A Record-Breaking Development Odyssey
After an unprecedented 22-year journey, Kien, an action-packed platformer for the Game Boy Advance (GBA), has finally made its debut. Originating back in 2002, this game now holds the distinction of being the longest-in-development title in gaming history, outlasting even the infamous Duke Nukem Forever, which took 15 years to hit the shelves.
Back in 2002, a group of five passionate Italians set out to create something special—a game for Nintendo’s popular handheld console. Armed with little more than enthusiasm and a shared dream of breaking away from traditional jobs, they faced daunting challenges. Money was tight, and crucially, they lacked a programmer. Nevertheless, their unwavering optimism fueled their efforts to bring Kien to life.
For two intense years, they poured their hearts and souls into the project. Late nights were the norm, breaks were rare, but their vision for Kien, with its intricate gameplay and compelling narrative, kept them going. Despite their dedication, Kien remained unfinished and unseen—until now.
The Genesis and Setbacks of Kien
Kien’s path to release was marked by resilience. Despite early promise and interest from potential publishers, the game hit a major roadblock when market analysis deemed it too risky to proceed. The high production costs of GBA cartridges at the time—$15 per unit—further complicated matters.
“The financial burden of printing initial copies was daunting, especially with uncertain commercial prospects,” recalled Fabio Belsanti, the sole surviving member of the original team and the driving force behind Kien’s eventual release.
Belsanti’s dedication never wavered. Drawing inspiration from his academic years in Tuscany, where he unearthed forgotten tales of Renaissance mercenaries, he infused Kien with rich historical themes. Influenced by early Japanese game artistry and classic action titles like Turrican, Kien promised players a nonlinear fantasy adventure set against the backdrop of a lost civilization—a vision ahead of its time.
Kien offers players a choice between two protagonists: a stalwart warrior wielding a sword, and a wise priestess navigating treacherous foes. The game’s challenging mechanics draw comparisons to beloved classics like Dark Souls, evoking nostalgia akin to discovering hidden gems on dusty store shelves.
The prolonged delay was never part of the plan. Despite completing the game years ago, prohibitive costs and a lack of publisher support kept Kien in limbo. However, a recent resurgence in retro gaming has breathed new life into forgotten titles. With reduced manufacturing costs and a growing appetite for vintage gaming experiences, Kien finally found its moment.
Seizing Opportunities in the Retro Gaming Renaissance
In the past five years, a surge of interest in retro gaming has sparked a revival akin to vinyl or cassette tape nostalgia. This cultural shift created an opening for Kien’s resurrection. Specialist publishers like Incube8, focusing on classic console games, recognized Kien’s potential and championed its release.
“To see Kien realized on its original platform is magical,” Belsanti mused. The game now comes in a distinctive translucent gray cartridge, complete with a detailed manual—a throwback to the golden age of gaming.
With Kien’s long-awaited release, Belsanti’s company, AgeOfGames, is already crafting its spiritual successor, Astral Equilibrium. Reflecting on Kien’s journey and its relevance in today’s gaming landscape, Belsanti remains optimistic about its reception.
“The emotional power of older games, with their limited graphical resources, often surpasses modern counterparts,” Belsanti noted. “Imagination bridges the gap between pixel art and storytelling, creating unforgettable experiences.”
Belsanti attributes Kien’s unique appeal to its “harmony of opposites”—a whimsical aesthetic paired with a nuanced narrative. This balance defines Kien’s identity and sets it apart in a crowded gaming market.
Kien is available for purchase through Incube8 Games at $60, with a digital version priced at $10. While awaiting critical acclaim in a post-Dark Souls era, fans eagerly anticipate Astral Equilibrium’s Kickstarter launch.
