To be clear, there is a file named KFILEA.EXE (or KFILEA.COM) in the same directory as kilo.bat, right?

If as you say it's a .bat file problem, then one likely solution is to download 4DOS (a COMMAND.COM alternative) and run that in DOSBox before trying to run the .bat file.

It's also possible that whatever the problem is, it's been fixed in SVN; in that case you should try the SVN Daum version. (0.74 is kind of old at this point.)

Of course, that leaves the question of why someone reported "full support" in the compatibility page, but I've never put much stock in that.

Shalmendo wrote:

The files are from a downloaded zip

Sorry, abandonware is not supported here. Ask where downloaded the game.

Now hold on a second; let's not jump to conclusions. Isn't it genuinely, legitimately, the-former-rights-holders-have-come-out-and-said-it-explicitly-and-it's-not-just-wishful-thinking freeware?
http://www.classicdosgames.com/game/Kiloblaster.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiloblaster

Never mind, then. I retract it. It is just that so many come here asking for help with "abandonware". I usually check before accusing, but far more often than not it is not something that has been legitimately freewared.

Also kfilea would refer to the shareware episode anyway, which was always available in downloaded zip form.

I'd like to report that the download listed in Wikipedia is fully functional and works. the kfilea that the .bat refers to is another bat, as well. so if you don't have that it won't work.

Thank you for your help!

I found it!
Create kfilea.bat yourself with the following contents:

1@echo off
2kfile0
3if not errorlevel 1 kfileb %1 %2 %3

This will allow you to run kilo.bat to load the game selection menu as originally intended, as long as kfilea.bat is in the same folder.

You're welcome.