various pieces of equipment can be combined into a set, greatly saving inventory space, and different sets can be switched via hotkeys without opening the item interface. All weapons and armor possess their own Five Elements attributes. Selecting different weapons based on enemy conditions can achieve optimal attack effectiveness. The protagonist's in-game appearance will also change accordingly when equipped with certain weapons and armor.

Combat System

The game employs real-time combat, controllable solely via the mouse, though players can also define hotkeys to assist in battle. Players can set traps using the environment, employ various luring strategies, flexibly utilize each hero's unique skills or spells, and engage in rich tactical combinations to make each battle a new adventure. Taming or summoning various birds and beasts can aid in attacking enemies. During combat, friendly fire may occur, adding to the enjoyment of battle. In intense fights, it is even possible to knock off an enemy's armor or weapon and claim it.

Quest System

To help players better experience the social turmoil and the joys and sorrows of the people during the chaotic late Qin Dynasty, the game features a rich variety of side quests, meticulously crafted to intertwine and complement the main storyline. Players can choose dialogue with NPCs according to their personality; different dialogues will lead to different consequences, and different methods of completing tasks will result in varied interactive outcomes. Whether to become a benevolent angel or an evil demon rests entirely on the player's choices. Different paths will influence different endings, with various unexpected conclusions awaiting players to gradually uncover.

The game is designed to maximize player freedom and minimize restrictions. Players can annotate maps to facilitate item searches, control the game's pace through pausing to allow players of different skill levels to adapt to varying combat intensities, and direct their own upgrades to create their own heroic teams... The random item system ensures that weapons and items are diverse and rarely identical.

Game Music

Another distinctive feature of the game is its highly ethnic-inspired music. The instrumentation primarily draws from ethnic music but is not limited to existing ethnic compositions, as most existing ethnic music originates from modern times, while the game aims to depict ancient society. Mainly used ethnic instruments include: zheng, xiao, xun, flute, and drum. Other ethnic instruments, such as pipa and erhu, are appropriately incorporated. The game uses one or more main themes, under which several variations are created. These variations are produced in terms of rhythm, melody, and instrumentation based on the needs of the game's plot and atmosphere, expressing emotions such as excitement, anger, sorrow, and romance. The main themes are presented in symphonic form, also performed through ensemble or solo arrangements, and even feature choral or solo vocal performances.

Multiple Endings System

In the final chapter, after fighting your way out of the Epang Palace, you storm Zhao Gao's mansion in search of him. Inside the mansion, you discover an entrance to an underground palace. Breaking through layer after layer of obstacles, you finally find Zhao Gao on the third level of the underground palace. A long-awaited battle of vengeance begins. Note that Zhao Gao undergoes two transformations, meaning you must defeat him three times to completely eliminate him. Moreover, with each transformation, Zhao Gao's attributes are enhanced. His spell attacks are particularly powerful, sometimes even capable of delivering a one-hit kill, so always watch for his preparatory movements. Once you notice he is about to cast a powerful spell, quickly run away to escape its range. Given his frequent teleportation, using strong ranged attacks is a good strategy. Additionally, prepare ample food and medicinal herbs to replenish health as needed. When Zhao Gao finally falls beneath your sword, you feel no joy of vengeance fulfilled, only endless confusion. You raise your head to the sky, wondering: where does your true destiny lie?

The Final Ending

In 221 BCE, Qin Shi Huang conquered the six states, ending the centuries-long conflicts of the Five Hegemons during the Spring and Autumn period and the Seven Warring States, and established the first unified dynasty in Chinese history—the Great Qin Empire!

In 206 BCE, Xiang Yu, a descendant of the Chu people, led an army of four hundred thousand rebels into Xianyang. A great fire reduced the unparalleled splendor of the Epang Palace to ashes, marking the collapse of the once-mighty Great Qin Empire.

In the raging flames that consumed the Epang Palace for three months, the magnificent achievements and illustrious prestige forged by the tireless struggles of the Qin ancestors over centuries faded away with the curling smoke, becoming a part of history left to the whims of fishermen on the river and old women in the alleys.

In just fifteen years, the Great Qin Empire was like a shooting star streaking across the historical sky—brilliant yet fleeting, leaving no trace behind. Yet, it has left us with endless contemplation and sighs...

1 Seclusion in the Peach Blossom Paradise

The thrill of avenging your enemies did not linger long in your heart. The distant echoes of galloping warhorses and the mournful cries of the people still haunted your ears. Zhao Gao was dead, but the war did not end with his demise. In times of conflict, the people suffer endlessly, and peace remains their eternal hope. Yet, this cannot be achieved merely by killing one Zhao Gao!

You eventually returned to the secluded world near Zhao Village, building a true paradise for the people who yearned for survival and stability amidst the chaos of war. As time passed, the place you named "Peach Blossom Paradise" gradually flourished. Its residents lived in peace and contentment, their lives filled with joy. You never told them your name, but seeing the happiness reflected in their eyes, you felt it was enough.

Prerequisite: Complete the quest to find the Peach Blossom Paradise.

