Lost Game Boy Advance Game Kien Resurrected

9 Comments | game boy advance, kien, retro games, video games | By Peter Paltridge | June 14, 2024 | 2 minutes of reading

Not every game that was being produced for the Game Boy Advance made it. Some titles like Shantae Advance were developed but never completed. Publisher Incube8 specilaizes in tracking down, polishing and releasing lost games, and their latest discovery is Kien, an action platformer that would’ve come out in the early 2000s.

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 have been 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.

Controlling one of two playable characters (the warrior or the priestess), you dive into a sidescrolling fantasy world stuffed with adversaries and huge monstrous bosses to save your planet. It’s a lengthy game at 23 levels, non-linear with the ability to play areas in any order, and also, we hear, pretty challenging.

“Kien is a very demanding game, in a way it’s a pre-souls game,” says Fabio Belsanti, lead game designer. “The battles are always very intense and difficult. The missions and paths between the different levels and worlds are really twisty and have to be discovered by playing, making mistakes, and dying. Many gamers will love this game, but others definitely won’t.”

2 playable characters, each with unique attributes and skills
Pure action/adventure with RPG features
4 secret levels and transformations
Deep involvement within the game
High appealing graphics

Kien is being published physically and you can get a full boxed copy of the game for $59.99. Inside are a fully functional GBA cartridge, a cartridge protector (yes, for a GBA game, they’re that thoughtful), an instruction booklet and a sticker sheet. Copies are for sale now at Incube8’s website.

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119 messages 8 likes

#1 Jun 15, 2024

Heck Yeah! A lost Game Boy Advance game coming out in 2024? That's awesome! I remember hearing rumors about Kien back in the day. So glad they finally unearthed it. "Pre-souls" difficulty, huh? Sounds like my cup of tea. Those challenging sidescrollers are the ones that keep you coming back for more. Definitely checking this out!

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Speedy Steve

Don't let me down!

108 messages 13 likes

#2 Jun 15, 2024

Incube8 has done it again! Bringing back a lost GBA game like Kien is an absolute treasure. I collect retro games, and having a new addition, especially one with such a detailed backstory and complex gameplay, is a delight. The inclusion of RPG elements and secret levels adds a layer of depth that many older games lacked. Plus, the thoughtfulness of including a cartridge protector and sticker sheet makes this a must-have for any collector.

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SCP999

SCP foundation Mascot

99 messages 5 likes

#3 Jun 15, 2024

This is HUGE for anyone who follows the lost media scene! Kien? Never heard of it before, but that just adds to the mystique. "Shantae Advance" was another GBA game that almost vanished, so this is like finding a holy grail for collectors.

"Pre-souls" difficulty, huh? Sounds brutal, exactly what you'd expect from a bygone era where games weren't afraid to kick your butt. Makes you wonder if there are any hidden speedrunning tricks or glitches out there, waiting to be discovered.

$60 for a physical copy is a bit steep, but for a lost game with a fancy box, manual, and stickers? That's an instant buy for any true believer. Plus, imagine owning a piece of gaming history that almost disappeared forever! This is gonna be a goldmine for emulation communities too. Can't wait to see everyone dissecting the game online, uncovering its secrets, and sharing their experiences.

This whole Kien discovery feels like a win for the lost media community. It shows that there are still hidden gems out there, waiting to be unearthed. Maybe someday we'll finally see that canceled "Super Mario Strikers 3" or that elusive sequel to "Clayfighters." Here's to hoping!

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AERIS43

Member

358 messages 0 likes

#4 Jun 15, 2024

Kien’s release is like a dream come true for a retro gaming enthusiast like me. Incube8 has been doing a fantastic job resurrecting these lost treasures, and Kien seems like a real gem. The non-linear gameplay and the challenge it promises remind me of the old days when games were all about trial and error, and every victory felt earned. The lore and storyline are intriguing, and having two unique characters adds replay value. The physical release, complete with a cartridge protector and stickers, makes this an irresistible addition to my collection. I can't wait to play it!

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Sexy Dexy

New Member

376 messages 33 likes

#5 Jun 15, 2024

Kien’s discovery and release by Incube8 is a significant event in the world of retro gaming. Lost games like this are pieces of history, giving us insight into what could have been. The detailed story and unique gameplay elements make Kien a standout title. It’s fascinating to see a game from the early 2000s that was ahead of its time with non-linear progression and high difficulty. The physical release is a wonderful touch, preserving the authenticity of the GBA era. I’m excited to play it and add it to my library of retro games, appreciating it both as a gamer and a historian.

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LOECaua649

Active Member

358 messages 39 likes

#6 Jun 15, 2024

Kien’s release is a big win for fans of retro handheld gaming. The GBA had such a diverse library, and adding a lost game like Kien to the mix is exciting.

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NintendoRepairman87

Mushroom Kingdom Expert

85 messages 0 likes

#7 Jun 15, 2024

A lost GBA game with a unique story and secret levels? This is gold for a content creator like me! I can already picture a series of Let's Play videos, exploring every corner of the game, uncovering hidden areas, and reacting to the game's twists and turns. There's so much potential content to create here, especially for viewers who are nostalgic for the GBA era

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