If you're looking to play Bubble Bobble Part 2 (USA) [Hack by Dragon Eye Studios v0.15] (~Bubble Bobble Madness 2) on your Windows computer for free before buying the original game, there are several steps and considerations you need to take.

Firstly, it's essential to understand that playing a modified or hacked version of a game may void any warranties provided with the original game or the device running the game. Additionally, modifying games can sometimes introduce bugs or stability issues, so be cautious when using these versions.

To begin playing Bubble Bobble Part 2 on your Windows machine, you'll need to download and install an emulator that supports the NES hardware. Some popular options include FCEUX, Nestopia, and Higan. For this guide, we will focus on using Nestopia as our emulation platform.

Step 1: Installing Nestopia

1.1 Preparing Your System

• Make sure you have a legitimate copy of Windows installed.
• Ensure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for running an NES emulator.

1.2 Downloading Nestopia

1. Visit the official Nestopia website (www.nestopia.org) and click on the "Download" button for the latest version of Nestopia.
2. Once downloaded, navigate to the location where you saved the file and run it.

1.3 Installing Nestopia

• Follow the installation prompts that appear on screen until the installation is complete.
• Make sure to agree to any license agreements presented during the installation process.
• After installation, run Nestopia from your Start menu or desktop shortcut to verify its functionality.

Step 2: Obtaining Bubble Bobble Part 2 Hack

2.1 Locating the Hack

Visit websites like ROMHacking.net or GitHub.com and search for the "Bubble Bobble Madness 2" hack by Dragon Eye Studios.

2.2 Downloading the Hack

• Choose a reputable source to download from, such as ROMHacking.net.
• Look for the official release of the hack by Dragon Eye Studios specifically labeled as v0.15.
• Once you have selected the correct version, click on the "Download" button.

2.3 Extracting and Reading

• If your download is in a compressed format (like ZIP), extract it to a folder using an archiver tool like WinZip or 7-Zip.
• Read through any provided documentation on how to use the hack properly within Nestopia.

Step 3: Configuring Nestopia for Bubble Bobble Part 2

3.1 Launching Nestopia and Choosing Your Game

1. Navigate to Nestopia's Start menu, usually located at your desktop or in the Start menu under "Nestopia."
2. Open Nestopia by double-clicking its icon.
3. A window should appear with a list of available games. Use the mouse or arrow keys to scroll through the options until you find "Bubble Bobble Part 2" (or the hack's name).
4. Press Enter on your keyboard to select it, which will then load into Nestopia.

3.2 Configuring Your Game

• Once "Bubble Bobble Part 2" is loaded in Nestopia:
  • Click on "Properties" for the game.
  • In the properties window, you can adjust settings such as display options (resolution) and audio quality if needed.
  • Be cautious not to change any settings that could cause issues with the hack or your system.

Step 4: Playing Bubble Bobble Part 2

4.1 Starting a New Game

• Go back to Nestopia's main menu by pressing "Escape" on your keyboard, then click on "New Game" to start playing.
• Use Nestopia's controls (default keys often include the arrow keys and 'A'/'D') to navigate through levels.

4.2 Saving Progress

• To save progress in a game that doesn't have built-in save features:
  • Pause the game by pressing "Pause" on your keyboard, then exit it.
  • Locate the folder where you saved Nestopia and the hack's ROM file.
  • Within this folder should be a specific file named something like "bubble-bobble-madness-2.ssa" or similar (the extension may vary based on the emulator).
  • This file will hold your game save data.

4.3 Exiting the Game

• To quit the game, use Nestopia's pause menu.
• Press "Exit" or close Nestopia to stop playing.

Additional Considerations and Alternatives

• Original Game Purchase: After experiencing Bubble Bobble Part 2 on your Windows computer, consider buying a legitimate copy of the original game. Not only will you be supporting the developers, but you'll also gain access to all future updates and patches.
• Emulator Updates: Keep Nestopia or any other emulator up-to-date with the latest versions. New features, bug fixes, and compatibility improvements can significantly enhance your gaming experience.

In conclusion, playing Bubble Bobble Part 2 on Windows without buying the original game involves downloading a hack from a reliable source, installing an NES emulator like Nestopia, configuring it for the game, and then launching the hack within the emulator. This process requires some technical setup but allows you to enjoy this modified version of the classic arcade game before considering purchasing the full version.