Creating a video game on any platform takes a lot of work, and even when the game is finished, it’s still not immune to delays (see: Duke Nukem Forever, LA Noire and Diablo III.) A group of Italian programmers had to wait 22 years to finally see their fantasy hack ‘n slasher released. Kien For Game Boy Advance (GBA) — a console whose last units were released in 2009. Guardian.
Kien first began to develop long in 2002. A small group of Italian programmers was formed AgeOfGames, the first company in the country to start production under the name GBA. Two years later, they had a finished product, but the game never saw store shelves because its publisher deemed it too much of a financial risk to release.
In the interim, AgeOfGames switched to making educational games to stay in business, and the GBA’s life cycle came and went. Then the retro gaming boom gave the Italian studio an opportunity: a new publisher specializing in classic console games, incube8 Games, received interest. Now Kien available in cartridge formand can be played on original hardware.
In general, retro gaming is big business these days and more accessible than ever. There is all kinds of new consoles Designed to play hundreds of thousands of different titles since last year. The iPhone finally started allowing all kinds of impersonating apps classic consoles in their online stores earlier this year. There’s even a renaissance of new games using old-fashioned graphics. You’re never far from the games and experiences that defined your childhood.
Kien available for Purchase from incube8’s website (only slightly shocking) for $60.