The top disk has a rotating wheel with symbols, runes, or characters on it, which, when turned, align with codes printed on the base disk.
While ingenious, the Knights of Xentar code wheel showcased the clear limitations of 90s-era analog security:
To understand the game, one must first know its origins. Knights of Xentar is the North American localization of the Japanese eroge (erotic game) Dragon Knight III (ドラゴンナイトIII), developed by ELF Corporation and originally released for the NEC PC-9801 in 1991. It was part of the popular Dragon Knight series, which, despite having multiple sequels, saw only this third installment officially translated and released outside of Japan.
Unlike modern DRM that checks an internet server, Knights of Xentar relied on a physical artifact included in the box. The code wheel was a series of concentric cardboard circles held together by a single brass rivet in the center. knights of xentar code wheel
: Many enthusiasts have uploaded printable PDF versions or interactive digital "virtual wheels" to platforms like the Internet Archive or GameFAQs .
The device consisted of two or three rotating cardboard discs pinned together at the center: Outer Disc : Contained primary reference symbols or characters. Middle Disc
The Knights of Xentar Code Wheel added a unique twist to the gameplay experience. Players had to use problem-solving skills and critical thinking to decode the messages and passwords. This mechanic not only made the game more challenging but also more engaging. Players had to explore the game world, interact with non-playable characters (NPCs), and collect clues to unlock new areas and progress through the story. The top disk has a rotating wheel with
The game would ask you to enter the third word on page 14 of the instruction booklet.
Manuals printed with dark ink on dark red or brown paper, making them nearly impossible to duplicate on 90s xerox copy machines.
The device typically featured:
The code wheel was used to bypass a security check, typically occurring after the game's introduction or when loading a save. The game would display a specific symbol or prompt, and the player had to physically align the layers of the cardboard wheel to find the corresponding matching code. How the Wheel Works
Games would frequently interrupt the player—either at launch or at a specific checkpoint early in the story—and demand a specific word from a printed manual, a hidden symbol from a dark-colored sheet that resisted photocopying, or a variable code from a mechanical code wheel.
If you are trying to get an old copy of the game running, let me know if you need help finding the or if you need instructions on how to configure DOSBox to run it properly. Share public link It was part of the popular Dragon Knight
Published in the West by Megatech Software in 1994, Knights of Xentar is a fantasy RPG known for its humorous dialogue, classic top-down exploration, active-time grid combat, and explicit anime-style artwork. It followed the cheeky protagonist Desmond as he attempted to recover stolen elven treasures. Because of its mature content, it became a cult classic among a specific subset of PC gamers.