Kirby's Epic Yarn

Kirby's Epic Yarn sees Kirby turned into a yarn version of himself by the evil sorcerer Yin-Yarn, who seeks to conquer Dream Land. Notable for removing Kirby's ability to inhale and any way to get copy abilities, as well as being the start of Nintendo's IP-related arts and crafts video games developed by Good-Feel.

It later received a 3DS port in 2019 as Kirby's Extra Epic Yarn.

Prerelease Info English Translation DifferencesYep, this again.

Unused Graphics#

E3 Leftovers#

In files/env/Common/E3.gfa, there's a file called E3.arc that has the unused graphics seen above. These were used for the E3 demo's title screen and are rather different compared to the graphics seen on the actual title screen.

Unused Boss Hints#

There are several images that were going to serve as hints on how to defeat certain bosses in game. However these were ultimately scrapped, and they were only produced for the first four boss fights. But they do contain some early designs of several characters. Placeholder names for the first four areas are used as well.

Fangora#

Fangora resembles their final design the most out of the four bosses. Their design in this iteration only has thinner yarn, no striped yarn for their snout, has a different weak-point design, and is missing the yellow yarn loops that attach the yellow pattern on their back to their body. They also have a spiky chin, when they don't in the final.

みどりのエリアボス

ドドワン

Greenery Area Boss

Dodowan

ベロこうげきにちゅうい!

Watch out for the tongue attack!

つかれたときがチャンスだ！

When they're tired, that's your chance to attack!

Hot Wings#

Hot Wings has barely any changes aside from using the same thin yarn across her entire body. However, her tailfeathers are red in the last image, when they're usually green.

ほのおこうげきにちゅうい!

Watch out for the flame attack!

ほのおはつかむことができるよ

You can grab the flames.

ほのおはつかむことができるよ

You can grab the flames.

ほのおのエリアボス

フェニクロウ

Flame Area Boss

Phoenicrow

Squashini#

Squashini changed quite a bit, and was wearing a witch costume instead of the magician costume he wears in the final game! His hat here is also a yarn outline instead of being stitched fabric. He was going to have an attack where he would go behind the background and Kirby would be forced to go behind the background to chase him. He never does this in the final game, but Yin-Yarn does have an attack where he hides Kirby behind a background, so it's possible that attack that was originally meant for this boss was shafted to Yin-Yarn's fight and modified from there.

おとぎのエリアボス

ランプキン

Fairytale Area Boss

Lumpkin

ぬののうらににげるボスをおいかけよう

Chase after the boss as he hides under the fabric.

ぬののうらににげるボスをおいかけよう

Chase after the boss as he hides under the fabric.

Capamari#

Capamari's body has different yarn thickness, but lacks a "shoulder" where his tentacles would split off and his bodily yarn is a gradient blue and white instead of being pure white like in the final. Also, his tentacles use 4 different colors and have a different weak point design, when they are a blue color with a white tip and yellow button in the final game. His cap also has a white brim with a red outline, when it doesn't in the finalized design.

うみのエリアボス

イカス・タコス

Sea Area Boss

Ikasu Takosu

あしのさきにちゅうい!

Watch out for the tips of the legs!

あしはひきぬくことができるよ

You can pull out the legs.

あしはひきぬくことができるよ

You can pull out the legs.

Dummy Textures#

A dummy texture.

Another dummy texture with an outline for a button.

A dummy texture that was originally used in Crystal Cavern. It had probably served as an early floor.

fb.gfa#

Located in files/init/fb.gfa are various files containing unused graphics. The purpose of these files is unknown.

The file "wool_test" is the only one to return in the Nintendo 3DS port, though it has way more unused graphics.

Unused Transformations#

For some reason a bunch of unused transformations remain in the game, these aren't the actual transformation files, but the tutorial images for them. These are odd for the fact that most of them don't have a separate folder for them, but instead reside in the folders of already used transformations.

Air balloon#

An air balloon transformation. The transformation would have been controlled by the player tilting the Wiimote to move, and pressing (2) to move upwards.

Cannon#

A cannon transformation. The transformation would have been controlled by the player using the D-Pad to move, tilting the Wiimote to control angle of the cannon, and pressing (1) to shoot a bullet.

Windmill#

A windmill transformation. The transformation would have been controlled by the player using the D-Pad to move, pressing (2) to jump, and pressing (1) to generate wind. Generating wind may have fired off a missile as there is a missile sprite in the same folder.

