8-Kings

In 2002, Nokia enlisted Argonaut to develop a game for their upcoming gaming handheld, the Nokia N-Gage. Development for 8 Kings commenced promptly, with Nokia supplying prototype units for the game’s creation.

Initial versions of the game featured more intricate 3D-based sections because the original prototype N-Gage units possessed greater memory capacity than the retail units. However, when the final designs for retail devices were revealed, Argonaut had to adapt to a less resource-intensive 2D approach (source: Martin Piper on the N-Gage Discord Server). The team diligently worked on the game until it was nearly finished, but due to N-Gage sales falling short of expectations, Argonaut decided to cancel production.

The gameplay showed promise, drawing parallels to the gameplay of the Game Boy Advance series “Advance Wars,” featuring turn-based tactical elements. The game was set in a Great Depression-era with a gangster theme, incorporating elements of mobsters, gang wars, and mature themes.