Needlecraft!

About this project

This complete Bubble Bobble hack is based on the music of Needlecraft, a currently defunct band from Missoula, MT. It was created to coincide with the unveiling of their first full-length LP, and was given away at the record release party in the form of a download slip packaged with a photo print of its theoretical cartridge and a "Game Pak Instruction Manual" designed to look like an actual NES booklet. (While the print files for most of the booklet have been lost to the ravages of time, the back cover was preserved and is included in the zip file along with the cartridge image!)

The hack itself features a complete redesign of each level, along with new graphics (characters, items, enemies... the works!) and a new plot based on Needlecraft songs (primarily "Dogmen from Outer Space," "Hunk Out!!," and "Haunted Car Chase"). While most Bubble Bobble fans are probably unfamiliar with Needlecraft's music, it is the author's hope that they'll still enjoy the reimagined levels, challenges, and humorous look this hack provides.

For those interested in listening to what this strange band of yesteryear sounded like, feel free to listen to the album this hack was released with at https://needlecraft.bandcamp.com/album/needlecraft

Readme & instructions

2832readme.txt

NEEDLECRAFT vs the DOGMEN FROM OUTER SPACE! by KTAJATBTB This is a complete hack of Bubble Bobble (USA) for the NES, including graphics, text, colors, and even level design. The plot, characters, and themes are based on the music of Needlecraft, a garage band from Missoula, MT.

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*NEEDLECRAFT vs the DOGMEN FROM OUTER SPACE!*
by KTAJATBTB

This is a complete hack of Bubble Bobble (USA) for the NES, including graphics, text, colors, and even
level design. The plot, characters, and themes are based on the music of Needlecraft, a garage band from
Missoula, MT. The patch was distributed for free with the release of Needlecraft's first full-length,
self-titled LP, and came with an instruction booklet and NES-style game cover print. The song "Dogmen
from Outer Space" was the primary inspiration for this hack, and the two playable characters are based on
Mikki and Hana, the founders of Needlecraft and its principle songwriters. Although the band is now
defunct, this hack lives on in its memory, and even Bubble Bobble fans unfamiliar with Needlecraft and
their music will enjoy the new and challenging level designs, color palettes, and enemy graphics!

HELPFUL HINT: The original password/continue system from Bubble Bobble remains intact, so should you
find yourself stuck on a Needlecraft level, you can bypass it by entering a Bubble Bobble password (legend
has it that such things may be found by searching the so-called "interweb")!

TO PLAY: YOu will need a copy of Bubble Bobble (USA).nes and a suitable patching program like Lunar IPS,
as well as the appropriate NES emulator for your system.

REFERENCE: To find out why this ROM has such a bizarre plot, check out the music of Needlecraft - just
be sure to bring along a sense of humor and a healthy appreciation for garage-style girl groups who love
to rock with reverb and harmonies! Hear some at https://needlecraft.bandcamp.com/album/needlecraft

LEGAL: The characters and themes used in the creation of this patch are copyright 2013 Needlecraft and
were used with permission. The actual hack was authored by KTAJATBTB. This patch is free for all who
legally possess a copy of the original Bubble Bobble rom. Never for sale! Enjoy!

FROM THE COMMUNITY