Helicopter#

A helicopter transformation, very similar to the Yoshi's Island transformation. How it would have been controlled is unknown, but it would have probably be pretty similar in controls to the UFO transformation.

Underwater Robo#

This transformation is the same as the Robo transformation, but it is altered to function underwater. The reason for this being cut could have been because they found the Dolphin transformation to be much more unique.

Unused Font#

Located in files/test/debugfont.brfna is a simple font for debugging purposes.

Unused Maps#

A total of 29 unused and test maps can be located in files/mapdata. Sadly for most of these instances, their stage data, such as backgrounds and floors, have been removed entirely from files/stage/. Fortunately, collision, enemies and lightning effects still exist within the mapdata, so they can be explored if they use another level's stage data.

Please note that these were loaded using Patch Castle's background elements. These stages are NOT supposed to use these elements, and Patch Castle's objects were only used to successfully load the maps in game. No further editing took place.

Stage020#

Stage020 appears to be some small caved area, likely some sort of in-between area for level maps as there are triggers on either side of the stage to be transitioned to the next section. Among the stage exists a curtain, pendulum buttons, frog swings (with solid collision atop them), a small stash of beads, an unimplemented treasure chest, and an unimplemented "grass jump button".

Stage029#

Stage029 consists an open plain of grassy hills. The player starts in the middle of the stage, where there are long stretches of ground with unimplemented tall grass and fence objects, terrain for the player to jump up and across with pendulum buttons and the "grass jump buttons", with many green beads scattered along the way. There are a few treasure chests placed about, and at the far right side of the stage atop the hill sits an unimplemented "evil needle" object.

Stage033#

Stage033 consists of a small area with many unimplemented hook objects, and I mean many, just scattered randomly, in big clusters, and that's all that's here.

Stage151#

Stage151 is an unused version of Fountain Gardens nearly identical in layout to the existing stage, notably shorter and missing the Metamortex section at the end. This stage contains many unimplemented elements such as pigeons that fly out from behind Pull Patches, cloud scaffolding, and fabric blocks.

Stage152#

Stage152 is an unused version of Flower Fields, resembling a flowery castle. It begins on a series of bridges where Buttonbees, Waddle Dees, and scrapped Lily of thee Valley elements are encountered—at the end of which unimplemented elements with the names of PRINCESS00 and PRINCE00 can be found—climbs a tower of the castle with a rainbow at the top, meanders through a courtyard garden with fountains and bodies of water where frog swings can be encountered, before entering into the castle once again with another rainbow at the end.

Stage153#

Stage153 is an unused version of Rainbow Falls, consisting of a big continuous downward waterslide. There are many lines of red beads indicating paths and points to jump for reaching collectibles and other paths.

Stage154#

Stage154 is an unused version of Big-Bean Vine, consisting of a beanstalk that winds its way up this vertical stage. This stage was based off of Jack and the Beanstalk, where unimplemented elements for characters named JACK00 and GIANT00 can be found through the stage. The stage features unimplemented cloud scaffolding and leaf blocks. At the end, collision resembles a giant house, with large beads in a rainbow assortment lining the roof.

Stage155#

Stage155 is an unused version of Mole Hole, consisting of a completely different concept. The collision resembles giant vegetables such as carrots, tomatoes, onions, and squash. The stage is notably horizontal rather than vertical, and entails Kirby or Prince Fluff to use snake tunnels to weave through the vegetables like worms.

Stage157#

Stage157 is an unused version of Pyramid Sands, consisting of the unimplemented palm trees, hilly terrain, and even featuring the unused Green Magmotamus enemy. This version is notably more vertically explorable, with chasms and secrets hidden deep below the quicksand. The stage ends in an oasis of water and palm trees.

Stage158#

Stage158 is an unused version of Lava Landing. This version has Kirby climbing up the side of a volcano, as the layout of the stage is a constant incline. Multiple points have open vertical cave sections with Dropso the player would have had to utilize to harden lava for platforming across, however this feature was never implemented into the game this way, rather requiring the Fire Engine transformation.

Stage159#

Stage159 is an unused version of Cool Cave. The premise of the stage is very similar to that of the version found in the game consisting of many of the same elements, while notably lacking falling stalactites or a dedicated Digger section. This stage utilizes more verticality and water pools.

Stage201#

Stage201 is an unused map consisting of a short forest stage. Entities can be found through the stage that fly out from behind Pull Patches, before reappearing at the end of the stage, joining the player at the goal underneath a giant tree. Uniclod, Shelby, as well as the Green Magmotamus can be found throughout the stage.

