The King of Kings

The King of Kings: The Early Years is a Christian-themed NES platform game released by Wisdom Tree in 1991. Inspired by stories from the Bible, this unique retro adventure presents three different gameplay experiences based on important events surrounding the early life of Jesus Christ. Instead of following a single continuous storyline, players can choose between three separate adventures, each featuring its own characters, environments, and challenges.

The first adventure, The Wise Men, follows the journey of the Three Wise Men as they travel toward Bethlehem to find the newborn Jesus. Players guide a wise man riding a camel through deserts, rocky landscapes, caves, and ancient cities. Along the way, they collect gifts such as gold, frankincense, and myrrh while avoiding dangerous creatures and environmental obstacles.

The second adventure, Flight to Egypt, follows Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus as they escape to Egypt. Players control the donkey carrying the family through mountainous paths, green meadows, and icy terrain. Careful jumping, running, and timing are essential for reaching the end of each stage safely.

The third adventure, Jesus and the Temple, focuses on Joseph and Mary as they search for their missing twelve-year-old son, Jesus, after discovering he is not with their traveling group. Players must navigate various levels, overcome obstacles, and complete each stage before the timer runs out.

One of the game's distinctive features is its Bible trivia system. Throughout the adventures, players can discover scrolls that trigger questions about biblical passages and teachings. Answering correctly rewards players with additional health, making these questions an important part of the gameplay.

With three separate adventures, colorful 8-bit graphics, biblical storytelling, and classic side-scrolling mechanics, The King of Kings offers a different experience from many traditional NES games. Whether you enjoy retro platformers or games inspired by religious history, this title provides a nostalgic journey through familiar biblical stories.