This Game Boy Advance Game Originally Due Out in 2002 Is Finally Nearing Launch — 22 Years Late

Now this is what you call a video game delay! Game Boy Advance game Kien was once due out in 2002 but failed to launch after a string of cancellations. Now, 22 years later, Kien is finally coming out for Nintendo’s old handheld — and on a physical cartridge.

Kien is an action RPG platformer in which players explore 23 levels and face off against a number of enemies. Its revival and upcoming release is the work of retro publisher Incub8 and indie development studio AgeofGames.

Kien comes in a sealed box that contains a clear grey cart, a clear black cart protector, an instruction booklet and a Kien stickers sheet. It’s due for release in “early Q2” this year, so probably in April.

Here’s the official (and brand new) blurb:

“Discover the Secret of Kien! For 7,000 years the planet of Malkut has been wisely ruled by the 7 Masters of the Absolute. But chaos has been reborn as evil corrupts the Land of Harmony. The 7 Masters have vanished, mystical warriors were slaughtered, and the temples are doomed in blood. The only hope that remains is imprisoned in the hearts and wills of two young apprentices. Their fate is to fight evil, reveal the truth, and discover the secret of Kien.”

Kien was originally created by Italian developer P.M. STUDIOS with a 2002 release date, but it failed to come out after multiple publishing contracts collapsed. Despite the studio’s best effort to find a new publisher, Kien never saw the light of day.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].

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