# Mystic Defender / Kujaku Ou - Localization & Gameplay Hack

This is a ROM hack of **Mystic Defender** (*Kujaku Ou*) for the Sega Mega Drive / Genesis.  
It reworks the **Western localization**, restores unused content, and introduces **significant gameplay improvements**, including 6-button support and a more faithful adaptation of the anime source material.

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## 🔤 Localization Overhaul (Booting in EN Region)

- Rewritten **opening story text** to better reflect the events of the anime.
- Seamless transition into the **translated Japanese-style opening dialog**.
- Title screen uses **JP version layout** with a **translated logo and subtitle**.
- Stage transition title cards now feature:
  - **Proper stage names** (e.g., “The Cursed Forest” instead of just “Round 2”)
  - **Decorative flower designs**, like the JP version.
- Corrected **Stage 2 enemy palette**—no more strange green colors.
- Ending text rewritten to reflect the **anime's proper conclusion**.

> Note: Booting the game in **JP region** preserves the original broken-English ending for authenticity.

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## 🛠️ Options Menu Adjustments

### 🎮 Difficulty Levels
- **Easy**: 5 Lives / 2 Continues  
- **Normal**: 3 Lives / 1 Continue  
- **Hard**: 1 Life / 0 Continues

### 🌟 Style Option
Switch between:
- **Kujaku Ou (JP)**  
- **Mystic Defender (EN)**  
This affects:
- Character sprite
- Stage transitions
- Ending text
- Credits presentation

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## ⚙️ Gameplay Enhancements

- Restored **unused code** for new functionality.
- **Health bar** turns red after taking damage.
- **Maximum health blocks** increased from 3 → 4.
- **Magic charges** now go up to 4 (originally capped at 2).
- **Individual charge counters** for each magic type, visible on-screen.
- Losing a life only deducts the **active magic's** charge.
- Overcharging magic grants **bonus health**.
- Losing a life with **Magic Bomb** selected **does not consume bombs or charges**.
- **Rebound Magic** can be fired again—previous shot is expired.
- **Water pits in Stage 4** cause damage instead of instant death.
- **Continue** starts at the **beginning of the stage** and restores saved charges/bombs.
- **Continue screen** shows the number of remaining continues.
- **Stage 1 sub-bosses** no longer die in a single hit.

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## 🎮 6-Button Controller Support

Select magic instantly with dedicated buttons:

| Button | Magic Type      |
|--------|------------------|
| X      | Default Magic    |
| Y      | Fire Magic       |
| Z      | Rebound Magic    |
| Mode   | Magic Bomb       |

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## 📺 Demo Video

🎬 [Watch it in action on YouTube](https://youtu.be/Vgs0xl58m5o)

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## 🧠 Notes

- v2.42 glitched magic bomb graphics after continue, and no magic bomb shown after continue if died with none left bug fixes
- v2.41 fix exploit left from legacy code that allowed magic swap when dead, now disabled due to new mechanic of individual magic charge counters 
- This hack supports both **JP** and **EN** region boots.  
- Patch provided in **IPS format** – use tools like **Lunar IPS** or **Floating IPS** to apply.  
- All changes are fully compatible with emulators and flashcarts that support the original game.

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## 🛠 Credits

- Hack, code edits, graphics: **[Ernani S. Costa]**
- Original game: **SEGA**
- Special thanks to the retro ROM hacking and translation communities!

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## 📜 License

This patch is provided for free for educational and preservation purposes.  
You must source your own copy of the original game to use this patch.

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