2 Seclusion in Miaojiang

Neither excitement nor satisfaction filled your heart after avenging your enemies—only a sense of relief. You planted your sword in the ground and gazed skyward, hoping to find your father’s watchful eyes in the vast heavens. Liu Bang’s army was already at the city gates, the empire had fallen, and the Great Qin was on the brink of collapse. This was no longer your country, and you had no choice but to leave.

Yinzhu accompanied you back to the Misty Cloud Valley, where you began a truly peaceful life. Armor was replaced by simple cloth garments, and the sword was exchanged for a medicine hoe. You felt that this life of contentment, free from desire, might be your true destiny.

Prerequisite: Yinzhu must be in your party.

3 Seclusion in Fusang

After avenging your great grievance, you quietly left Xianyang and returned to Mount Tai. To your surprise, Xu Fu seemed to have anticipated your arrival. Leading a fully prepared fleet under your command, you set sail eastward in search of the elusive and mythical overseas immortal mountains. In later generations, when the name "Fusang" reached the Central Plains, no one could have imagined its subtle connection to your name. But none of that mattered. When you set foot on that uninhabited island, a new chapter of your life had already begun.

Prerequisite: Complete the Lu Sheng event and find Xu Fu.

4 Seclusion Beyond the Frontier

Silently sheathing your sword, you felt you should laugh, but your heart was filled with an urge to cry. In the pursuit of wealth and power, brothers could turn against each other, and friends could become enemies. With a single word from those in power, countless lives could be lost. This was not your world, and you only wished to leave. You traveled north, integrating into the straightforward and honest nomadic tribes beyond the frontier. Sometimes, you rode and hunted with Modu, the new Chanyu of the Xiongnu, across the vast grasslands. Your days were simple, uncomplicated, and filled with joy.

To express his gratitude for your help in reclaiming his throne, Modu kept his promise and never invaded the Central Plains. Unfortunately, after Liu Bang unified the nation, he sought to launch a massive campaign against the Xiongnu. Modu, a man of great ambition and strategy, feigned weakness at first. Then, taking advantage of Liu Bang’s unpreparedness during an inspection at Mount Baideng, he suddenly surrounded him with four hundred thousand elite troops. At the critical moment, it was only with your help that Liu Bang narrowly escaped death. Later generations have long been puzzled by Modu’s decision not to kill Liu Bang at that time, but they were unaware of your existence. Such is history—those who truly shape it often leave no trace of their names.

Prerequisite: Help Modu claim the position of Chanyu.

5 Embracing the Mohist Path

You suddenly feel utterly exhausted. Why must people kill one another? Why can't we coexist in harmony? So much deceit, life-or-death struggles, betraying one's own brothers for a shred of power, abandoning human dignity for momentary gain—what is all this truly for? You recall the Mohist principles of "universal love and non-aggression" that Master Fang Zhong often spoke of, and remember the many deep conversations you shared with him during your travels. It strikes you that perhaps only by following the Mohist teachings can a perfect world be built. Thus, you and Fang Zhong wander together, striving for that ideal world.

Prerequisite: Fang Zhong must be in the party.

6 Retiring with the Beauties

It's all over. For so long, you have yearned for this moment, yet when it finally arrives, you find it hard to accept. From now on, what meaning does your existence hold? Hatred, betrayal, treachery, bloodshed, parting in death... You suddenly feel profoundly alone, as if you have nothing left. And so, you weep bitterly. A warm hand gently rests on your shoulder. You turn and see the women who have fought alongside you through life and death. Like you, they have endured separations and weathered the storms of the world. They gaze at you silently. Yes, from now on, you are their sole support, their only family.

Spring turned to summer, year after year, and no one knew where Fusu had gone. Many years later, some claimed to have seen a middle-aged man paying respects before the Mausoleum of the First Emperor on Mount Li, with several women and children standing behind him...

Prerequisite: The party must consist entirely of female characters.

7 Assisting Liu Bang

At this moment, a torrent of emotions floods your heart. Your father's imposing majesty as he unified the realm and ruled the world, the carefree days of childhood playing with siblings, the tender affection of newlywed bliss with your beloved wife, the heroic spirit of guarding the frontier and galloping across the deserts... All these memories pass before your eyes. Tears fall silently. It all feels like a dream—hazy yet vividly clear. Upon waking, everything has changed. Only the ambition you held since childhood remains unwavering: to spare the common people from the scourge of war, the pain of separation, and the plight of displacement. But the great Qin Empire is now crumbling beyond salvation. Even if you were to reclaim the throne, what could you do?

Rather than trying to reverse an irreversible tide, it is better to forge a new beginning! You think of Liu Bang. Yes, many heroes have risen, but only Liu Bang possesses the vision and strategy to rule the world. Xiang Yu is merely a brave warrior lacking in wisdom; for governing the realm, none but Liu Bang is fit. Thus, you seek out Liu Bang and join forces with Zhang Liang, Han Xin, and others, campaigning north and south until the land is unified. On the day Liu Bang ascends the throne, you leave a letter of farewell and resolutely retire into seclusion. In the letter, you urge Liu Bang never to speak of you to anyone, and never to reveal that Qin Crown Prince Fusu aided his rise to emperor. From then on, you are but an ordinary subject of the Han Dynasty, and your name is Ziqin...

The most common ending, requiring no specific conditions.