Stage210#

Stage120 is the only unused map in the game with background elements still found in the game files. This stage simply consists of the very end of Fountain Gardens, where the purpose of this stage was to test the goal.

Stage299#

Stage299 is a flat map with a few platforms. That is all.

Stage401#

Stage401 is a map used to test the Train transformation, consisting of hilly terrain with unused train_ctrl, train_chkpoint, and train_end elements.

Stage402#

Stage402 is a flat map with 3 Calderon enemies. They occasionally spit out rocks. Kirby is free to roll them into yarn balls or destroy them in any other way.

Stage950#

Stage950 is a copy of Stage201, notably with more elements such as a pond, more enemies and beads, and a tower.

Stage990#

Stage990 is a map with 3 Cyclods and 10 Green Magmotamus. This map is used to test how the spiky bullet works on enemies. The last 3 Magmotamus have floating platforms above them.

Stage996#

Stage996 is a map used to test the lightning effect of Squashini's stage. Occasionally, Waddle Dees may pop up from the crowd to cheer Kirby on. Due to an unknown problem, Kirby will be forever stuck in a falling state, and nothing is able to free him.

Stage997#

Stage997 is a map used to test ramps and yarn balls. Kirby can pick up the ball and ride along the ramps. ...That's it.

Stage998#

Stage998 is a room full of water used to test the Danglerfish enemy, and possibly Kirby's interactions with bodies of water.

Stage999#

Stage999 is the last test map. It's a room used to test the eating capabilities of the Slobba enemy.

Other stages#

Stage027, stage028, stage030, stage031, and stage032 all have varying amounts of data, but ultimately don't consist of any course elements or collision. Stage034 and stage298 have some faulty information and cannot be properly loaded as the other stages can.

Requests#

Additionally, among the map files for existing stages in the game, unused map variants and components for Requests can be found.

Zeke's Hide and Seek#

By default, each Zeke's Hide-and-Seek Request always has 5 set hiding points for Zekes. However, in many stages, there exist 10 Zeke points, all functional with Zeke paths, however they never appear in-game. This is due to a limit of how many spawn, as if the other Zeke hiding points are deleted, the others will function in their place. Fountain Gardens, Rainbow Falls, Pyramid Sands, Cool Cave, Dino Jungle, Toy Tracks, Mushroom Run, Sweets Park, Dark Manor, Splash Beach, Blub-Blub Ocean, Snowy Fields, Future City, and Tempest Towers all have 10 hiding spots for Zekes. For Splash Beach, 1 of the hiding spots is located outside of the regular playing area. For Fountain Gardens, Dino Jungle, Toy Tracks, and Future City, 2 of the hiding spots are located outside of the regular playing area.

Mysterious UFO#

Mysterious UFO has an unused Seek Request where there is otherwise no Seek Request for this stage featured in-game. This Request also has 10 Zeke hiding spots, as well as having a much more linear stage layout that doesn't match up with the regular stage.

Beadrix's Run#

Dusk Dunes#

Dusk Dunes has an unused Bead Request where this stage otherwise is never featured in any Requests in-game. This version would have had Kirby using the Off-Roader Metamortex—which otherwise doesn't take place in any other Requests—where this stage features more boosters and different bead placements.

Mara's Race#

Big-Bean Vine#

Big-Bean Vine has an unused Race varying from the one in-game. The goal is to the right side of the ending, rather than the center, and all of the elements in the middle of the course are still present with no barrier blocking past the goal.

Cool Cave#

Cool Cave has an unused Race varying from the one in-game. Mara's path is slightly different, and a few elements of the stage outside of the playable area are different. Otherwise, this variant is nearly identical in gameplay.

Cocoa Station#

Cocoa Station has an unused Race Request where this stage otherwise is never featured in any Requests in-game. The layout of the stage is far different from the main stage, having some more verticality, rather than a strictly linear stage. This Request would have had Kirby racing against Mara as the Train Engine Metamortex, which otherwise doesn't take place in any other Requests.

Deep-Dive Deep#

Deep-Dive Deep has an unused Race varying from the one in-game. This race would have started from the beginning of the stage, making the route twice as long (and the carpal twice as tunnel). Otherwise, the layout of the stage is the same.

Mysterious UFO#

Mysterious UFO has an unused Race Request where there is otherwise no Race Request for this stage featured in the game. This Request has the same unused layout as the aforementioned unused Seek Request, where the player would have started at the middle section, needed to run back and activate the gravity switch, then jump their way across to the end of the stage.

