A group of Italian programmers worked hard for 22 years to finally release their fantasy hack ‘n slasher game, Kien, for the Game Boy Advance (GBA). This game is considered one of the most delayed games in history. The development of Kien started back in 2002 when AgeOfGames, the first company in Italy to produce a GBA title, began working on it. Despite having a finished product two years later, the game was never released due to financial concerns from the publisher.
During the long wait, AgeOfGames switched to creating educational games to sustain their business. However, the opportunity arose when incube8 Games, a publisher specializing in classic console games, showed interest in Kien. Now, the game is finally available in cartridge form and can be played on original GBA hardware.
Retro gaming has become a lucrative industry in recent years, with various consoles allowing players to access a wide range of classic titles. The iPhone now supports emulation apps for classic consoles, opening up new possibilities for gamers. Additionally, there has been a resurgence of new games utilizing old-school graphics, providing nostalgic experiences for players.
For those interested in playing Kien, it is available for purchase on incube8’s website for $60, making it accessible to fans of retro gaming. The long-awaited release of this game marks a significant milestone for the Italian programmers who dedicated years to its development.
