Kien (2024)
a COMMERCIAL game by ‘AgeOfGames’ for GBA published by ‘Incube8 Games’
Written for BrewOtaku #003 by Usman A. Khan
There’s game development hell, and then there’s Kien — a record-breaking 22-year wait for a game finished in 2002 but never released. Now, this action platformer with RPG elements finally emerges from the cold, not as a remake, but a true resurrection after multiple publishing mishaps and decades of anticipation.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE
Kien offers an engrossing adventure spanning 23 challenging levels. The gameplay is unrelenting, with multiple enemies overwhelming you. Though it’s a 2D side-scrolling combat platformer, similarities between it and ‘Dark Souls’ are aplenty. The game’s non-linear structure makes every playthrough unique, which lets players explore Kien’s vast universe at their own leisure. Kien allows you to choose between two protagonists: a warrior and a priestess. The warrior carries a mighty sword to defeat the ungodly number of enemies. With that many enemies gunning for you, letting your guard down is not an option. Having entered production all the way back in 2002, Kien endured a painfully long journey to release. Independent developer AgeOfGames conceived Kien as a simple passion project.
The game was finished and shipped to reviewers as early as November 2003. However, it was abruptly cancelled by its publisher right before launch.
Within the last few years, the retro gaming scene has flourished, renewing interest in ageing hardware and rare games. Kien’s new publisher, Incube8, is now firmly backing Kien. The game is now being sold in an eye-catching translucent gray cartridge.
Conclusion
With a non-linear structure and enemies up to your eyeballs, Kien’s challenging world is a captivating experience. You’ll be dying a lot, but a true gamer never lets that stop him from enjoying the fun, right? The wait is over, and fans can finally get
their chance to play the game.