Debug Parameters#

The following parameters are mentioned in files/param/fluff_param.txt, but removed from the executable.

NO_SAVE
PLAYER_UNDEAD
PAD_CHECK
SAFE_AREA_DISP
PLAYER_CAM_RECT
BG_DISP
KD_TREE_DISP
DOF_ENABLE
HUD_DISP
GAMMA_PARAM_DMY
SCISSOR_BG_SPEED
FLUSH_BEAD
xKEY_ITEM_UNLIMITED
KEY_ITEM_SETTING
AREA_SETTING
STAGE_ALL_OPEN
PATTERN_SETTING
INTERIOR_SETTING
CHARACTER_SETTING
SOUND_SETTING
DEMO_SETTING
MEDAL_SETTING
EVENT_PROGRESS_LEVEL
GAME_PROGRESS_ALL_OPEN
MISSION_ALL_OPEN
DISP_DEBUG
DEBUG_EN_NO
VoiceDebug
DesignDebug
DEBUG_ON
CAM_DEBUG_ZOOM_OUT
CAM_DEBUG_ZOOM_RATIO
CAM_DEBUG_CHK_DRAW_CULL
CAM_DEBUG_PLAYER_CENTER
DEBUG_BACK_BLACK
DEBUG_PAD_ENABLE

Unused Text#

The Japanese version contains full text for English, French, and Spanish. To see these, open the dol using a hex editor and replace the "Japanese" string at offset 007E08F0 with "EnglishUS", "FrenchUS", or "SpanishUS". The audio will still be in Japanese, but the text will be in the new language.

Leftovers from Fluff's Epic Yarn#

Kirby's Epic Yarn didn't start its development as a Kirby game. According to an Iwata Asks interview, the game actually started as a new Good-Feel IP called "Fluff's Epic Yarn", with Prince Fluff being the main protagonist.¹ As this is the case, various leftover files from Fluff's Epic Yarn managed to find their way into many paths of the game.

Unused Playable Characters#

Three unused playable characters are known to exist inside the files. They contain all of their yarn textures, eye models, and other accessories, but their bodies cannot be rendered.

• The first unused character can be found in files/chara/player/PL00.gfa. Not much is known about them, but it is possible that this is the very first incarnation of Prince Fluff. They use red and white yarn, and have similar eyes to Kirby. Additionally, a jewel model is found in this file.

Eyes Model	Yarn Textures	Eye Textures	Other Models

• The second character can be found in files/chara/new_player/PLAY00.gfa. Like the character found in "PL00.gfa", they used red yarn. However, they also use brown yarn, and the eyes are composed of a sclera and irises now.

Eyes Model	Yarn Textures	Eye Textures

• The third character is found in chara/new_player/PLAY01.gfa. This character has a feminine appearance. It also shares some characteristics with the character inside "PLAY00.gfa", as it has similar eye design, though this time, the character has eyelids. They appear to use green, blue, red and brown yarn. Curiously, many miscellaneous models are included in their file.

Eyes Model	Yarn Textures	Eye Textures	Other Models

It's important to note that these characters all have many animations, but only eye animations can be played.

Early Cutscene#

Located in files/chara/demo/StoryDemo/stage/demotestAll00.brres is a model that resembles what appears to be an leftover cutscene from Fluff's Epic Yarn.

Other content#

• There are ungodly amounts of leftovers inside files/chara/player/PLAY.gfa. Another pair of eyes for an unknown character, a lot of yarn strings, two icons that most likely depict the character inside "PL00.gfa", and many sprites of needles can be found on this file.

Eyes Model	Yarn Textures	Icons	Needles

• Found in files/chara/player/QUIL.gfa is the model of a needle with eyes.

• An untranslated "Goal!" graphic can be found in files/chara/player/TRAIN.gfa.

Regional Differences#

Title Screen#

Japan	English	Spain
France	Italy	Germany
South Korea

Save Banner#

Japanese	South Korea	International

Oddities#

• KbyF_BOSS1.brstm and KbyF_BOSS1_2.brstm are Yin Yarn's boss themes, however, their internal naming convention and composition style do not match the rest of the soundtrack. Instead they closely match that of a couple early tracks from Kirby's Return to Dream Land, making it entirely possible that they were reused from one of said game's prototypes, this oddity is also present for King Dedede's boss theme which is KbyF_DEDEDE1.brstm.

Internal Project Name#

Kirby's Epic Yarn sports two internal names, those being "PJ008" and "Fluff" according to the game's sound archive and some files in the "param" folder respectively.

References#